NAME AND EMBLEM

Article 1

Section 1.1- Name

The name of the association is:  Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.  Also referred to as the Association or CVMA-Georgia Inc.

Section 1.2 - Emblem and Logo

The emblem / logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) is the sole property of the CVMA.  The CVMA patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license from the National BOD.  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 all branches of the military service of the United States.  Black, representing the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those that are considered missing in action or prisoners of war.  The Skull and Ace of Spades represents the death that war leaves in its wake.

Section 1.3 - Principal Office

The principal office of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. is 200 Saddle Ridge Way, Fayetteville, GA 30215, County of Fayette, State of Georgia.

Section 1.4 - Change of Address

The board of directors 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 Inc. 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 Inc. 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 Inc. 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 the impact on their families, friends, and society.

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 support other veteran’s issues throughout the State of Georgia.

MEMBERSHIP

Article 3

Section 3.1- Membership is open to any person fulfilling the requirements below:

3.1.1.  Of good character.

3.1.2.  Who is a veteran of a Foreign War  (Combat).

3.1.3.  The only Acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. are:

3.1.3.1.  A copy of one’s DD214 which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.

3.1.3.2.  Active duty/ reserve must show proof of your combat 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 award data record page, Coast Guard PDR Award Page which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.

3.1.4.  Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 30.50 CU IN (500CC) or above.

3.1.5.  Should a full member resign, they will be given a five-day grace period to rescind their resignation with no repercussions.  After the five-day grace period, a member will have to re-apply for membership as a new member.

3.1.6.  Active members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. who after 3 years become infirm, 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.

3.1.7.  Life member requirements - three years active in the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.  Member must be in good standing for all three years and participated in one sanctioned Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association event per year.  One of the three events must be a National Meeting.  Deployment, for six months or more, into a hostile fire zone counts as a sanctioned Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association event.  National cost for lifetime membership is $200 and CVMA-Georgia cost for Lifetime membership is $100.  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- Membership in the National Auxiliary is open to any person fulfilling the requirements listed below.  Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. does not have an Auxiliary.

3.2.1.  Must be of good character.

3.2.2.  Shall submit proof of eligibility.

3.2.3.  All auxiliary members must be a spouse, widow, or widower of a full member in good standing with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

3.2.4.  Support the efforts of all branches of the United States of Americas Armed Forces and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

3.2.5.  Auxiliary members will read and abide by all auxiliary unit by-laws applicable to them.

3.2.6.  Auxiliary members will be governed by auxiliary unit by-laws, provided they do not conflict with National By-laws.

3.2.7.  Auxiliary members have no vote in Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association business.

3.2.8.  Auxiliary members cannot hold a position on the Board of Directors.

3.2.9.  Auxiliary members are required to pay the membership fees required by National and will receive an auxiliary ID

Section 3.3 Support Membership is open to any person fulfilling the requirements below:

3.3.1.  Must be of good character.

3.3.2.  Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 30.50 CU IN (500CC) or above.

3.3.3.  The maximum number of support members will not exceed one-tenth of total full membership of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.

3.3.4.  Support members must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

3.3.5.  The only Acceptable proofs of being a veteran are:

3.3.5.1.  A copy of one’s DD214 which must be surrendered to the Board of Directors for verification.

3.3.5.2.  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.

3.3.6.  Support members will read and abide by all Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association By-laws applicable to them.

3.3.7.  Support members have no vote in Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association business.

3.3.8.  Support members are ineligible to hold a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association officer position.

3.3.9.  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 either have 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.

3.3.10.  A full member submitting an application for a support member must affirm that the support member meets the above criteria.

3.3.11.  Only one support member may be sponsored annually by a Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association full member.

3.3.12.  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.

3.3.13.  Support members in good standing may 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 or vest as indicated in the Chapter Patch SOP.  Support patches will be supplied by their sponsor.

Section 3.4 - Right to Verify

Application for membership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. constitutes approval for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. and its Board of Directors to verify any membership application, DD214, documentation, orders, and records.

Section 3.5 - Attendance

Each member should attend a minimum of one Association event annually.  With prior approval of the Board of Directors, this requirement may be satisfied by attendance at a national event or a sanctioned event from another State.

Section 3.6 - Conduct

All members must conduct themselves in a manner that does not cause embarrassment or discredit the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc., or the United States of America.

Section 3.7 - License

All full or support members must possess a valid motorcycle license endorsed by their state as well as proof of insurance for their motorcycle.

Section 3.8 - Misconduct

3.8.1.  In the event of misconduct of a member, under the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc., the Board of Directors may recommend disciplinary actions, to include dismissal, to the National Board of Directors.

