American Legion Riders
BERNARD L. TOBIN POST 128
ABERDEEN, MARYLAND 21001
Bylaws
ARTICLE I NAME
The name of this organization shall be The American Legion Riders, Bernard L. Tobin Post 128, Aberdeen, Maryland, Department of Maryland (hereafter known as ALR128), which is located at 44 North Parke Street, Aberdeen, Maryland, 21001.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The American Legion Riders is a Post level program that is designed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion as a family oriented motorcycling activity. It allows members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion, to collectively experience comradeship and the enjoyment of community through mutual helpfulness and social activities.
ARTICLE III NATURE
SECTION 1 The ALR128 maintains and protects the image of The American Legion at all times through appropriate wearing of The American Legion Rider Emblem. The emblem of The American Legion Riders demands "that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions”.
SECTION 2 The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a motorcycle Association and not a Motorcycle Club (hereafter “M/C”) and does not claim any territory or practice M/C rules or tenets. The focus of rider membership is for the enjoyment of motorcycling and comradeship and the furthering of Legion programs and projects in the community, state, and nation.
SECTION 3 The ALR128 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. Our members actively promote motorcycle safety and serve as mentors for younger motorcyclists to help prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries. Members of the ALR128 comply at all times with the motor vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance laws or regulations of the state in which their motorcycle is registered.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 Each Chapter of The American Legion Riders shall be the judge of its own membership. Membership is a privilege, not a right guaranteed by the American Legion’s Constitution and Bylaws. Nor is it a right specified in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Constitution and Bylaws. Any individual, who is a member in good standing of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion, shall be eligible for membership in this Chapter of the American Legion Riders subsequent to the restrictions prescribed below. In addition, chapter members may be suspended or expelled upon a proper showing of cause.
SECTION 2 There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid as required by the chapter. No one may, at any time, be a member in more than one chapter of The American Legion Riders.
SECTION 3 Membership is to include the right to vote and hold elected offices within the ALR128. Each member of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion is eligible. Spouses must be active members of the American Legion family.
Section 4 Each member shall establish and maintain said membership by owning, individually, or through marriage, a motorcycle of at least 600cc’s motor displacement. The member who operates a motorcycle must be licensed and insured as required by state law.
SECTION 5 Applications for membership must include proof of American Legion Family membership card and for those who plan to operate a motorcycle with the ALR128; a valid motorcycle driver’s license, state motorcycle registration, and motorcycle insurance. All applicants must state they have read, understand, and will abide with the ALR128 Bylaws and Group Riding Guide. All applicants must be present at the ALR meeting in which they are being voted in as a Member. In addition, members shall furnish the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer with their mailing address and email address.
SECTION 6 Active memberships require that all items will be kept current and will be checked annually upon renewal of membership and recorded on the ALR128 Member Check Sheet. Continued membership may be granted for those members who have given up motorcycle ownership because of age, illness, injury, or other reasons outside the member’s control.
SECTION 7 Any member of ALR128 may be suspended, or have their membership revoked, for cause by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at the scheduled general membership meeting in which cause is asserted. Cause to be defined by, but not limited to:
SECTION 10 Members who joined ALR128 prior to December 31, 2012 shall be known as ALR Charter Members.
Article V ELECTIONS
SECTION 1 All elections of the ALR Chapter Officers shall be made by secret ballot and/or voting machine or Absentee Ballot. The Absentee Ballots will identify the voter by name to ensure no one votes twice. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to the respective office for which they were candidates. All officers of the American Legion Riders chapter must be confirmed by the Post 128 Executive Committee prior to installation.
SECTION 2 Nominations for all ALR Officers will be opened and closed at the regular ALR meeting in April. All members nominated will not be on suspension and no name shall be placed in nomination in absentia without the written consent of the nominee. Elections: Election of all Officers will be held at the regular ALR meeting in May.
SECTION 3 An Election Committee shall be appointed by the ALR Chapter Executive Committee to consist of a Chairman and at least three (3) members. Committee will be charged with the supervision and orderly conduction of business on Election Day. Committee will have sufficient number of ballots. Duties of the Election Committee will be 1) Have an up to date membership roster present to check the right of a member to vote, 2) Have a ballot box in place and guarded to receive ballots after members have voted. 3) To count the ballots and record the results. 4) Voted ballots, results, and a signed report of the Election Committee must be sealed in a packet and turned over to the ALR Chapter Secretary for safe keeping. The sealed packet can only be opened for verifying the vote by order of the Chapter Executive Committee. The packet is to be destroyed after the installation of Officers.
SECTION 4 Absentee voting will be permitted. Absentee ballots must be requested at the April Meeting. A ballot will be provided to the requesting eligible ALR member. The ballot must be printed, requested information filled in, votes cast, and returned to Post 128 ALR no later than 2:00 PM the day the elections are conducted. Only one ballot will be accepted per eligible voting member. Ballots received after the May election day will not be counted.
