William C. Dexter American Legion Post 673
Black River, New York

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION

CHAPTER 673

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Adopted: 18 April 2010

Amended and Revised: 05 October 2016

PURPOSE

 To participate in parades and other ceremonies that keep within the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion. To promote motorcycle safety programs, and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion Members who share the same interest and enthusiasm for riding the roads.  Our Association is used to promote and support programs of the American Legion and the Community. These standing rules, By-Laws, or amendments, shall be no less stringent than those contained in these By- Laws nor can they be in any conflict with the National Constitution and By Laws of the American Legion or that of the sponsoring post.

 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.

THE LEGION RIDER’S CREED

CHAPTER BY-LAWS

MEMBERSHIP

There are four requirements for membership:

1. A current member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion, with an honorable discharge.
2. Resolution No.32: Each ALR member shall establish and maintain membership by owning, individually or through marriage, a motorcycle licensed and insured as required by state law. (You must own a motorcycle of at least 500 cc in size unless approved by the Executive Committee)
3. Your Bike must have a current Registration and inspection sticker if required by the State.
4. You must have a valid Drivers license with a MC endorsement
5. Resolution No.32: ALR programs may allow for continued membership for those members who have given up motorcycle ownership because of age, illness, injury, or other reasons outside the member’s control. (These will be reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee).
6. You must provide proof of the above requirements annually to the Assistant Director in order to receive your membership card.
7. All new members will have a waiting period prior to being voted in.

SUPPORT MEMBERS

Association “Support Members” are authorized. The supporting type members do not constitute actual membership in the American Legion Riders. These members will be non-voting members and not be required to pay dues. This nature of this membership is to provide recognition to those who show strong support to the Black River Legion Riders. These supporting members must still meet the requirements of Item #1 above. Individuals are authorized to wear the US Flag, Small ALR Patch & Back Patch in the same placement of a regular ALR member, in addition to a rocker underneath the Small ALR & Back Patches with the words “Supporter” or “I Support”. These members must be voted on at a general monthly meeting. All those not elected as Chapter Supporters will not wear the ALR Back Patch.

Finances of each Association Chapter will be from Association membership dues or such other sources, as approved by the membership. Dues will be $12.00 for all members’ annually excluding Support Members.

BEHAVIOR

1. During Rides: Excessive drinking of any alcohol will not be tolerated.
2. Disrespect to other Riders and Drivers while wearing ALR Apparel or in our Ride Group will also not be tolerated.
3. Foolish, erratic, stunts etc. while wearing ALR Apparel or in our Ride Group will also not be tolerated.

EXPULSION

The Executive Committee will deal with all disciplinary decisions.

1. Any member may be expelled or suspended from the Association by a majority vote of the general membership at a regular Chapter meeting for disloyalty, dishonesty and conduct unbecoming of a member of the American Legion Riders.
2. Suspensions- Temporary, member may not wear back patch but may attend functions.
3. Expulsion – Permanent, back patch must not be worn and member will be dropped from the roles.

ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1.  The Chapter existing under these By-Laws is to be known as American Legion Riders (ALR) Post 673 Black River, New York.  District # 5 ALR of New York.

Section 2.  The name and nature of this Chapter are as set forth in the Constitution and these By-Laws.

ARTICLE II – MANAGEMENT

Section 1.  The officers of the Chapter shall be: [See Department requirements]

• Director (Elected)
• Assistant Director/ Membership Chairman (Elected)
• Secretary (Elected)
• Treasurer (Elected)
• Sergeant-at-Arms (Elected)
• Road Captains (Appointed)
• Historian / Photographer (Appointed)
• Chaplain (Appointed)
• Public Relations Officer (Appointed)

[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, which shall consist of all elective officers for the current year and in addition the immediate Past Director.

Section 3.  Officers of this Chapter shall be elected annually on the 1^St Wednesday of the month of September and take office at the next Monthly meeting following that of the elections that being October.  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.

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.

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 Executive Committee.

