Post 210 - Montgomery Alabama

Purpose

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:

A. To promote American Legion membership; POW-MIA efforts; honorable military service; to provide a social atmosphere for the American Legion family; and to use our programs to support veterans, veteran’s homes and veteran’s hospitals.

B. To promote motorcycle safety and motorcycle riders rights. To participate in parades, programs, events and other ceremonies, that is within the aims and purposes of the American Legion.

C. The American Legion Riders is not an M/C, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The American Legion Riders is family-oriented, just as is its parent organization: The American Legion.

Bylaws

Article I: Membership

A. Membership:

These are the requirements for membership. All new members will be voted in during a regular scheduled meeting. American Legion Post 210, American Legion Riders will not allow any current member of a Motorcycle Club or 1% club or any association/organization that is a supporter of any M/C or 1% club, to become a member of the ALR.

1. Must be a current member in good standing of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion, and be at least 21 years of age.

AND any additional situation below:

2. You must own a motorcycle with an engine of at least 500cc in size, have a valid driver’s license endorsement to operate a motorcycle, and carry proof of valid motorcycle insurance.

3. A spouse may be granted ALR membership provided they are legally married to an American Legion Rider in good standing.

B. Honorary Membership:

Chapters, at their discretion, may elect by majority vote at a Regular membership meeting to authorize an honorary membership to an individual or individuals under the following guidelines:

1. The individual(s) must meet all requirements at section A.1 (American Legion Membership).

2. These memberships are to be of an honorary nature and will be considered a non-voting membership. Honorary memberships should only be granted to those persons who have demonstrated themselves to be assets to the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion Organization and excelled in promoting the aims and purposes of the American Legion Riders. Honorary members may serve on committees, etc. but are not eligible to vote. Those approved for honorary membership are granted privileges to attend meetings and limited participation in meetings regardless of other offices held within the American Legion and its entities.

C. Special Class Membership:

You, your spouse or your significant other may continue your membership as a special class member (with full membership privileges) if you fail to meet the membership requirements of sections (A, 2). Pursuant to the following and subject to the approval of the general membership:"

1. Death or divorce of the spouse or significant other who was the owner of the motorcycle as defined in A. 2.

2. Disability, which prevents you from physically being able to operate a motorcycle and ownership of the motorcycle, was relinquished, due to this disability. (This would

also allow the spouse and significant other to continue membership under these conditions for special class membership.)

3. For (1) & (2) above, you must have been a regular American Legion Rider member for at least one full year.

4. If you have been a member of the ALR for ten consecutive years and have reached the age of 50 you are entitled to the distinction of a "Special Class Life Member". Membership may continue without regards to section A. 2. You must continue with the requirements of A.1.

D. A member in Good Standing will:

1. Abide by the ALR By-Laws

2. Have paid their dues to both the sponsoring organization as well as the ALR

3. Maintain a respectful attitude towards all members and guest during Post meetings and while participating in any Post activity and/or while wearing the ALR patch

4. Wears ALR patch only in accordance with Article V, Sections B and C.

Article II: Officers

A. Officers of Chapter 210 American Legion Riders: (Minimum requirements)

1. Director

2. Assistant Director

3. Secretary

4. Treasurer

5. Sgt-at-Arms

6. Run Coordinator

7. Communications

8. Membership

B. Discretionary Officers:

9. Historian

10. Chaplin

11. Judge Advocate

C. Elections:

Elections of the Chapter level officers will be held annually and correspond with the Post elections in May of each year at such a time as determined by vote of the general membership of the Chapter 210.

1. Nominations can be taken up to one month prior to date of elections.

2. Nominations will be taken from the floor before each Office is put to the membership for a vote.

3. New Officers will take office on the first day of the month following elections. New officers may participate in the annual commencement ceremony for American Legion Post 210.

4. Any officer can be removed from office for inefficiency by a majority vote of participating members. A quorum of seven (7) voting members is required to execute this vote

D. Duties of Chapter Officers

Director: The Director shall have general supervision over the group, subject to the Executive Committee of the American Legion Riders of Montgomery, Post 210. The Director shall endeavor, in all ways, to promote membership and participation in the programs of the American Legion Riders of Montgomery Post 210, Alabama, the American Legion, Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. The Director shall preside at all American Legion Riders of Post 210 meetings and shall perform such other duties, as enjoined, by this Constitution and By-Laws adopted pursuant thereto, or as may be required by the Executive Committee or the Post Commander. . The Director shall appoint all committees and shall be ex-officio, a member, of all committees. The Director will not have a valid vote at the American Legion Riders of Montgomery Post 210 meetings, except in the event of a tie.

