Amendment 1 as approved by Chapter vote 15 December 2007
Summary of Changes:
1. Changes the principle office location
2. Clarifies dues requirements for Auxiliary and Support members in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 respectively.
3. Clarifies collection of State dues and exemptions for military deployments in Section 5.4, adding sub-sections A and B.
NAME AND EMBLEM
Article 1
Section 1.1- Name
The name of the association is: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia
Section 1.2- Emblem and Logo
The emblem and logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is the sole property of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license from the Board of Directors. The emblem of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is in the shape of a skull encompassed by the following colors. The incorporated colors are: Red, representing the blood that has been shed on the battlefield. The Military Gold, representing the many ethnic backgrounds in the Armed Forces. Black representing the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those still considered missing in action or prisoners of war. The skull and ace of spades represent the death that war leaves in its wake.
Section 1.3- Principal Office
The principal office of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia is in McDonough, GA 30253, County of Henry, State of Georgia.
Section 1.4- Change of Address
The designation of the county or state of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia principal office may be changed by amendment of these by-laws. The board of officers may change the principal office from one location to another within the named state by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes shall not be deemed, nor require, an amendment of these by-laws.
NON-PROFIT PURPOSES
Article 2
Section 2.1- General
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia is formed to provide a fraternal association for qualified war veterans (combat) of past or present members of the Armed Forces of the United States (veterans).
Section 2.2- IRC Section 501 (c) (19) Purposes
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia is organized exclusively for charitable religious , educational, and/or scientific purposes as specified in Section 501 (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations that qualify as exempt organizations under section 501 (c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2.3- Promote
To promote interest in various forms of motorcycling activity associated with veterans. To create and maintain camaraderie among combat veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
Section 2.4 Befitting
To conduct association functions and activities in a manner befitting the members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia members as well as the associations Auxiliary members.
Section 2.5- Awareness
To raise awareness for the plight of POW’s, MIA’s and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of veterans returning from combat theaters, and their families.
Section 2.6- Patriotic
To participate in activities of a patriotic nature.
Section 2.7- Support
To support veterans organizations.
Section 2.8- Helping Veterans
Help homeless veterans and veterans found in the State of Georgia in anyway we are able.
MEMBERSHIP
Article 3
Section 3.1- Any person:
A) Of good character.
B) Who is a veteran of a Foreign War, (Combat).
C) The only Acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association are:
1. A copy of one’s DD214 which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.
2. Active duty/ reserve must show proof of your combat military service on official DOD stationary or forms by: Documentation by name, Orders(no codes, in English), Army ERB/ORB (2-1), Marine Corps/Navy page 4, Air Force award data record page, Coast Guard PDR award Page which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.
D) Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 30.50 CU IN (500CC) or above.
E) Should a full member resign they will be given a 5 day grace period to rescind their resignation with no repercussions. After the 5-day grace period a member will have to re-apply for membership as a new member and will require Board of Directors approval.
F) Active members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association who after 3 years become infirmed, disabled or otherwise are unable to ride their motorcycles will be able to keep their patch and be retired as lifetime members in good standing of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
G) Life member requirements, 3 years active in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Member must be in good standing for all 3 years. Minimum participation of one sanctioned Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association event per year is required. 1 of the 3 events must be a National Meeting. Deployment into a hostile fire zone counts as a sanctioned Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association event. National Cost for lifetime membership is $150. If a life member quits for any reason or the member is removed from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association rolls for any reason, no refunds will be made.
Section 3.2- Auxiliary Members
A) Must be of good character.
B) Shall submit proof of eligibility.
C) All auxiliary members must be a spouse, widow, or widower of a full member in good standing with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
D) Support the efforts of all branches of the United States of Americas Armed Forces and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
E) Auxiliary members will read and abide by all auxiliary unit by-laws applicable to them.
F) The auxiliary will be attached to the Chapter that they are sponsored from. They will be governed by auxiliary unit by-laws, provide they do not conflict with National By-laws and By-laws of the State Chapter.
G) Auxiliary members have no vote in Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association business.
H) Auxiliary members can not hold a position on the Board of directors.
I) Auxiliary members are required to pay the membership fees required by National and will receive an auxiliary ID. Auxiliary members are exempt from State Dues and enjoy all State benefits with national recognition.