Section 6.  All Past Chapter Directors shall be members of the Executive Committee with voice but without voting privileges. Exceptions are in the case of a tie vote.

ARTICLE III – MEETINGS

Section 1.  The regular meeting of the Chapter shall be held at Black River Post 673 on the 1^St Wednesday of every Month @ 6:30 PM 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. All Members will be required to wear their colors to all meetings, parades, and all ALR functions conducted by this chapter. Failure to wear colors will result in a $1.00 fine.

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 1/3 of the members, the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the Chapter.

Section 4.  At least 3 elected officers and 2 members 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 1/3rd or more members of said Chapter explaining reason for such a meeting and 3 members of the committee shall constitute a quorum thereof. All members will be reviewed annually for continued membership in this Chapter of the ALR.

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, and such officer shall be the chief executive officer of the Chapter.  The Director shall approve all orders directing the disbursement of funds and shall make an annual report covering the business of the Chapter for the year, and recommendations for the ensuing year, which shall be read at the annual meeting and a copy thereof immediately forwarded to the Department adjutant and the Legion Commander of Black River.  Lead the chapter with the assistants of the Road Captain in all formation ridings or parades. The Director shall perform such other duties as directed by the County and State.

Section 2.  Duties of Assistant Director/Membership: 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. He or She is responsible for maintenance of membership records and cards. Issue all membership cards upon treasures report of paid dues. The Assistant Director is charged with the review and/or collection of eligibility documentation as required to demonstrate compliance with National membership requirements, and to demonstrate any additional requirements as may be defined by the sponsoring Post Executive Board, applicable Department rules; or State and Local laws. The Assistant Director shall render detailed membership reports annually or when called upon to do so at regular meetings of the Chapter. Additionally, the Assistant Director shall send renewal notification to members of record upon availability of TAL, ALA, and SAL membership cards for the following membership year. Provide all eligibility documentation to the chapter secretary for filing.

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 Post and Department organizations may require, and under direction of the Director handle all correspondence of the Chapter. Keep on record all membership applications and wavier statements along with eligibility documentation. Fill out, file, and send all required report documentation to the District and State annually. Update our bulletin board with correspondence and upcoming ride events monthly. Call Membership Roll Call at every meeting upon the Director’s call to order.

Section 4.  Duties of the Treasurer:  Will have charge of all finances of the Association. To have charge of disbursing funds as directed by the general membership and to give detailed financial reports at each monthly meeting. (Copies will be furnished to the sponsoring Post if requested) All checks over $50.00 will require 2 signatures, the treasurer and the Director. Disbursement of funds will be only those authorized at any regular meeting of the Chapter. The Association will be 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. The Treasure shall collect membership dues as determined by the Chapter bylaws, and provide membership applications to the Assistant Director for membership cards to be issued. Ask for a annual audit the first month after the election of new officers, to be performed by the Legion and report findings at the next monthly meeting. Keep all signature cards at the bank updated at all times, review, and balance the chapter checkbook with the bank statements monthly

Section 5.  Duties of the Sergeant-at-arms:  The Sergeant-at-arms shall preserve order at all meetings and gatherings, assist the Road Captain in enforcing all rules of safe riding during rides and runs; and perform such other duties or chair such committees as may be required from time to time  and assigned by the Director or Chapter Executive Committee.

Section 6.  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 may select assistants to aid in special tasks and may chair appropriate activities committee as directed by the chapter Director or Executive Committee.

Section 7.  Duties of Chapter Historian:  The Chapter Historian shall be charged with keeping a running history of the Black River Chapter records and keep DVD’S, Photos, Videos, ect. Of events, and shall perform such other duties as may pertain to the office or be determined by the Chapter or the Executive Committee.

