LEGION RIDERS
The American Legion Riders
Chapter 530 Constitution and By-Laws
American Legion Riders of Post 530
Chapter Constitution
Preamble
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Purpose
The American Legion Riders is formed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion as a family oriented motorcycling activity for members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion.
Article I—Name
The name of this program shall be THE AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS of Post 530, aka: ALR Chapter 530 herein referred to as “Chapter” or “ALR”. The Chapter has been authorized by the American Legion Greenhill Ohio, meeting in regular session, to be known by this name.
Article II—Nature
Section 1. The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a program for members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion members, collectively “The American Legion Family,” who share an interest in motorcycling.
Section 2. The American Legion Riders upholds the declared principles of The American Legion and conforms to and abides by the regulations and decisions of the department, post, or other duly constituted governing body.
Section 3. The ALR maintains and protects the image of The American Legion at all times through appropriate wear of The American Legion Emblem. The emblem of The American Legion demands "that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions.”
Section 4 Under no circumstances shall any emblem of The American Legion be marketed, sold, or subordinated to any other organizational logo or emblem without the approval and consent of The American Legion national organization.
Section 5. Members of the ALR avoid any perception of being a motorcycle or “biker" club or gang. Rather, the focus of membership is for the enjoyment of motorcycles and comradeship and furthering Legion programs in the community.
Section 6. The ALR strives to improve the public’s perception of the motorcycling community by promoting the honorable nature of military service, and service to one’s community, state and nation through the sport of motorcycling.
Section 7. Members of the ALR comply at all times with the motor vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance laws or regulations of the state in which operating.
Article III—Organization
The American Legion Riders is organized at either the department or the post, and each chapter exists at the discretion of the sponsoring post/department. The chapter officers and executive committee are responsible and accountable to the sponsoring post/department executive committee. All officers of the American Legion Riders chapter must be named by the hosting post or department, or if elected must be confirmed or installed by the hosting post or department.
Article IV—Membership Eligibility
Section 1. Eligibility for basic membership in The American Legion Riders shall be as prescribed by the national constitutions of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of The American Legion.
Section 2. All members of The American Legion Riders must further demonstrate current individual membership in The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, or the Sons of The American Legion.
Section 3. Members will not at any time hold membership in more than one chapter of The American Legion Riders.
Section 4. Each ALR member shall establish and maintain membership by owning, individually or through marriage, a motorcycle licensed and insured as required under local laws.
Section 5. Members in good standing may continue to retain full membership if they have given up motorcycle ownership involuntarily because of age, injury, or health reasons.
Section 6. There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid as required by the chapter or by the department. There are no national dues.
Section 7, Applications for membership will be presented to the Membership officer, which shall, at each regular meeting of the Chapter, report upon all applications received during or after the next previous regular meeting. A majority vote of those members present and voting shall elect or reject a candidate. All regular members are eligible to vote. The vote of the membership is final and may not be appealed.
Section 8, A potential new member for our Chapter 530 Riders must:
1. Be on a 60 day probation period.
2. Must attend a general meeting of the Legion, S.A.L. or Auxiliary, whichever one of their membership is being established under, and also one Riders general membership meeting.
3. Accompany our American Legion Riders Chapter 530 on at least one group ride.
An extension of time can be acceptable to accomplish the above.
Section 9. Charter member status in Chapter 530, American Legion Riders is granted to members listed on the rolls during the 1st 12 months from the date the Chapter was founded.
Section 10. All members will obey the motor vehicle laws in any state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger.
Article V—Initiation Fee and Dues
Section 1. The Initiation fee for membership is $25, which includes the first year dues of $20 and the cost of the ALR shoulder patch, of which is non-refundable.
Section 2. Dues are set at $20 per year and may be adjusted by a majority vote at the annual membership meeting in accordance with Article VI, Section 1, Finances.
Section 3. Dues may change without affecting these by-laws due Annual review and vote of the membership for increasing or reducing the Annual Dues.
Article V—Wear of American Legion Emblem
Section 1. The American Legion Riders back patch, as copyrighted and sold by The American Legion’s Emblem Sales division, is authorized for wear by all current members of the ALR. American Legion logos and emblems may also be authorized by the host post for wear by selected volunteers performing work on behalf of the local post or post programs.
Section 2. No other back patch or back patch design is authorized for wear as an ALR emblem.