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS
SECTION 1 The administrative affairs of this Chapter of the American Legion Riders shall, except as may be otherwise provided for in the Chapter Bylaws, be under the supervision of the ALR128 Executive Committee which shall consist of the Elected Officers of the ALR128 and the immediate Past Chapter Director. The term of office of members of the ALR128 Executive Committee shall be for one (1) year. The ALR128 Chapter, by its Bylaws, may provide for such other standing committees as the business of the Chapter may require.
SECTION 2 The Officers of this ALR Chapter shall be a Director, Assistant Director, Sergeant-At-Arms, Secretary/Treasurer, Road Captain, Historian, Chaplain and Webmaster.
SECTION 3 The Director, Assistant Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, Secretary/Treasurer, and Road Captain shall be elected annually in May prior to the American Legion State Convention. Officers Elect must be installed within twenty (20) days after the completion of said State Convention and will take place during Post 128 Installation of Officers. They shall hold office until their successors are duly installed. The Historian, Chaplain, and Webmaster will be appointed by members of the ALR Executive Committee and the position will be considered filled upon the appointees’ acceptance of the Duties of Office.
SECTION 4 All officer vacancies, other than the Director, for reasons other than expiration of term, shall be filled by appointment of the Director. Any person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member who is succeeded. A vacancy shall exist when a committee member or officer is absent from the ALR128 due to resignation, loss of qualifications, incapacity from injury or illness, or for a continuous period of three general membership meetings.
SECTION 5 Official Resignation of an Officer shall be in the form of a letter to the ALR128 Director. Official Resignation of the Director shall be in the form of a letter to the AL Post 128 Commander.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS DUTIES
SECTION 1 Duties of the Director: It shall be the duty of the Director to preside at all meetings of the Chapter and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Chapter. The Director shall appoint committees as needed with the consent of the elected officers and membership, and shall be the Executive Officer of the Chapter. The Director shall make an annual report covering the business of the Chapter for the year and make recommendations for the ensuing year, which shall be read at the last general meeting prior to the Department Convention. The Director shall perform such other duties as directed by the AL Post 128 Executive Committee. The Director must have a current motorcycle operator’s license.
SECTION 2 Duties of the Assistant Director: The Assistant Director shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Director in the absence or disability of, or when called upon, by the Director. The Assistant Director will work with the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer to present the ALR128 Annual Budget and stay up to date on the ALR128 finances. The Assistant Director shall perform such other duties as directed by the Director. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Director, the Assistant Director shall succeed to the office of Director without further election. The Assistant Director must have a current motorcycle operator’s license.
SECTION 3 Duties of the Secretary/Treasurer: The Secretary/Treasurer shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings and meetings. These records shall be kept as the Post may require. The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain the ALR128 membership records and reports of membership will be presented when called upon at a meeting by the Director. The Secretary/Treasurer shall handle all correspondence on behalf of the Chapter. The Secretary/Treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in accordance with the directions given by the AL Post 128 Finance Officer. A report shall be presented to the ALR128 at the monthly meeting as to the condition of the finances of the Chapter. (All checks will have the signatures of the Post 128 Finance Officer and at least one of the following ALR128 Officers: Secretary/Treasurer and/or Director.)
SECTION 4 Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings, assist the Road Captain 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 ALR128 Director or ALR128 Executive Committee. The Sergeant-At-Arms must have a current operator license for a motorcycle.
SECTION 5 Duties of the Road Captain. The Road Captain shall lead the formation in all organized tours, runs, activities, parades, and events (i.e., plan and print maps of the route). The Road Captain will also be in charge of the group until arrival at the destination. The Road Captain will determine the routes for all ALR128 rides. If the Road Captain is unavailable for any reason, assistant Road Captains may be appointed to take the lead or take any other measures necessary to help ensure the safety of the group during a ride(s). The Road Captain shall solicit suggestions for rides and group activities from the ALR128 membership and other ALR Chapters. The Road Captain shall work with the Webmaster to keep a schedule of rides and updated activities. The Road Captain must have a current operator license for a motorcycle.
SECTION 6 Duties of the Historian: The Historian shall preserve the records, incidents, and archives of the ALR128 and ALR128 members and shall publish from time to time such historical data as may be appropriate. The Historian shall serve as the official ALR128 photographer and maintain a pictorial and written record of events, runs, meetings, activities and all other ALR128 functions. The Historian shall work closely with the ALR128 web master to ensure that pictorial and written records of ALR128 functions are posted on the ALR web site and given to the AL Post 128 Historian for inclusion in the permanent records. The Historian shall perform other such duties as may properly pertain to the office and as determined by the Director.