Section 8.  Duties of Chapter Chaplain :  The Chapter 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 9.  Additional Roles: The Chapter may define additional roles, either elected or appointed, within their local by-laws. Any such addition to the by-laws must definitively state whether the position is elected or appointed. If an additional role is filled by appointment, any such addition to the by-laws must definitely define who has the right of appointment (usually Director, or Chapter Executive Committee by majority). Finally, any such additions to the bylaws must define which, if any, of the additional positions constitute membership on the 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 not 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. Release of Liability Statements will be maintained on file for all members and separate liability statements will be filled out and also maintained for all non-members that participate in any and all riding functions.

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.  Any changes will be reported to the sponsoring department or post.

Section 2.   Written notice to the addresses of record indicated in Article IX, Section 1, shall have been given to all members not present at a monthly meeting 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.

ARTICLE XIII – APPAREL

•  The American flag must be worn at the highest point on the left front side. To be the highest attached accessory on the entire vest or jacket.

• All Association members that wish to purchase the small ALR patch will be required to display the patch on a denim or leather vest or jacket. The patch will be located on the front upper right side, but displayed lower than the flag.

• Back patches are only mandatory for the 673 ALR members. The back patch designed by Diane Kaledas is the only back patch recognized by the ALR. These back patches are only to be purchased thru the Director, Assistant Director, or the Treasurer of 673 ALR.

• Other patches of choice are authorized for wear, but absolutely no “Property of Patches” or any that might be considered offensive.

• Charter Member Patches will only be issued to members of the Black River Legion (Legionaries, SAL, and Ladies Aux) who have joined the ALR with in the first 12 months (between April 2010 and March 2011).

ARTICLE XIV – SAFETY

Drinking and riding is not recommended for anyone inappropriate behavior, puts the entire Riders Group at risk, and will not be tolerated.

LEGION RIDERS’ PRAYER

Almighty God, We give you thanks, for giving us a land of the free that we can enjoy riding through its beauty of trees, valleys and mountains and rivers. You have blessed us with good health to our bodies, minds, and spirits, so that we can appreciate, your awesome gifts of owning a bike to ride and friends and comrades that can appreciate the same. Help us to help those in need in their lives, so that they too can prosper in all that they are capable of doing and becoming for the glory of God. We ask for your safety and protection as we travel far and near and to unknown places. Make our lives to be good examples as a Legion Rider who cares about veterans and our troops who are serving, and Lord, be with their families right now. Especially at this time, be with those who are grieving for those who have given the Ultimate Sacrifice for their beloved country. Give each of us the strong sense of your presence and your guidance in all things. In your name, we pray. AMEN!

ALR CHAPTER MEETING FORMAT

Conduct of the meeting is per Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised

CALL TO ORDER – Director / President

Roll Call – Secretary

CALL TO REMOVE HEAD COVER – Sergeant at Arms

INVOCATION – Chaplain

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Assistant Director / Vice President

RECITE PREAMBLE – Assistant Director / Vice President

CALL TO REPLACE HEAD COVER – Sergeant at Arms

READING OF LAST MEETING’S MINUTES – Secretary

VOTE TO ACCEPT LAST MEETING’S MINUTES – Director/President

READING OF TREASURER’S REPORT – Treasurer

VOTE TO ACCEPT TREASURER’S REPORT SUBJECT TO AUDIT – Director/President

READING OF MEMBERSHIP REPORT – Membership Chairman

VOTE TO ACCEPT MEMBERSHIP REPORT – Director/President

READING OF OTHER OFFICER’S REPORTS (RUN COORDINATOR, ETC.) AS SEEN FIT

CALL AND DISCUSSION OF OLD BUSINESS – Director/President

READING OF CORRESPONDENCE – Secretary

CALL AND DISCUSSION OF NEW BUSINESS – Director/President

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS NOT ALREADY DISCUSSED – Director/President

FOR THE GOOD OF THE LEGION RIDERS – Director/President

CALL FOR MOTION TO CLOSE MEETING – Director/President

CALL TO REMOVE HEAD COVER – Sergeant at Arms

CLOSING INVOCATION – Chaplain

CALL TO REPLACE HEAD COVER – Sergeant at Arms

ANNOUNCEMENT THAT MEETING IS NOW CLOSED – Director/President