Section 3. Department standards and specifications for patch sales should be on file with Emblem Sales.
Section 4. If department or post identifying information is to be embroidered on the patch, Emblem Sales must have on record authorization from the department adjutant that such specific identifying information may be used on the patch.
Section 5. No other patch, tab, rocker, text, background art or color that is in conflict with an American Legion protected trademark may be used on clothing, banners, flags, posters or advertisements.
Article VI—Determine Elected Officers
Section 1. The recommended officers of the Chapter are Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Road Captain, Historian, Safety Officer, and Membership Chairman, elected annually. [Note that the titles “President” and “Vice-President” are permissible replacements for “Director” and “Assistant Director.”]
Section 2. Between chapter meetings, the administrative power of the chapter shall be vested in the chapter executive committee, whose voting members shall consist of all elective officers for the current year and the immediate past chapter director.
Section 3. All other past chapter directors shall be members of the executive committee with voice but no vote.
Article VII—Finance
Section 1. The revenue of the chapter shall be derived from such membership fees or dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the chapter executive committee.
Section 2. The amount of such membership or initiation fees and the amount of such annual chapter dues shall be fixed and determined by the chapter.
Section 3. The chapter will provide a monthly financial report to the sponsoring department/post executive committee.
Article VIII-DRESS CODE
Section 1. Vests or Jackets that have the patches of the "American Legion Riders" will conform to the following guidelines.
A. At all official meetings, the American Legion Riders beret or official cap of a member’s parent organization will be the only allowed headwear.
B. American Legion Riders back patches will be worn on a vest or jacket. Members having riding vests and jackets with the large patch affixed to the back will comply with the guidelines of this Article of the by-laws
C. The ALR is a program of The American Legion and is not a “motorcycle club,” and as such, members are representatives of The American Legion. It is required that members dress in a manner that promotes a positive image for The American Legion, particularly when operating in group activities or interacting with the community. Patches and pins containing profanity or representing lewd, sexual, and violent or other such behavior or subjects will not be worn by members when they are engaged in an ALR activity or when wearing the ALR patch.
D. The front of the vest or jacket should have an American flag patch high on the left hand side. If worn, no other patch or pin will be worn higher than this patch.
E. The American Legion Riders back patch will be worn on the back of the jacket or vest along with top and bottom rockers as described below. The name of the Department “California” must be embroidered at the bottom of the back patch. If rockers are worn with the back patch, they must be affixed to the vest or jacket adjoining the patch to resemble a one piece patch.
F. The bottom rocker shall designate the member’s organization status as follows: Post members – “Veteran” Auxiliary Unit members – “Auxiliary”, Sons of the Legion members – “Squadron”.
G. The top rocker will designate “Chapter 530.”
H. No Pins or Patches showing support for motorcycle clubs or their support organizations shall be worn on the American Legion Riders vest or jacket or on any other apparel while wearing the American Legion Riders vest or jacket. Motorcycle club is defined as an organization using the term “MC” or “motorcycle club” in its name or as part of its patch or is commonly known as such.
Article IX - CONDUCT
Members of the American Legion Riders shall be held to the same standards of conduct as those of the American Legion. Members of the American Legion Riders Chapter 530 shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that brings respect to the American Legion and the American Legion Riders. Every attempt must be made to avoid the appearance of being or belonging to a Motorcycle Club (MC). Loud or vulgar language, swearing in public, the excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages while on rides and/or behavior that is inconsistent with the standards of the American Legion may result in suspension or removal from the American Legion Riders Chapter 530. Proper decorum will be followed when participating with or interacting with members of other motorcycle associations and clubs.
Article X - DISCIPLINE
Section 1. Members may be suspended or expelled under the same procedures providing for the suspension or expulsion of a member of The American Legion in the Department Trial Manual and these bylaws.
Section 2. A member may be temporarily suspended from membership by agreement of a majority of officers in attendance at any function where they are representing the American Legion Riders if they are judged by the officers to be acting in a manner bringing discredit on the organization. This suspension will be immediate and in effect until the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The suspended member is required to discontinue wearing clothing bearing the American Legion Riders identification immediately in accordance with these bylaws until they are restored to full membership status.