Assistant Director: The Assistant Director, in the event of death, resignation, disability, or when called upon, shall succeed to the office and have and process all the powers and duties of the Director; and shall perform such other duties, as required, by the Director and/or the Executive Committee.

Secretary: To keep a full and correct record of all proceedings of each meeting. Present the previous meetings minutes for an acceptance vote at each meeting.

Treasurer: To have charge of all finances of the Chapter. To have charge of distributing funds as directed by the general membership. The Treasurer is to give detailed financial reports at each meeting. The Treasurer is to maintain funds and financing of any activity that will involve the ALR.

Membership: Keep membership records and collect all dues that may be required. Ensure State and District membership officers receive documentation and disbursement for new members, or annual renewals. Give detailed reports at each regular meeting.

Communications Officer: The communication officer is to: Inform all members of any meetings or activities accruing during the upcoming months and year; maintain a calendar of special events including American legion Post meetings; and publish a quarterly newsletter (a minimum means, such as a hard copy news letter, or an Internet web-page, or e-mail, or other forms of communications) to all chapter members and to the District and the State Chapters.

Judge Advocate: To offer legal advice in situations requiring a lawyer.

Additional Roles: The Chapter may, at their discretion, appoint or elect individuals to fulfill various other roles required for efficient operation of the Chapter.

E. Considerations for Office:

Any member, in good standing, and having fulfilled the requirements of Article 1, Section A, is eligible to serve in any office of the Chapter, with the following exceptions:

1. No one shall hold more than one office within the Post 210 American Legion Riders.

2. No one shall hold office in more than one Post-level Chapter of the ALR. This provision does not preclude a member from holding office in any Governing or Guiding Chapter organized from amongst groupings of Post-level Chapters, including County, District, Department, Regional, or National Chapters, as seen fit by any commensurate organizational level within the American Legion. This is in keeping with the constitution and structure of the American Legion and its family of organizations.

3. To ensure that prospective members are fully aware of the personality of, and issues at their Chapter, no member having been so for less than one calendar year shall be considered for any office of the Chapter, unless the Chapter itself has been in existence for less than one calendar year. In the event that no members fulfilling this requirement are available or willing to serve, compliance is waived in favor of survival of the Chapter.

4. In the event that an office becomes vacant, the next officer in procession may step up. In the event the next officer in procession does not wish to step up, the membership will call a special election to fill the vacated position.

Article III: Meetings

A. Meetings:

1. Meetings will be held at a date, time and location as determined by a majority vote at the Chapter organizing meeting.

2. Meeting date, time and location may be changed by majority vote of a quorum at any regular Chapter meeting.

3. Seven voting members will constitute a quorum.

4. Meetings will be conducted under "Roberts Rules of Order". (ref: www.constitution.org/rror/rror--00.htm)

Article IV: Finances

A. Finances

Finances of the Association Chapter will be from Association membership dues or such other sources, as approved by the membership.

1. As a Post-level activity of the American Legion, the Chapter enjoys the tax-exempt status of the Post and must manage its finances in accordance with applicable Federal (IRS), State, and local laws applicable to nonprofit organizations.

2. Disbursement of funds will be only those authorized at any regular meeting of the Chapter. As noted above, each Chapter is a nonprofit organization and may only disburse funds in a manner in accordance with all Federal (IRS), State, and local laws applicable to nonprofit organizations.

3. Special situations that may require funds to be distributed outside of regular meeting, must be approved with the concurrence of the Treasurer and 2 current ALR officers, (One of which must be the Director or Assistant Director), and must be reasonable and justified.

Article V: Uniform:

A. The American Flag When worn by an ALR member, the Flag must not be subjugated, obscured or covered by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.

1. Established standards for the display and wearing of the Flag must be observed:

a) No graphic or slogan is ever to appear across the Flag.

b) The Flag is never to be worn on the seat of the pants, or on any other location that could be considered disrespectful to the Flag.

c) When worn garments bearing the Flag are to be discarded, the Flag is to be removed from the garment and retired in a manner appropriate to the Flag of The United States of America.

d) The flag must be worn on the front upper left side (lapel) of the garment with no other object above the flag

B. The ALR Patch

The ALR Patch, configured as put forth by the Founding Members and available through The American Legion Emblem Sales, is to be worn by all members of the ALR in good standing, at all formal National and State events. The back patch must be the dominant feature of the back of the garment upon which it is worn.

