American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association
North Carolina District 16, Sand Hills Chapter
Organized September 9, 2007
By Laws
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 .
ARTICLE I NAME
Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association, North Carolina District 16, Sandhills Chapter, located at: Aberdeen Post 72, North Carolina hereinafter referred to as "Chapter" or "ALR". The Chapter has been authorized by The American Legion, District 16, Department of North Carolina, meeting in regular session to be known by this name.
ARTICLE II OBJECTS
Section 1. The objects and purposes of this Chapter shall be to promote the principles and policies as set forth in the forgoing Preamble and the National and Department Constitution of the American Legion.
Section 2. To participate in activities in order to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.
Section 3. To promote motorcycle safety programs.
Section 4. To use our association to promote and support programs of the American Legion while serving our country.
ARTICLE III ORGANIZATION
Section 1. This Chapter was founded on September 9th of 2007 at the District 16 meeting held at Post 72 Aberdeen, North Carolina as an Activity of the American Legion and recognizes the founding Chapter in Michigan as our guideline for operation.
Section 2. This Chapter recognizes District 16, The American Legion, Department of North Carolina as our governing body within the Constitution and By-Laws of the American Legion.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Regular Members must meet the following requirements:
Must be a current member in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, American Legion Jr. Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion. Must own and or be legally licensed to ride a motorcycle of at least 90cc (of which is street legal in North Carolina) or be the spouse or significant other of an owner who is a regular ALR Association member. The motorcycle must be operational and registered upon renewal or as determined by the Executive Board annually. "Legally licensed" shall be interpreted to mean holding a permanent license from their State of residence to drive the vehicle that qualifies them for membership. A person may become a provisional member without voting privileges if they hold a "learner's permit" for up to six months. This period will begin on the date the member joins the organization or the date these by-laws are accepted, whichever occurs later.
Section 2. Applications for membership will be presented to the Chairman of the Membership committee, 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.
Section 3. A majority vote at a regular membership meeting may elect an individual to Honorary Membership under the following guidelines. The individual(s) must be a current member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, Jr. Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. These memberships are to be of an honorary nature and do not constitute actual membership. Honorary memberships should only be granted to those persons who have demonstrated themselves to be assets to the organization and excelled in promoting the aims and purposes of the American Legion Riders.
Section 4. A member may be suspended from membership by a majority of officers in attendance at any function where they are representing the American Legion Riders if they are judged to be acting in a manner to bring discredit on the organization. This suspension will be in effect until the next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Although not required, the suspended member is requested to discontinue wearing clothing bearing the American Legion Riders identification until they are restored to full membership status.
Section 5. Any member may be expelled or suspended from the Chapter by a two/thirds (2/3) vote of the general membership at a regular Chapter meeting. Although not required, the expelled member is requested to discontinue wearing clothing bearing American Legion Riders identification. A member may be expelled if they no longer meet the requirements of membership or they have acted in such a way as to bring discredit on the organization. An expelled member may appeal to the Commander of the Post for reconsideration and the Commander's decision will be considered final. Expelled members can apply for readmission for membership at a subsequent regular meeting.
Section 6. “Charter membership” in District 16 is granted to members listed on the rolls in both 2007 and 2008.
ARTICLE V EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1. The Executive Board shall be composed of the elected officers of the Chapter and one member appointed by the Commander of American Legion District 16, Department of North Carolina.
Section 2. The President shall serve as Chairperson of the Executive Board and the Vice-president shall assume that position in his absence. The Secretary of the Chapter shall serve as Secretary of the Executive Board.
Section 3. The Executive Board will meet as needed to discuss Chapter business and prepare agenda for the regular meetings.
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS
Section 1. All regular members are eligible to hold office with the exception of President and Vice-President. Only American Legion members (veterans) may be President and Vice-President.
Section 2. All officers will serve a 12 month term beginning in July of each year and will terminate upon election and initiation of new officers. Nominations for the officer positions will be held at the May and June meetings and elections will be held in June. The general membership can vote to change the election dates at a regular meeting if a vote cannot be held at the scheduled meeting. If the position of any officer becomes vacant, the President may appoint a member to fill that post until the election of a replacement. Nominations will be taken at the next regularly scheduled meeting and elections at the next subsequent meeting.
Section 3. The elected officers of the Chapter shall be the President, Vice-president, Run Coordinator, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.
Section 4. The President, with the concurrence of a majority vote of the elected officers the Executive Board, shall appoint the following officers: Secretary, Historian, Chaplain, and Public Relations Officer.
Section 5. A member may hold more than one office except the combination of President and Vice-President.
Section 6. All elected or appointed officers shall have only one vote at the Executive Board or Chapter Meeting
Section 7. Elections shall be by voice vote unless requested otherwise by any candidate, in which case secret ballot with a majority of all votes cast will determine the winner. In the case of unopposed offices, a voice vote will be the only method of voting.
Section 8. The duties of the officers shall be as following:
PRESIDENT: Will serve as Chief Administrative Officer and will preside over all meetings. He shall have general supervision over the affairs of the District. He shall perform such duties as directed by the general membership. Will serve as the Chairman of the Executive Board.
VICE-PRESIDENT: Will assume the duties of the President in his absence and will assist the President in the performance of his duties. Will serve as Chairman of the Membership Committee
RUN COORDINATOR (Road Captain): Will assume the duties of the Vice-president in his absence. Will serve as Chairman of the Activities Committee. Will be the person in charge (Road Captain) during organized runs of the Chapter. He may, at his discretion, appoint assistant road captains or take any other measures he may feel necessary to help insure the safety of the group during a run.
Finance Officer: Will have charge of all finances of the Chapter and maintain the chapter checkbook. Will disburse funds as directed by the general membership. Will give detailed financial reports at each general meeting. Will serve as Chairman of the Finance Committee.