Section 3. Any member may be expelled or suspended from the Chapter by a majority vote of the general membership present at a regular chapter meeting. The expelled member is required to discontinue wearing clothing bearing any American Legion Riders identification in accordance with these bylaws. A member may be expelled if they no longer meet the requirements of membership or they have acted in such a manner as to bring discredit on the organization. An expelled member may appeal for reconsideration to the Chapter 530 Executive Board.
Section 4. Any member expelled or suspended from Post 530 or their home Post will be automatically expelled from the Chapter 530 American Legion Riders. When the member is reinstated, they must make a new application for membership in the Chapter 530 American Legion Riders as described in Article IV, Section 8 of the Constitution.
Article VIII_Amendments
Section 1. This constitution is adopted, subject to the provisions of the national constitution, department constitution, and post constitution of which this chapter is a subordinate program. Any amendment to the national, department, or post constitutions that is in conflict with any provision hereof shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of the constitution and bylaws of this chapter to the extent of such conflict.
Section 2. This constitution may be amended at any regular chapter meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the membership attending such regular meeting provided that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing, and read at the immediate preceding chapter meeting. Further, that traditional mail or electronic mail notice shall have been sent to all members’ addresses of record at least 5 days in advance of the date which such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting there will be a proposal to amend the constitution.
Chapter By-Laws
Article I—Name
Section 1. The chapter existing under these by-laws is to be known as The Legion Riders Chapter 530, The American Legion, Department of Ohio.
Section 2. The name and nature of this chapter are as set forth in the constitution.
Article II—Management
Section 1. The officers of the chapter shall be Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Road Captain, Historian, Safety Officer, and Membership Chairman.
Section 2. Between chapter meetings, the administrative power of the chapter shall be vested in the chapter executive committee, which shall consist of all elective officers for the current year, and in addition the immediate past president.
Section 3. Officers of this chapter shall be elected annually at the April meeting and take office at the meeting next following their installation. All elections of officers shall be by ballot and the candidate or candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the respective office or offices for which they are candidates. All such officers shall be confirmed by vote at a regular post meeting and installed by the host post at a suitable installation ceremony.
Section 4. All vacancies existing in any office of the chapter from any cause other than the expiration of the term shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the committee, and a person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member of the committee or officer whose position was vacated. Any person so appointed or elected to fill a vacancy shall be confirmed or installed by the hosting post or department.
Section 5. A vacancy shall exist when a member or officer is absent from the chapter due to resignation, loss of qualifications, incapacity from injury or illness, or for a continuous period of unexcused absences considered detrimental to the interest of the chapter by the remaining members of the chapter executive committee.
Section 6. All past chapter directors shall be members of the chapter executive committee with voice but without voting privileges.
Article III—Meetings
Section 1. The regular meeting of the chapter shall be held at Hugh Watson American Legion Post 530, 11100 Winton Rd. Greenhills Ohio on the Tuesday immediately preceding the 4th Thursday of the month at which may be transacted such business as may properly be brought up for action; such meetings may be converted into entertainment meetings, as may be deemed agreeable by the officers of the chapter.
Section 2. The chapter director or a majority of the executive committee shall have power to call a special meeting of the chapter at any time.
Section 3. Upon the written request of 10 per-cent of current paid members, the executive committee shall call a special meeting of the chapter.
Section 4. 30 per-cent of current paid membership shall constitute a quorum.
Article IV—Chapter Executive Committee
Section 1. The chapter executive committee shall meet for organizational or such other business as may come before it at the call of the chapter director within 10 days after the installation of the new officers. Thereafter the chapter executive committee shall meet as often as chapter director may deem necessary. The chapter director shall call a meeting of the chapter executive committee upon the joint written request of three or more members of said chapter executive committee, and 30 per-cent members of the committee shall constitute a quorum thereof.
Section 2. The chapter executive committee, based on a majority vote, shall hire such employees as may be necessary; shall authorize and approve all expenditures; shall provide or require adequate bonds from all persons having custody of chapter funds; shall hear the reports of chapter committee chairs; and generally, shall have charge of and be responsible for the management of the affairs of this chapter.
Article V—Duties of Officers
Section 1. Duties of Director. It shall be the duty of the chapter director to preside at all meetings of the chapter and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the chapter. The chapter director shall be the chief executive officer of the chapter. The director shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and shall provide a monthly report covering the business and finances of the chapter at each regular meeting of the hosting American Legion post, with a copy thereof immediately forwarded to the post or department adjutant. The director shall perform such other duties as directed by the chapter membership.