1. No member shall wear any rocker with the ALR patch.

a) The back of the vest or jacket will contain the "American Legion Riders" patch.

b) Patches related to the member’s military service may be worn on the back of the vest with the approval of the Post 210 ALR Director.

c) No other patches are to be worn on the back of the vest that will subjugate the ALR patch.

d) ALR members and approved honorary members are the only members that will be authorized to wear the ALR patch.

e) Costs associated with the Patch or any other ALR apparel will be the member’s responsibility.

All members must be in compliance with the accepted patch configuration listed below. The accepted configuration of Post 210 ALR patch will be the 3 line patch as sold thru Emblem sales, and the lines will be as follows:

1. Charter Members:

a) 1st Line will be: ALABAMA

b) 2nd Line will be: CHARTER MEMBER

c) 3rd Line will be: MONTGOMERY

2. Full Members:

a) 1st Line will be: ALABAMA

b) 2ND Line will be: CHAPTER MEMBER

c) 3rd Line will be: MONTGOMERY

3. Honorary Members

a) 1st Line will be: ALABAMA

b) 2ND Line will be: HONORARY MEMBER

c) 3rd Line will be: MONTGOMERY

C. Patches/Pins

All ALR members should strive to maintain the image of The American Legion, at all times upholding The American Legion name and emblem, which symbolizes the integrity and principles of this great organization.

1. No type of profanity or degrading patches/pins should be worn anywhere on a garment that has the ALR patch on it.

2. No support patch/pin for any other organization will be worn without the express authorization in writing of the Post 210 ALR Executive Board

a) A copy of this approval will be maintained for historical purposes (can be included in Executive Board meeting minutes).

 D. Dress The ALR is a program of The American Legion, and as such, members are representatives of The American Legion. It is strongly recommended 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. All ALR riders will wear a vest or shirt identifying them as ALR riders when participating in ALR sponsored rides, functions or activities as identified in the Purpose of these Bylaws.

1. New members must have ALR identifying apparel within 90 days of becoming an ALR member. Adjustments will be made as necessary.

2. Formal Dress (National or State event) will be: White shirt, black vest with ALR patch, and beret.

Article VI: Discipline Any member who brings disgrace or discredit upon the ALR or other member may receive a letter of censure, expulsion or suspension from the ALR as recommended by the ALR Executive Board, or if an officer, by Special General Membership meeting.

A. Suspension/Expulsion

1. Any member can be suspended for non-payment of dues to their initial American Legion group.

2. Any member can be suspended for violation of these by-laws

3. Any member can be expelled for unsafe riding practices by the Road Captain.

4. Any member can be expelled for inappropriate conduct unbecoming a member.

5. All complaints of Post 210 ALR members concerning inappropriate conduct or conduct unbecoming must be addressed to a Post 210 ALR Director.

6. Upon expulsion from the ALR, said individual, shall surrender their ALR membership card, and ALR patch.

7. During suspension/expulsion the ALR members patch must not be worn nor will the member be allowed to participate in any ALR functions.  

a) Excluding American Legion function.

8. The member facing suspension/expulsion will receive a written Notice of Suspension/Expulsion including his/her appeal rights.

9. Suspensions will be decided by the Executive Board and will be no less than 30 days and no greater than 90 days in length, depending on the severity of the infraction.

10. Expulsion procedures:

a) The ALR Director shall personally give the member or send by registered mail to the member’s last known address, a written notice of termination 15 days prior to the effective date of termination;

b) The notice shall state the reason(s) for termination and advise that the member may request a hearing on the matter of termination;

c) A request for a hearing shall be in writing and shall be hand- delivered or sent via registered mail to the ALR Director within 10 days after the member receives the notice;

d) If a hearing is requested, the member shall be suspended from the date of receipt of the notice to the date a decision is made by the grievance committee, as provided below:

1. The grievance committee shall consist of the ALR Director and 2 other ALR officers as well as four Full Members chosen by lottery by the Director. The grievance committee, presided over by the Director, shall conduct the hearing.

e) The Director shall conduct the hearing as follows:

