The American Legion Riders are members of the American Legion who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live, work, and play. Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxilliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. The American Legion Riders were formed... ...to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with 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.
...to use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.
The American Legion Riders is not a 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.
American Legion Riders
Southern Virginia Chapter
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.
Bylaws
ARTICLE I
Name
The name of this organization shall be AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS OF SOUTHERN VIRGINIA, Post 284 (hereafter referred to as ALRSV).
ARTICLE II
Nature
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 Legion Family,” who share an interest in motorcycling.
2. The American Legion Riders upholds the declared principles of The American Legion as well as conforms to and abides by the regulations and decisions of the department, post, or other duly constituted governing body.
3. The ALR maintains and protects the image of The American Legion at all times through appropriate wearing 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”.
4. Members of the ALR avoid any perception of being a motorcycle or “biker" club or gang. The focus of membership is for the enjoyment of motorcycles and comradeship and furthering Legion programs in the community. American Legion Riders of Southern Virginia is not a 1% club and we do not claim territory. We are not concerned with disputes, territorial or otherwise, between other clubs. We owe allegiance to no colors except those of the flag of the United States of America.
5. The ALRSV strives to improve the public’s perception of the motorcycling community by promoting the honorable nature of service to one’s community, state and nation through the sport of motorcycling. The purposes of the ALRSV are to bring together a group of people who enjoy similar philosophies with a focus on veteran’s organizations and activities. The ALRSV will focus on giving to those in need through charitable events and community service activities while promoting a positive self image. The ALRSV will promote fellowship among motorcycle riders and improving relations between the general public and motorcycle riders through discussion and community events.
6. Members of ALRSV comply at all times with the motor vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance laws or regulations of the state in which operating.
7. This ALRSV will not discriminate against any race, religion or ethnicity. The chapter will welcome all eligible riders.
(Move to Article 4, Membership Eligibility)
8. Members must own a motorcycle or , trike, be the spouse of a motorcycle owner or be a support member and be a member of the American Legion Family. Motorcycle must be street legal, no ATV's.
ARTICLE III
Organization
1. The American Legion Riders is organized under the auspices of Post 284, Colonial Heights, Virginia and exists at the discretion of the post. The chapter officers and executive committee are responsible and accountable to the Post 284 executive committee.
2. A regular business meeting of the Chapter shall be held monthly as may be deemed agreeable by the officers of the Chapter.
3. The Chapter Director or a majority of the Executive Committee shall have power to call a special meeting of the Chapter at any time.
4. Upon the written request of 15 members, the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting of the Chapter.
5. The Director or Assistant Director, two (2) elected officers, and eight (8) members shall constitute a quorum.
6. Roberts Rules of Order will be used at all meetings.
ARTICLE IV
Membership Eligibility
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.
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.
3. Members will not at any time hold membership in more than one chapter of The American Legion Riders.
4. All operators must be properly licensed and insured per state laws.
5. All members will obey the motor vehicle laws in any state in which they are operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger.
6. The ALRSV will permit the membership of “Supporting Members” who do not own a motorcycle or are the spouse of a current member. A supporting member can attend all ALR functions sponsored by the SLRSV Chapter. The membership requirements to become a “Support Member” require any supporting members to assist the chapter with fund raisers, cookouts, dinners, meetings, etc… A support member will have no voting rights on business issues and will distinguish himself or herself by having the words “Support member” embroidered on their ALR patches. All Support member memberships will be evaluated on a yearly basis, based on their level of assistance and commitment by the current executive committee.
ARTICLE V
Wear of American Legion Emblem
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.
2. No other back patch or back patch design is authorized for wear.
3. Department standards for patch sales are on file with Emblem Sales.
4. A large ALR patch and an upper rocker with the wording “Southern Virginia” is authorized on the back. Embroidery for rockers should be uniform in size and color.
ALRSV will provide a small ALR patch and a large “Southern Virginia” rocker for the back. The small ALR Patch will be worn on the right upper front of the vest. The large Southern Virginia rocker will be worn on the back above the ALR Patch. An American flag will be worn on the upper left side over the heart. A POW/MIA patch may be worn on the lower left side. Any other patches or pins worn on the vest should be directly associated with the American Legion or , branches of the U. S. Military with or be in good taste. approval from ALR Director No pins or other patches will be placed on or above the American Flag patch. Obscene patches or patches, otherwise in conflict with the ideals of the American Legion are discouraged and must be covered at any American Legion family function.
5. All members should wear the ALR Vest or some article of clothing that shows ALR membership at all ALR public functions.