SERGEANT AT ARMS: Will preserve order at meetings and other such duties as may be assigned to him by the Chapter.
SECRETARY: Will have charge of and keep correct records of all proceedings of all meetings and under the direction of the President handle all correspondence of the Chapter. Will keep the membership roles and report to the Membership committee if members become delinquent.
HISTORIAN: Will keep a record of Chapter incidents and activities and other duties as may be directed by the Executive Committee and the Chapter.
CHAPLAIN: Will be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter members and will offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and to adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are requested by the Chapter.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER (WEB Master): Will provide advertising flyers, WEB postings, news releases and other material to publicize chapter activities. Will perform other duties as directed by the Chapter.
Section 9. In the event that any officer shall be absent for three consecutive meetings of the Chapter without being excused by the President or the Executive Board, such office may be declared vacant by a majority vote of those present at a regular Chapter meeting.
Section 10. Elected officers can be removed from office by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the membership at a regular meeting. Motions to remove an officer must first be presented to the Executive Board for consideration.
ARTICLE VII MEETINGS AND QUORUM
Section 1. Meetings will be held monthly at American Legion District 16 “Post of choice within or outside the District” at a date and time approved by a vote of the majority of members at any general meeting.
Section 2. A majority of elected officers present and including at least the President or Vice-President will constitute a quorum.
Section 3. All meetings will be conducted under “Robert's Rules of Order.”
Section 4. Special meetings of the Chapter may be called by the President or the Executive Board and must be called upon the written request of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership. No special meetings shall be called unless announced by the President at the regular meeting preceding or unless notice be directly given to or mailed to each member five (5) days prior to said meeting, stating the time, place of the meeting and the subject to be considered.
ARTICLE VIII FINANCES
Section 1. Finances of the Chapter will be from the membership dues or such other sources, as approved by the membership.
Section 2. Disbursement of funds will only be those authorized at a Chapter meeting except in case of an emergency.
Section 3 The Chapter will be a non-profit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner that is in keeping with all local, State and National laws regarding non-profit organizations.
Section 4. An emergency disbursement of funds may be authorized by agreement of three officers.
Section 5. The Executive Board shall set the annual dues and initiation fees of the Chapter. The annual dues of the Chapter must be $10.00 or more but may not exceed $25.00.
Section 6. Dues are due and payable by July 1 of each year. Should a member be delinquent in their dues after January 1, they shall be removed from the roles and must re-apply for membership. Only members who are current in their dues may hold office or be elected to office. Candidates for office must be current in their dues for the period in which they wish to hold office.
ARTICLE IX COMMITEES
Section 1 Three (3) standing committees, Membership, Finance, and Activities shall be established with the chairman of each being the officer as assigned in Article VI, Section 8
Section 2. The Membership Committee shall be composed of the chairman and any additional members that may be appointed by the President and shall have charge of all matters pertaining to the membership of the Chapter, including the procuring of new members and reinstatements. The committee shall certify the eligibility of all applications as required by these bylaws.
Section 3. The Finance Committee shall be charged with the administration of the financial policy, preparation of reports and supervision of Chapter funds. The committee shall be composed of the chairman and any additional members that may be appointed by the President.
Section 4. The Activities Committee shall be composed of the chairman and any additional members that may be appointed by the President. They shall be charged with planning and supervising Chapter activities (Runs, Rides and Fund Raisers). The committee may add temporary members to its membership for assistance with individual activities.
Section 5. Additional committees may be formed by appointment of the President with the consent of the Executive Board. The duties and length of service of these committees shall be stated at the time the committee is appointed.
ARTICLE X DRESS CODE
Section 1 Vests or Jackets that have the patches of the "American Legion Riders" will conform to the following guidelines and shall be authorized only to members of the Chapter. The back of the vest or jacket will contain the "American Legion Riders" patch and rockers. Patches related to the member’s military service may be worn on the back of the vest with the approval of the President. The top rocker will be the status of the member (Veteran, Auxiliary, Jr. Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion). The bottom rocker will have the name of the Post and State that the member belongs to or may be embroidered on the Riders patch. A second bottom rocker with the phase “Sand Hills Chapter District 16” may appear below and to the right side of the first bottom rocker. Those members who have an existing jacket or vest at the time these by-laws are accepted may continue to wear their existing patches. The American Flag Patch, if worn, will be located on the upper left side of the front. No other patches or pins will be located higher then the American Flag Patch. Name tags and officer patches will be located on the upper right hand side. All patches on the upper half of the front will be related to the American Legion, military service, or veteran memorial may be worn in good taste at the discretion of the president of the chapter. Run pins may be attached to the upper half on the front, but not higher then the flag. Other motorcycle related patches may be worn on the lower half of the front. Only patches and pins mentioned above may be worn on a jacket or vest bearing the patch and rockers of the "American Legion Riders". If any doubts exist about the placement or appropriateness of patches and pins, the President shall make a ruling.
ARTICLE XI AMENDMENTS to the By-laws
Section 1. Proposed amendments to these By-Laws must be submitted in writing to the Executive Board and at a regular meeting of the Chapter and read there at. At the next regular meeting, or subsequently if postponed, the proposed amendment may be adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of those present and voting.
Section 2. Any provision of this document shall be automatically amended to conform to any amendment adopted by The American Legion National, Department, Area, District, or Post under which this organization operates.
Section 3. Any amendment initiated by the Chapter shall not be in favor or effect until approved by the Judge Advocate of the Department of North Carolina. These By-laws were adopted as revised on the 2nd day of October 2007, by vote of the members at a regular membership meeting.
Martin W. Nielsen, President
Rora Kellis, Vice President
Tina B. Nielsen, Secretary