Section 2. Duties of Assistant Director. The assistant director shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of director in the absence or disability of, or when called upon by the chapter director.
Section 3. Duties of Chapter Secretary. The secretary shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of all meetings, keep such records as the hosting post and department organizations may require, render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting, and under direction of the chapter director handle all correspondence of the chapter.
Section 4. Duties of the Treasurer. The treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in some local bank or banks and shall report once a month to both the chapter executive committee and the hosting post the condition of the finances of the chapter, with such recommendations as he or she may deem expedient or necessary. The treasurer and director, and at least one member of the chapter executive committee and one officer of the host post or department, shall be signatory on any and all accounts of the chapter. The treasurer shall be provided such surety bonds in such amounts as shall be fixed by the chapter executive committee and obtained by the chapter. The treasurer prepares the chapter’s monthly financial report rendered to the sponsoring department/post at a regular meeting.
Section 5. Duties of Chapter Historian. The chapter Historian shall be charged with the individual records and incidents of the chapter and chapter members, and shall perform such other duties as may properly pertain to the office as may be determined by the chapter or the Executive Committee.
Section 6. Duties of Chapter Chaplain. The chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter comrades and will offer divine but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department headquarters from time to time.
Section 7. Duties of Road Captain. The road captain shall plan all tours, runs, activities, and events; lead the chapter in formation riding or parades; arouse interest in activities; enforce all rules of safe motorcycle operation and group riding. Additionally, the road captain my select assistants to aid in special tasks and may chair appropriate activities committee as directed by the chapter director or executive committee.
Section 8. Duties of the Safety Officer. The safety officer shall work closely with the road captain and sergeant-at-arms to maximize the safety of all participants at all events. The safety officer shall also prepare and present safety training or present a safety tip to the membership at every regular meeting, and assist the road captain and treasurer with event planning and event insurance issues.
Section 9. Duties of the Sergeant-at-arms. The sergeant-at-arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings, assist the road captain and safety officer in enforcing all rules of safe riding during rides and runs; and perform such other duties or chair such committees as may be from time to time assigned by the director or chapter executive committee.
Article VI—Delegates
Section 1. Delegates and alternates to a department American Legion Riders meeting, convention, regional gathering or other activity shall be elected by ballot by the Chapter at a regular meeting of the Chapter to be held prior to the date of such event.
Article VII—Appointments
Section 1. The chapter director, immediately upon taking office each year, may appoint standing committees or commissions for the furtherance of chapter programs.
Section 2. Such standing committees shall consist of such persons, and the chair thereof, as designated by the chapter director.
Article VIII—Resolutions
Section 1. All resolutions of state or national scope presented to this chapter by a member or reported to this chapter by a committee shall merely embody the opinion of this chapter on the subject and copy of same shall be forwarded to the post/department headquarters for its approval before any publicity is given or action other than mere passage by the chapter is taken.
Article IX—Notices
Section 1. Every member shall furnish the chapter secretary with a valid email or postal mailing address.
Section 2. The chapter secretary shall cause notice of the annual election to be given at least two weeks prior thereto.
Article X—Rules of Order
Section 1. All proceedings of this chapter shall be conducted under and pursuant to Roberts’ Rules of Order (Newly Revised), except as herein otherwise provided.
Article XI—Limitations of Liabilities
Section 1. This chapter shall incur, or cause to be incurred, no liability nor obligation whatever which shall subject to liability any other chapter, subdivision, members of The American Legion, post, departments, or other individuals, corporations or organizations.
Section 2. This chapter shall take such steps necessary to secure appropriate event insurance for all organized rides, events, celebrations and functions undertaken under the name of the hosting post or department.
Article XII—Amendments
Section 1. These by-laws may be amended at any regular chapter meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the members of said chapter attending such regular meeting, provided that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the next preceding regular meeting.
Section 2. Written or electronically transmitted notice to the addresses of record indicated in Article IX, Section 1, shall have been given to all members at least 5 days in advance of the date when such amendment is to be voted upon, notifying said members that at such meeting there will be presented a proposal to amend the by-laws.
Section 3. Any amendments will be reported to the sponsoring department or post, and such amendments will not be effective until approved by the sponsoring department or post.