Section 3.3 Support Members
A) Must be of good character.
B) Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 30.50 CU IN (500CC) or above.
C) Maximum number of support members will not exceed one-tenth of total Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association full membership. Support members will be at a 1 to 10 ratio, 1 support member to 10 full members on State full membership
D) Support members must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
E) The only Acceptable proofs of being a veteran are:
1. A copy of one’s DD214 which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.
2. Active duty / reserve must show proof of your military service on official DOD stationary or forms by: Documentation by name, orders, Army ERB/ORB (2-1), Marine Corps/Navy page 4, Air Force data record page, Coast Guard PDR page, which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.
F) Support members will read and abide by all Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association By-laws applicable to them.
G) Support members have no vote in Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association business
H) Support members are ineligible to hold a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association office position.
I) Support members are required to submit their application and proof of service in the United States Armed Forces, through a full member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, who has held membership for not less than one year. Support members are required to have either ridden a minimum of 3000 miles with their sponsor, attended three Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association events, or be known by their sponsor for a minimum of 6 months.
J) A full member submitting an application for a support member must vouch for the new support member and meet the above criteria.
K) Only 1 support member can be vouched on per year by an individual Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association full member.
L) Support members are required to pay the membership fees required by National and will receive a Support ID. Support members are exempt from State Dues and enjoy all State benefits with national recognition.
M) Support members in good standing can wear a small 3.5” Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association support patch on the front of their jacket or the 10” support patch on the back their jacket. Support patch will be supplied by their sponsor.
Section 3.4- Right to Verify
By applying for membership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, you are giving the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and its Board of Directors the right to verify any membership application, DD214, documentation, orders and records.
Section 3.5- Attend
Each member should attend a minimum of at least one (1) event hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. This can also be an event in any member’s state if prior approval is obtained by the governing Board of Directors of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
Section 3.6- Conduct
All members MUST conduct themselves in a manner that is not an embarrassment to themselves, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, or the United States of America.
Section 3.7- Possess
All full members must possess a valid motorcycle driver’s license endorsed by their state as well as proof of insurance for their motorcycle.
Section 3.8- Misconduct
A) In the event of misconduct of a member, under the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the Board of Directors possesses the right to revoke that member’s membership. Misconduct is defined as failure to abide by the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and any organization that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association supports.
B) Bringing dishonor upon the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association in action, word(s), or deeds. Always remember WE ARE NOT, NOR DO WE CLAIM TO BE, A MOTORCYCLE CLUB! WE DO NOT HAVE COLORS! WE HAVE A VETERANS INSIGNIA!!
Section 3.9- Rights of Members
Each full member in good standing, shall be eligible to one vote. Full member must be present to cast the member’s vote in association business or elections.
Section 3.10- Resignation and Termination
Any member may resign by filing a written resignation with the secretary. Resignation shall not relieve a member of unpaid dues, or other charges previously accrued. A member can have their membership terminated by a majority vote of the membership.
Section 3.11- Non-Voting Membership
The Board of Directors shall have the authority to establish and define non-voting categories of membership. Non-voting categories of membership are not eligible to cast vote in any association activities, elections and proposed transactions or arrangements.
Section 3.12- Non-Voting Categories
The non-voting categories are defined as auxiliary, support, not in good standing, and non-chapter member.
MEETING OF MEMBERS
Article 4
Section 4.1- Regular Meetings
Regular meetings of the members will be held quarterly at a time and place designated by the President/Commander.
Section 4.2- Annual Meetings
An annual meeting of the members shall take place every year, and the specific date, time, and location of which will be designated by the President/Commander. At the annual meetings members shall elect officers, receive reports of activities of the association, and determine the direction of the association for the coming year.
Section 4.3- Special Meeting
Special meetings may be called by the President/Commander, the Board of Directors, or a simple majority of the Board of Directors. A petition signed by five percent of voting members may also call a special meeting.
Section 4.4 Notice of Meeting
Printed notice of each meeting shall be given to each voting member, by mail not less than two weeks prior to the meeting.
Section 4.5- Quorum
The members present at any properly announced meeting shall constitute a quorum.
Section 4.6- Voting
All issues to be voted on shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote takes place.
INITIATION FEES AND DUES
Article 5
Section 5.1- Dues
Membership dues shall be at such a rate, schedule or formula as may from time to time be prescribed by the governing Board of Directors of the association and approved by the general membership.