1. Read the charges against the member

2. Require that the charges be verified by the testimony of the person or persons making them

3. Hear any other witnesses against the member

4. Allow the member to cross-examine each witness following testimony of each witness

5. Allow the member to make a statement on such member’s own behalf

6. Allow the member to call witnesses on such member’s own behalf

7. Allow the Board to question the witnesses after they have been questioned by the member

f) The grievance committee shall conduct the hearing in good faith and in a fair and reasonable manner. The grievance committee shall have the exclusive power and authority to decide whether or not to terminate the member. The decision to expel must be a majority decision of the grievance committee.

g) Expulsion of an Honorary Member: The membership of any honorary member of the ALR may be terminated for the reasons enumerated above (Article V1, Section A, para 1-7), by the majority decision of the Executive Board.

h) Effect of Termination: All rights of a member in the ALR shall cease on the termination date. Termination shall not relieve the member from any obligation for charges incurred, dues or fees, arising from contract or otherwise. The ALR shall retain the right to enforce such obligation or obtain damages for its breach. The former member must turn in the ALR patch to the Sgt at Arms within five days of termination. The former member’s subscription to the ALR e-mail list shall also be removed. Member will loose all seniority previously gained, to include Charter member status, upon termination of membership.

i) Reinstatement: Any person who is expelled from membership may not be reinstated and may not re-join the ALR for a period of no less than 2 years from date of expulsion.

j) Any person, whose membership is terminated for non-payment of dues, may be reinstated subject to the conditions in these bylaws.

B. Resignations

1. Upon resignation from the ALR, said individual, shall surrender their ALR membership card and ALR patch.

a) Resigned members will no longer be considered in good standing within the Post 210 ALR.

b) Upon acceptance of the resignation, the member will receive a letter of acknowledgement of their resignation from the ALR Post 210 Director.

c) Resigned members will loose all seniority previously gained, to include Charter member status, upon termination of membership.

2. Reinstatement: Any person who has resigned their ALR membership may reapply for new membership no less than 1 year from date of resignation.

C. Termination of Membership:

Membership and all rights of Membership shall automatically terminate on the occurrence of any of the following events:

1. The voluntary resignation of a Member pursuant to Article V1, B of these bylaws

2. The death of a Member

3. The non-payment of dues pursuant to Article 1,D of these bylaws

4. The expulsion of a Member pursuant to Article V1, A of these bylaws

Article VII: ByLaw Approval

Bylaws must be disseminated to all ALR voting members at least 2 weeks in advance of a general/special meeting called specifically to discuss the draft and recommend adoption of said bylaws or changes. Adoption/Changes must be approved by a quorum vote of present voting members, with approval from the American Legion Post 210 Commander. These bylaws, once approved, will be fully effective immediately.

Appendix 1.0 Change Log A1.0.1 Appendix 1.0 is intended to track modification and/or amendment to these bylaws. A1.0.2 All modifications to these bylaws, including, but not limited to, amendments and corrections, shall be recorded in the attached table, to be maintained with the original set. A1.0.3 Entries shall include the date, the effected paragraph, the identity of the person or group initiating the change, and the status of the change. A1.0.4 Change status shall be one of the following:

o APP meaning approved by majority vote at an American Legion Riders Post 210 Chapter Officers' Meeting

o DEF meaning defeated or removed by majority vote at an American Legion Riders Post 210 Chapter Officers' Meeting

o NVR meaning no vote is required; typically used for correction of typographical errors

o DIR meaning the alteration was performed under the direction of the District or State Director, or Post 210 Commander

o PDG meaning alteration is not in force, pending majority vote at an American Legion Riders Post 210 Chapter Officers' Meeting. PDG alterations will be updated to APP when approved, or to DEF if not approved.

Present for this meeting, and vote record for adoption of these By-Laws, adopted on this 5th day of April in the year 2009.

Rick Branscum Director yea

Post 210 ALR Gene Carnes Asst. Director YEA, Post 210 ALR Ramona Smith Sec/Treasurer YEA, Post 210 Mike Meads Treasurer YEA, Post 210 Bruce Weckman Membership YEA, Post 210 Thom Faw Sgt. At Arms YEA, ALR 210 Teresa Hamptop Historian YEA, ALR Post 210 Tim Smith Communications YEA,  ALR YEA Robin Branscum YEA

American Legion Post 210 Commander’s approval was given this 5th day of April in the year 2009.

Tim Smith Commander, American Legion Post 210