3.8.2.  Misconduct is defined as failure to abide by the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. or by bringing dishonor upon the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. by action, word, or deed.  Members must always remember that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. in not a motorcycle club. 

Section 3.9 - Rights of Members

Each full member in good standing shall be eligible to cast one vote on items presented by the BOD for vote by the general membership.  Full members must be present to vote and may not vote by proxy for association business, elections, or others issues that the BOD may deem appropriate.

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. 

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 votes in any association activities, elections and proposed transactions or arrangements.

Section 3.12 - Non-Voting Categories

The non-voting categories are defined as National Auxiliary members, Support members, and members not in good standing with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.

MEETING OF MEMBERS

Article 4

Section 4.1 - Regular Meetings

Regular meetings of the members will, at a minimum, be held quarterly at a time and place designated by the Commander.

Section 4.2 - Annual Meetings

An Annual meeting of the members shall take place every year in the month of August to the extent practicable.  The specific date, time, and location will be provided to the general membership by the BOD a minimum of fourteen days in advance of the meeting.  The annual meetings will serve as the forum for full members to elect Association 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 Commander, a simple majority of the Board of Directors or by the general membership with a petition signed by five percent of voting members.

Section 4.4 - Notice of Meeting

Notice of each meeting shall be provided to each voting member, not less than fourteen days prior to the meeting.  The primary means of delivery shall be by email with printed material delivered by the U.S. Post as an alternate.

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, less by-law changes, shall be decided by a simple majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote takes place.  Section 11.1 governs the modification of by-laws.

FEES AND DUES

Article 5

Section 5.1 - Dues

The Association will collect membership dues at such a rate, schedule, or formula as may from time to time be prescribed by the Board of Directors and approved by the general membership.

Section 5.2 - Dues Deadline

The Board of Directors of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. shall determine deadlines for payment of 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  Dues

Section 6.1 - Designation of Officers

The officers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. shall be President (Commander), Vice President (Executive Officer), Sergeant at Arms, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The additional officer positions of Road Captain and Quartermaster may be filled at the commander’s discretion

Section 6.2 - Qualifications

The officers of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. shall qualify by age or any other specific requirement that may be in force in the State of Georgia at the time of entering office.

CVMA-GEORGIA INC. ELECTIONS

Article 7

Section 7.1 - Eligibility

All full members shall be eligible for any office in CVMA-Georgia Inc. provided that they are active and in good standing with CVMA-Georgia Inc. for a minimum of twelve months.

Section 7.2 - Nomination

The general membership elected officers for the Board of Directors shall be nominated and elected at the Annual Meeting.  Those officers elected by the BOD – Secretary and Treasurer, will be nominated by the general membership and elected by the BOD at the Annual Meeting.

Section 7.3 – State Representative

The general membership of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. will participate in the election of the Georgia State Representative tri-annually and submit to the National Board of Directors for ratification in accordance with the standing National by-laws.

7.3.1.  The Georgia State Representative shall exercise the authority, and perform the duties, as stipulated in the standing National by-laws with respect to CVMA-Georgia operations.

Section 7.4 - Offices

No member shall hold two general membership elected offices (State Representative, Commander, Executive Officer, Sergeant at Arms, Public Relations Officer) at the same time.  CVMA-Georgia Inc. Officers may hold office in a National position if permitted by the National by-laws.

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 Inc. and remain in good standing for the duration of the term in office.

Section 7.6 - Term of Office

7.6.1. Officers elected by the general membership (Commander, Executive Officer, Sergeant at Arms, and Public Relations Officer) will be elected at the Annual Meeting.  The Commander, Executive Officer, Sergeant at Arms, and Public Relations Officer will serve for a term of two years and will assume office within 30 days of the election.  The Secretary and Treasurer will serve for a term of one year.  Consecutive terms are permitted.

7.6.2. To provide for continuity of leadership, the election for the Executive Officer and Public Relations Officer will be conducted in odd years.  The election for the Commander and Sergeant at Arms will be conducted in even years.

Section 7.7 - Elections

Nominations and elections must be made at the Annual 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 BOD may appoint a replacement to serve until the next Annual Meeting.

DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Article 8

Section 8.1 - Board of Directors

The Board of Directors (BOD), are the officers holding the positions of President (Commander), Vice President (Executive Officer), Sergeant at Arms, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, and Detachment Commanders (when detachment have been established).  The Board of Directors is responsible for the execution of all programs, policies, and conduct of daily business activities.  The BOD may fill, by majority vote, any vacancies in any office of the Board of Directors until the next scheduled Annual Meeting.  The Board of Directors will report 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 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.  All matters concerning relations between the association and any outside person or organization should be routed to the President (Commander) for appropriate action.  The President (Commander) will preside over all meetings; act as presiding officer of all committees, issue the call for regular and special Board of Directors meetings, schedule regular elections, insure they are held in accordance with established by-laws, and carry out the directives of the Board of Directors.  