Section 5.2- Dues Deadline
The governing Board of Directors of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia shall determine deadlines for payment of Georgia State Chapter renewal membership dues.
Section 5.3- Patches
New members purchasing patches of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be done so at cost plus shipping and handling.
Section 5.4- State Chapter Dues
State Chapter dues will be $10.00, due in the month of September, due by the 30th. With the following provisions:
A. Deployed members. The Chapter will waive State dues for deployed military members within the following guidelines:
1. State dues cover the period 1 September through 31 August of the following year.
2. A member must be deployed for a minimum of six months during the fifteen month period prior to 31 August. An example would be deployed beginning 1 July 07 for a six month period. The member would be exempt from dues normally covering 1 SEP 07 – 31 August 08. Additionally, any new member joining the organization within three months prior to 31 August would only pay for the upcoming FY. For example – a new member joins 15 Jun 07; they would pay the state dues of ten dollars and that would cover their membership from 15 Jun 07 until 31 August 08.
B. Delinquent Members. With the exceptions noted in Sections 3.3/ 3.4 covering Auxiliary and Support members and that noted above for deployed military members, state dues are payable on 1 September each year and cover a period until 31 August the following year. Members are considered delinquent if their dues are not current by 31 January (five months beyond due date) each year. When the member becomes delinquent the State Chapter BOD will declare the member “not in good standing” and notify the National to reflect in their membership record. Additionally it will be the recommendation of the State Chapter BOD that some punitive action be taken against the delinquent member up to and including denial of membership.
OFFICERS
Article 6
Section 6.1 Designation of Officers
The officers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia shall be President (Commander), Vice President (Executive Officer), SGT at Arms, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Section 6.2 Qualifications
The officers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia shall qualify the age or any other specific requirement that may be in force in the State of Georgia at any given point and time.
STATE CHAPTER ELECTIONS
Article 7
Section 7.1- Eligible
All members shall be eligible to any office in the State Chapter, provided that nominees for any office must be active and a paid member in good standing, having a minimum of 6 months time with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia.
Section 7.2- Nominate
The elected officers for the State Chapter Board of Directors shall be nominated and elected annually at the scheduled State Meeting.
Section 7.3- Elected
State Representatives are appointed by the National Board of Directors and the President (Commander) would be picked by the members. The State Representative would be over the President (Commander); all below the State Representative would be elected by members. ***SR position should be voted on by the membership by the time of the next annual meeting in June 2008, in South Dakota.Per national guidance from 2007 National Meeting.
Section 7.4- Offices
No member shall hold two elective offices at the same time but may hold one elective and one or more appointive offices. Officers, elected or appointed, may be eligible to hold office in a higher Board of Directors and lower Board of Directors and such offices may be held concurrently.
Section 7.5 Good Standing
Elected and appointed officers and Board of Directors must remain active members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association/ and Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia and in good standing for the duration of the term in office.
Section 7.6- Term of Office
Officers elected at the annual State Meeting, will assume office within 30 days of the election and hold that office for 12 months or until their successors are duly qualified. Consecutive terms are permitted.
Section 7.7- Elections
Nominations and elections must be made at the annual State Meeting. The President (Commander) will vote only in the event of a tie.
Section 7.8- Resignation
Should an elected officer resign from office for any reason the State Representative will appoint a replacement to serve until the next State Meeting.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Article 8
Section 8.1- State Chapter Board of Directors
The State Board of directors, are the officers holding the positions of President (Commander), Vice President (Executive Officer), Secretary, Treasurer, and Sergeant at Arms. The State Chapter Board of Directors constitutes the executive Board of the State Chapter, responsible for the execution, through its officers of the authorized policies, by majority votes, fills vacancies in any office of the State Chapter Board of Directors and submits to the meetings and recommendations affecting policies of the State Chapter which have been previously approved. The State Chapter Board of Directors is responsible for reporting By-law infractions, as well as actions taken, to the National Board of Directors for their review.
Section 8.2- President (Commander)
The President (Commander) is the Chief Executive Officer of the State Chapter. All matters concerning relations between the club and any outside person or organization should be routed to the President (Commander) for appropriate action. The President (Commander) will preside over all meetings of the State Chapter; act as ex-officer member of all committees, issue the call for regular and special State Board of Directors meetings, schedule regular elections, and are sure they are held in accordance with this constitution, and carry out the directives of the State Board of Directors. The Secretary and Treasurer are both accountable to the President (Commander) and allow the President (commander) to fill these positions at his discretion, and assume all duties to office.