ARTICLE VI
Elected Officers
1. The elected officers of the Chapter are Director, Assistant Director, Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant-at-Arms. Voluntary officers, to be appointed by the Director, are Ride Coordinator, Historian, Chaplain, and Membership Chairman. All officers are elected or appointed annually.
2. Between Chapter meetings, the administrative power of the Chapter shall be vested in the Chapter Executive Committee, who’s voting members shall consist of all elected officers for the current year and the immediate Past Chapter Director.
3. Nominations for Chapter Officers will be accepted during the November October meeting. Officers shall be elected annually through voting during the January November meeting and shall take office at the meeting next following that of the election. on January 1st, after being sworn in at the SVALR Christmas party in December. 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. A ballot committee will be established and the election will be conducted IAW Robert’s Rules of Order.
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 Chapter Executive 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.
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.
6. Any ALR member may request to be placed on the ballot. Being members of the same family does not preclude anyone from requesting to be placed on the ballot.
7. All other Past Chapter Directors may be members of the Executive Committee with voice but no vote.
ARTICLE VII
Duties of Officers
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 Post 284 adjutant. The Director shall have the authority to call for and/or appoint committees for special events as needed.
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.
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, render reports of membership annually or when called upon at a meeting, and under direction of the Director handle all correspondence of the Chapter.
4. Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in a local FDIC insured financial institution and shall report once a month to the general membership the condition of the finances of the Chapter, with such recommendations as he or she may deem expedient or necessary to carry on the financial activities of the Chapter. The Treasurer shall be a signer for all checks disbursing the monies of the Chapter, and shall be provided such surety bonds in such amounts as shall be fixed by the Chapter Executive Committee and obtained by the Chapter. One or more other members of the Chapter Executive Committee, in addition to that of the Treasurer, are required for the expenditure of funds. The Treasurer prepares the Chapter’s monthly financial report for the general membership.
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.
6. 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, to include mailings of sympathy or get well cards to members, as required.
7. Duties of Ride Coordinator. The Ride Coordinator shall manage a list of all rides and events for the American Legion Riders and shall forward information for all rides, events, and Road Captains to the general membership.
8. Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms. The Sergeant-at-arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings, assist the Road Captain(s) 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.
9. Membership Officer. Issues Chapter membership cards for eligible, approved members; collects monies for dues and any entry fees as approved by the general membership; ensures applications are verified, completed in full, and signed by the applicant; turns over monies to the Treasurer when applications are submitted for approval at monthly meetings. Membership Officer will ensure annual renewals and dues will be submitted to the Treasurer. This officer is responsible for maintaining a contact roster of the membership, to include telephone numbers and emails, at a minimum.
ARTICLE VII
Finance
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. All ALRSV must be paid members of the American Legion family. You do not have to belong to Post, Unit, or Squadron 284 to belong to the ALRSV, but must be a member in good standing of another Department of Virginia Post, Unit, or Squadron.
2. The treasurer will provide a monthly financial report to the Post 284 Executive Committee.
ARTICLE IX
Limitations of Liabilities
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.
ARTICLE X
Chapter “Charter” and “Lifetime” Members
1. These members are defined as:
a. Charter Member – Joined the Chapter on or before April 1, 2006. Charter Members may display a rocker with the word “Charter” on the small patch on the front of their vest.
b. Lifetime Member – A member in good standing who has paid in full the lifetime membership fees for either the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion; and paid in full the Lifetime Membership Fees, as determined by the Chapter and set forth in the Governing Rules.
ARTICLE XII
Expulsion
Any member may be expelled or suspended from the Chapter by a majority vote of a special Director’s meeting of the Chapter’s elected Officers if that member’s conduct is unbecoming of the Legion Family. Final approval for all expulsions will be the Post 284 Commander.
ARTICLE XIII
Amendments
1. These By-laws are 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 Constitution 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.
2. These By-laws may be amended at any regular Chapter meeting by a vote of two-thirds of the membership pending a quorum attending such regular meeting provided that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing, and read at the immediately 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 By-laws.
ARTICLE XIII
Governing Rules
Governing rules are a set of standing rules to govern the Membership and detail day-to-day and routine matters. Rules will be established through working groups appointed by the Director and promulgated as required. Members will receive notification of rule changes, and current rules will be posted conspicuously.
__________________________ ___________________________
Michelle Brewer Herbert G. Williams
Secretary Eastern Virginia Regional Director
American Legion Riders, Southern Virginia American Legion Riders
__________________________ __________________________
Lester Brewer Richard C. Oertel
Director Commander
American Legion Riders, Southern Virginia American Legion Post 284