Section 8.3 - Vice President (Executive Officer)

The Vice President (Executive Officer) shall coordinate all committees and supervise planning for all CVMA-Georgia Inc. events.  Additionally, the Vice President (Executive Officer) is second in command to the President (Commander) and in the commanders absence assumes all duties of the commander.

Section 8.4 - Secretary

The Secretary is responsible for making and keeping all corporate 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 with any outside person or organization, and shall keep correct minutes of the proceedings of the 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 office.

Section 8.5 - Treasurer

The Treasurer shall keep correct and complete books and record of corporate accounts.  Maintains all funds and disburses funds to pay expenses as prescribed in the by-laws.  The Treasurer will collect dues and other forms of income due to the Association, maintain the accounting records, make payments when so ordered, and sign all checks.  The Treasurer will make regular reports on the financial status to the Board of Directors, the general membership, 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 Association 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 Association events.  The Sergeant at Arms is responsible for the safety and security of the Association.  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(s) is an appointed position by the President (Commander).  The Road Captain is responsible for all Association rides.  He shall research, plan, and organize all rides.  During a ride or at intermediate stops during, he shall act as ranking officer, deferring only to the President (Commander) or Vice President (Executive Officer) per established Standing Operating Procedures.  The Commander, at his discretion, may appoint multiple Road Captains with specific geographic responsibilities.  Assistant Road Captains will be established per the Group Ride Standing Operating Procedures.

Section 8.8 – Quartermaster

The Quartermaster is an appointed position by the President (Commander).  The Quartermaster is responsible for coordination of logistical support for Association functions.  He shall maintain Chapter property, providing regular reports to the BOD concerning QM sales, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Section 8.9 – Public Relations Officer

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) will orchestrate all actions to advance the positive recognition of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.  Duties will include preparation of print, audio-visual, electronic media, press releases and advertising of Association sponsored events.  The Public Relations Officer will serve as the Association Historian; cataloguing pictures, news articles, flyers, and other items to document the Association’s activities and community support.  The PRO will manage the associations Chat Forum (Google or similar program) and will serve as the Chairman of the Member Assistance Committee.

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 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 Association to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Association, 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 Association by any contract or engagement, 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 or President (Commander).

Section 10.3 - Deposits

All funds of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Association 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 Association any contribution, gift, bequest, or device for the non-profit purposes of this Association.  Likewise, the BOD, at its sole discretion, may provide with operating funds, small gifts of insignificant intrinsic value, to persons, companies, or other legal entities to recognize support or contributions to the Association for advancement of Veterans issues.

Section 10.5 – Treasury Audit

At the annual meeting, the Board of Directors shall establish a committee, comprised of not less than two or more than five general members, to audit the financial records of the Association.  The committee will conduct the audit within thirty days of appointment and provide a report to the membership NLT September 30 of each calendar year.  The report will be filed in the permanent Association records and may be provided to other parties as required by the articles of incorporation or governing laws.

AMENDMENTS

Article 11

Section 11.1 - Altered

These by-laws may be altered or repealed and new by-laws adopted at the Annual 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 by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. will be discussed and voted on by a quorum.

Section 11.4 - Precedence

If any Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. by-laws conflicts with the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association by-laws, the National by-laws will take precedence.

Section 11.5 - Conflicting

If any Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc. by-laws conflict 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.

DETACHMENTS

ARTICLE 12

Section 12.1 – Requirements

It is the intention of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association-Georgia Inc.  BOD to approve the establishment of Detachments, when supported by member population densities, in lieu of supporting the formation of additional State Chapters.  Detachments in the State of Georgia will require a minimum of ten members.

Section 12.2 – Detachment Identification

Detachments will be numbered sequentially based on when they were recognized by the BOD and will be named for a city in their geographical area.  For example:  Georgia Detachment One or the Columbus Detachment.  The Geographic designation will be determined by the detachment members.

Section 12.3 – Detachment Locations.

Detachments will not be located closer than a one-hour ride from a previously established detachment or geographic area containing the majority of the Association members.

Section 12.4 – Detachment Officers

The only elected officer in Detachments will be the Detachment Commander.  The Detachment Commander will be elected by the Detachment general membership.  The Detachment Commander is directly subordinate to the President (Commander), will hold a voting position on the BOD, and will stand for election biennially.