BY-LAWS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS

CHAPTER 311 Antelope Valley, CALIFORNIA

These By-laws are established in accordance with and shall not conflict with the American Legion Riders Department of California by-laws established on March 31, 2007 at the American Legion Riders Department of California Convention Fresno, California.

PREAMBLE

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

To participate in parades and other ceremonies which are in keeping with the aims and purposes of the American Legion; To promote motorcycle safety education programs and to provide a social atmosphere for the American Legion members with the same motorcycle interests. As an authorized Program of the American Legion the American Legion Riders will be an asset in promoting and supporting all programs within the American Legion.

ARTICLE I

NAME

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the American Legion Riders Motorcycle Association, District 20 Chapter located at: American Legion Post 311, Lancaster, California. Hereinafter referred to as "Chapter" or "ALR".

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 foregoing Preamble and the National and Department Constitution of the American Legion.

Section 2. To use our association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.

Section 3. To participate in activities in order to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest.

Section 4. To promote motorcycle safety programs.

ARTICLE III

NATURE

Section 1. The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a civilian organization; membership therein does not affect nor increase liability for military or police service, and rank does not exist in the American Legion Riders. No member shall be addressed by their military title in any convention or meeting of the American Legion Riders.

Section 2. The American Legion Riders shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principals nor for the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking public office or preferment.

Section 3. The American Legion Riders Chapter 311 shall be non-sectarian.

Section 4. Each member shall perform their full duty as a citizen of the United States of America.

ARTICLE IV

ORGANIZATION

Section 1. This Chapter formed by Post 311, Lancaster, California, District 20, Department of California was chartered on September 4, 2004.

Section 2. American Legion Riders recognizes the American Legion National, American Legion Department of California, American Legion Riders Department of California, American Legion 20th District, and the American Legion, Lancaster, Post 311 as our governing bodies.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP

Section 1. There is only one recognized “class” of involvement in the ALR as defined below. Regular members must meet the following requirements: All members must be current members of an American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion post, unit or squadron and be at least 18 years of age.

Section 2. Members in the ALR must be the legally registered owner and/or operator of a motorcycle of freeway legal size in the state of California, and must posses a valid license for the qualifying vehicle in their state of residence (Military equivalents expectable as well) or be the spouse or registered domestic partner of an owner who is a regular member.

Section 3. Members may not be concurrent members in more than one Chapter except that they may maintain membership in Chapter 311 during the period of organization of another local Chapter. Once the new local Chapter has been officially recognized by ALR Department, they must limit their membership to only one Chapter.

Section 4. An active member in good standing who becomes permanently unable to ride due to health may apply for retired member status. If the retired members spouse is also a member but not a licensed motorcycle rider they will be extended the same retired status.

Section 5. 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.

Section 6. 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. Their 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 7. 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.

Section 8. No person, who has been expelled by a ALR Chapter shall be admitted to membership in ALR Chapter 311, without consent of the expelling Chapter, except that where such consent has been asked or and denied by such Chapter, they may then appeal to the Department Executive Committee for permission to be admitted to membership in another Chapter, and shall be ineligible for membership until such permission is granted.

Section 9. No member of the ALR Chapter 311 in good standing, shall be excluded or denied membership because of race, creed or color, in any group affiliated with the ALR that uses the prestige, name or emblem of the ALR.

ARTICLE VI

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 Post 311.

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 once a month, prior to the regular meeting of the Chapter each month to discuss Chapter business.

ARTICLE VII

OFFICERS AND ELECTIONS

Section 1. All regular members are eligible to hold office.

Section 2. All officers will serve June through May. Nominations of officers will be made at the annual April meeting and elections will be held annually at the May meeting. Formal installation of Officer will take place in June. The general membership can vote to change the election dates at a regular 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, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms.

Section 4. The President, with the concurrence of the Executive Board, shall appoint the following officers: Historian, Chaplain, Membership Officer and Public Relations Officer.

Section 5. A member may hold more than one office except for the offices 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 non-opposed offices, a voice vote will be the only method of voting.

Section 8. The duties of the officers shall be as follows:

A. PRESIDENT: Will serve as Chief Administrative Officer and will preside over all general meetings. Shall have general supervision over the affairs of the Chapter. Shall perform such duties as directed by the general membership. Must hold a valid motorcycle license, Will serve as Chairman of the Executive Board.

B. VICE-PRESIDENT: Will assume the duties of the President in his absence and will assist the President in the performance of his duties. Must hold a valid motorcycle license.