Section 8.3- Vice President (Executive Officer)
The Vice President (Executive Officer) shall coordinate all committees, and supervise plans for all State Chapter events. The Vice President (Executive Officer) shall act as an intermediary between the President (Commander) and the members. Additionally the Vice President (Executive Officer is second in command to the President (Commander) or Officer in their absence, and assumes all duties to the office.
Section 8.4- Secretary
The Secretary is responsible for making and keeping all State Chapter records, including the membership list, the By-laws, Rules of order, Standing Rules, records of all committee appointments, all written reports, copies of all correspondence between the State Chapter and any outside person or organization, and shall keep correct minutes of the proceedings of the State Chapter Board of Directors and general membership meetings. The Secretary under the direction of the President (Commander) prepares all reports required of him and assumes all duties to his office.
Section 8.5 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall keep correct and complete books and record of account. Keeps all funds of the State Chapter. Hew may disburse funds to pay expenses as prescribed in the By-laws. The Treasurer will collect State Chapter dues and other form of income due to the State Chapter, maintain the accounting books, make payments from the State Chapters funds when so ordered by the State Chapter, or National Board of Directors, sign all State Chapter checks countersigned by the President (Commander). Make regular reports to the State Chapters financial status to the State Chapter Board of Directors, the general membership, and the National Board of Directors, and assumes all duties to office.
Section 8.6 Sergeant at Arms
The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for ensuring that By-laws and Standing rules of order of the State Chapter are not violated, and that orders of the Officers are carried out in an expeditious manner. He is responsible for policing and keeping order at all State Chapter events. The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for the safety and security of the State Chapter. The Sergeant at Arms will maintain order during meetings and check members ID cards before each meeting, and assume all duties to office.
Section 8.7- Road Captain
The Road Captain is an appointed position by the President (Commander). Road Captain is responsible for all State Chapter runs. He shall research, plan, and organize all runs. During actual time on the road or at intermediate stops during a run, he shall act as ranking officer, deferring only to the President (Commander) or Vice President (Executive Officer).
DELEGATIONS
Article 9
Section 9.1- Appointed
Delegations will be appointed by the President (Commander), but are subject to the approval of the State Representative to represent the association at any convention, meeting, rally, or other assembly that may be deemed necessary, and all delegations are authorized to exercise only those powers specifically vested in them by the State Chapter Board of Directors.
EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS, DEPOSITS AND FUNDS
Article 10
Section 10.1 Execution of Instruments, Deposits and Funds
The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided by these By-laws, may by resolution authorize any officer or agent of the chapter to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Chapter, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. Unless authorized, no officer, agent or employee shall have any power or authority to bind the Chapter by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable monetarily for any purpose or in any amount.
Section 10.2- Checks and Notes
Except as otherwise specifically determined by resolution of the Board of Directors, or as otherwise required by law, checks, drafts, promissory notes, orders for the payment of money and other evidence of indebtedness shall be signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by the President (Commander) of the Chapter.
Section 10.3- Deposits
All funds of the Chapter shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Chapter in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select.
Section 10.4- Gifts
The Board of Directors may accept on behalf of the Chapter any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the non-profit purposes of this Chapter.
AMENDMENTS
Article 11
Section 11.1 Altered
These By-laws may be altered, or repealed and new By-laws adopted at the yearly State Meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present or by the Board of Directors, only to revise a conflicting Article and/or Section.
Section 11.2- Amendments
Approved or accepted amendments take effect immediately.
Section 11.3- Changes
Any changes to any Article and/or Section of the State Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia will be discussed and voted on by a quorum.
Section 11.4- Precedence
If any Georgia State Chapter By-laws conflicts with Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association National By-laws, the National By-laws will take precedence over the Georgia State Chapter By-laws.
Section 11.5- Conflicting
If any Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Georgia By-laws conflicts with Federal and/or State or Georgia Domestic Non-profit Veterans 501(c) (19) provisions and/or statutes, the conflicting Article(s) and/or Sections(s) shall be revised, by the Board of Directors and shall take effect immediately.