C. RUN COORDINATOR: Will assume the duties of the Vice-President in his absence. 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. Must hold a valid motorcycle license. Will serve as Chairman of the Activities Committee.

D. TREASURER: Will have charge of all finances of the Chapter. 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.

E. SERGEANT AT ARMS: Will preserve order at meetings and other such duties as may be assigned to him by the Chapter.

F. 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 rolls and report to the Membership committee if members become delinquent or no longer meet eligibility requirements. Will serve as Chairman of the Membership Committee.

G. HISTORIAN: Will keep a record of Chapter incidents and activities and

other duties as may be directed by the Executive Committee and the Chapter.

H. 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.

I. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER: Will provide advertising flyers, WEB postings, news releases and other material to publicize chapter activities.. Will perform other duties as directed by the Chapter.

J. MEMBERSHIP OFFICER: Will gather new membership applications, Will validate the eligibility of each new member, at each regular meeting of the Chapter, report upon all applications received during or after the next previous regular meeting, gather and forward all membership records to the chapter Secretary.

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 VIII

MEETINGS AND QUORUM

Section 1. Meetings will be held monthly at a date and time approved by a vote of the majority of members at any general meeting.

Section 2. A majority of four (4) elected officers present including 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 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 IX

FINANCES

Section 1. Finances of the Chapter will be from the membership dues or such other sources, as approved by the membership.

Section 2. Finances of the Chapter will be held in a bank account. Signatures on the account will include the Treasurer, President, Vice-President and Secretary. Signatures of the Treasurer and one other officer will be required to remove funds. Signatures of the Treasurer and one other officer may not be of individuals related or residing in the same household.

Section 3. Disbursement of funds will only be those authorized at a Chapter meeting except in case of an emergency.

Section 4. 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 5. An emergency disbursement of funds may be authorized by agreement of three elected officers.

Section 6. 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 7. Dues are due and payable by January 1 of each year. Should a member be delinquent in their dues after March 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 X

COMMITTEES

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 VII,

Section 8

Section 2. The Membership Committee shall be composed of the Membership 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 by-laws.

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. The finance committee shall perform an audit each year in April.

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. 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 XI

UNIFORM

Section 1. American Legion Riders beret or official cap of a members parent organization will be the only official head wear of ALR at all official Chapter meetings and public events.

Section 2. 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.

Section. 3. The ALR is a program of the American Legion and is not a “motorcycle club”, and as such the 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. Motorcycle club is defined as an organization using the term ‘MC” or motorcycle club” in it’s name or as part of it’s patch or is commonly known as such. 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. 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. Prohibited patches include Property, MC, 1% patches. Dual membership may not be worn on the ALR Vest or Jacket. If any doubts exist about the placement or appropriateness of patches and pins, the membership shall make a ruling.

Section 4. The front of the vest or jacket should have an American flag patch. The American Flag Patch will be located on the upper left side of the vest or jacket. If worn, no other patches or pins will be located higher then the American Flag Patch.

Section 5. Name tags and officer patches will be located on the upper right hand side.

Section 6. All patches on the upper half of the front will be related to the American Legion, military service, or veteran memorial in nature. Run pins may be attached to the upper half on the front, but not higher than the American flag patch. Other motorcycle related patches may be worn on the lower half of the front.

Section 7. The American Legion Riders back patch will be worn on the back of the jacket or vest made of leather or denim only, along with top and bottom rockers as described below. The name of the Department “California” may be embroidered at the bottom of the back patch. If rockers are worn with the back patch, they should be affixed to the vest or jacket adjoining the patch to resemble a one piece patch. The back of the vest or jacket will contain only the "American Legion Riders" patch, Chapter 311 top rocker, and Veteran or Auxiliary or Squadron bottom rocker.

Section 8. The top rocker will designated , Chapter 311.

Section 9. The bottom rocker shall designate the member’s organization status as follows: Post members - “Veterans”, or a member showing a DD214 showing proof of military service may also wear “Veteran”. Auxiliary members - “Auxiliary”, Sons of the Legion members - “Squadron”.

Section 10. Members at the time of the first annual convention in Fresno, March 31-April 1, 2007, may continue to wear their existing vest and jackets without change if they do not comply with this ARTICLE except for Sections 3.

ARTICLE XII

AMENDMENT

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. These By-Laws and any amendment initiated by the Chapter shall not be in favor or effect until approved by current Department of California, American legion Riders.

These By-laws were adopted on the 9th of March 2008, by vote of the members at a regular membership meeting.