SECTION 7 Duties of the Chaplain: The Chapter Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter membership and may be asked to offer divine but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions as well as meeting invocations and benedictions. The Chaplain should be immediately notified of members or families of member’s to any deaths, illnesses, hospitalization, or needs. The Chaplain shall promptly notify the Officers and General Membership of requests received from the membership. The Chaplain shall initiate get well, sympathy cards, etc. and coordinate with the Director in regard to purchasing floral arrangements or making donations up to $75.00 without the approval of the membership.
SECTION 8 Duties of the Webmaster. The Webmaster shall maintain the ALR128 Web Page, update the Calendar of Events of the ALR128, work with the Historian to upload photos of events, and email other ALR Chapters of upcoming events of the ALR128.
ARTICLE VIII FINANCE
SECTION 1 The revenue of the ALR128 shall be derived from annual membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the AL Post 128 Executive Committee and by the ALR128.
SECTION 2 The amount of such annual membership dues shall be determined at the first general meeting of the ALR128 of the calendar year. The annual membership dues will first be applied to ALR Chapter administrative costs (office supplies, postage, web page, etc.) before being used for other purposes. Dues will be paid by ALR128 members at the first meeting they attend in a calendar year. There will be no prorating of annual ALR128 dues. The ALR Secretary/Treasurer will be responsible to record payment of membership dues. Members who are in arrears with their dues may be reported at ALR128 monthly meetings in the Secretary/Treasurer’s report.
SECTION 3 All revenue generated through ALR128 fundraisers and donations will be reported to the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer in writing to be recorded in the financial records and deposited in the AL Post 128 bank account in accordance with direction provided by the AL Post 128 Finance Officer. A financial statement will be provided at the monthly meeting and will be given to the Post Financial Officer.
ARTICLE IX MEETINGS
SECTION 1 The regular meetings of the ALR128 shall be held at The American Legion, Bernard L. Tobin Post 128 or any place selected by the Director or by the Executive Committee, monthly. No less than ten (10) meetings per year to transact any business as may be properly brought up for action. Such meetings may be converted into entertainment meetings (e.g. picnic) as may be deemed advisable by the ALR128 Executive Committee. The Director or a majority of the Executive Committee have the power to call a special meeting of this Chapter at any time.
SECTION 2 For the conduct of regular and special meetings of the ALR, a quorum shall exist when three of the five elected officers are present. One of these members must be the Director or Assistant Director and 4 Members.
ARTICLE X RULES OF ORDER
All proceedings of the ALR128 shall be conducted under the guidance of Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, except as herein otherwise provided.
ARTICLE XI ALR IMAGE
SECTION 1 The ALR is a program of The American Legion, and as such, members will dress in a manner that promotes a positive image for The American Legion and AL Post 128. ALR128 is free to set the standards to which members are attired, unless superseded by the oversight of The American Legion Bernard L. Tobin Post 128 Executive Committee. Articles of clothing with the ALR emblem will not display patches or pins containing or displaying profanity, racism, or otherwise be deemed inappropriate in a family oriented environment.
SECTION 2 The American Flag:
1. When worn by an ALR128 member, the Flag must not be subjugated by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.
2. When worn by an ALR128 member, the Flag must not be obscured or covered by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.
3. Established standards for the display and wearing of the Flag must be observed (4 U.S.C. § 1).
4. When worn on the shoulder of a garment representing ALR128, the field of stars must be forward, as if the Flag is carried into the wind on a pole.
5. When worn on the front of a garment, the field of stars is to be on the Right.
6. When worn in conjunction with one (1) flag of another organization, sovereignty, territory, or nation, the American Flag must be in a numerically superior position (to the left of the other flag when viewed from the front).
7. When worn in conjunction with several flags of other organizations, sovereign ties, territories, or nations, the Flag must be worn in the center and above any other flag in the grouping.
8. No graphic or slogan is ever to appear across the Flag.
9. 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.
10. When 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.
SECTION 3 The American Legion Riders Back Patch is to be worn by all members of the ALR128 in good standing and must be the dominant feature of the back of the garment upon which it is worn. It will not be subjugated to the patch of any M/C or motorcycle owners' group. No other Back Patch or Back Patch Design is authorized for use to represent the American Legion Riders. The ALR Back Patch and other related articles of clothing incorporate The American Legion emblem, and must be worn in a manner consistent with The American Legion emblem requirements. American Legion logos and emblems, to include the ALR Back Patch, may also be authorized by the host post for wear by selected volunteers performing work on behalf of the local post or post programs.
ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1 These Bylaws are adapted to the provisions of the Constitution of The American Legion Bernard L Tobin Post 128. Any amendment to the Post Constitution which is in conflict with any provisions hereof shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of this ALR Bylaw to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 2 These Bylaws may be amended at any regular ALR128 meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members attending the regular meeting, providing that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the next preceding regular meeting. Providing, further, that notices shall have been e-mailed to all members at least five (5) days in advance of the date such amendments are to be voted on. The notices shall consist of the articles and sections to be changed and provided that no amendment to be adopted shall be inconsistent with the Constitution of the Post. After ALR128 member approval, all amendments must be submitted to the Post Judge Advocate for AL Post 128 final approval.
The name of this organization shall be The American Legion Riders, Bernard L. Tobin Post 128, Aberdeen, Maryland, Department of Maryland (hereafter known as ALR128), which is located at 44 North Parke Street, Aberdeen, Maryland, 21001.
ARTICLE II PURPOSE
The American Legion Riders is a Post level program that is designed to promote the aims and purposes of The American Legion as a family oriented motorcycling activity. It allows members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and The Sons of The American Legion, to collectively experience comradeship and the enjoyment of community through mutual helpfulness and social activities.
ARTICLE III NATURE
SECTION 1 The ALR128 maintains and protects the image of The American Legion at all times through appropriate wearing of The American Legion Rider Emblem. The emblem of The American Legion Riders demands "that the wearer shall ever guard the sanctity of home and country and free institutions”.
SECTION 2 The American Legion Riders (ALR) is a motorcycle Association and not a Motorcycle Club (hereafter “M/C”) and does not claim any territory or practice M/C rules or tenets. The focus of rider membership is for the enjoyment of motorcycling and comradeship and the furthering of Legion programs and projects in the community, state, and nation.
SECTION 3 The ALR128 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. Our members actively promote motorcycle safety and serve as mentors for younger motorcyclists to help prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries. Members of the ALR128 comply at all times with the motor vehicle safety, licensing, and insurance laws or regulations of the state in which their motorcycle is registered.
ARTICLE IV MEMBERSHIP
SECTION 1 Each Chapter of The American Legion Riders shall be the judge of its own membership. Membership is a privilege, not a right guaranteed by the American Legion’s Constitution and Bylaws. Nor is it a right specified in the American Legion Auxiliary’s Constitution and Bylaws. Any individual, who is a member in good standing of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion, shall be eligible for membership in this Chapter of the American Legion Riders subsequent to the restrictions prescribed below. In addition, chapter members may be suspended or expelled upon a proper showing of cause.
SECTION 2 There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership, and dues shall be paid as required by the chapter. No one may, at any time, be a member in more than one chapter of The American Legion Riders.
SECTION 3 Membership is to include the right to vote and hold elected offices within the ALR128. Each member of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of the American Legion is eligible. Spouses must be active members of the American Legion family.
Section 4 Each member shall establish and maintain said membership by owning, individually, or through marriage, a motorcycle of at least 600cc’s motor displacement. The member who operates a motorcycle must be licensed and insured as required by state law.
SECTION 5 Applications for membership must include proof of American Legion Family membership card and for those who plan to operate a motorcycle with the ALR128; a valid motorcycle driver’s license, state motorcycle registration, and motorcycle insurance. All applicants must state they have read, understand, and will abide with the ALR128 Bylaws and Group Riding Guide. All applicants must be present at the ALR meeting in which they are being voted in as a Member. In addition, members shall furnish the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer with their mailing address and email address.
SECTION 6 Active memberships require that all items will be kept current and will be checked annually upon renewal of membership and recorded on the ALR128 Member Check Sheet. Continued membership may be granted for those members who have given up motorcycle ownership because of age, illness, injury, or other reasons outside the member’s control.
SECTION 7 Any member of ALR128 may be suspended, or have their membership revoked, for cause by a two-thirds vote of the membership present at the scheduled general membership meeting in which cause is asserted. Cause to be defined by, but not limited to:
- Demonstrative actions tending to injure the good name on the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American legion, or the American Legion Riders.
- Actions or verbal assaults intended to disturb the Associations construct of comradeship, mutual helpfulness, and its social well-being.
- Verbal or physical actions that hamper the Association’s ability to conduct its official business either at a scheduled, or unscheduled meeting, or at an officially sanctioned event.
- Failure to obey the commands of the Road Captain, or the designated Ride Leader on an officially sanctioned event (exemption: when these instructions could place the rider or any other individual in an unsafe situation).
- Flagrant disobedience of the safety rules as described in the ALR128 Group Riding Guidelines (current issuance).
- Consumption of alcohol on a scheduled ride is strictly prohibited except for the provisions outlined in Section 17 of the Group Riding Guidelines.
- Refusal to comply with the Bylaws.
- A written notice will be presented to the Director, or Assistant Director, indicating the date and nature of the grievance.
- The accused will be notified of the grievance at the earliest opportunity and that their presence will be necessary at the next General Meeting for resolution. A copy of the grievance will be given upon request.
- At the next scheduled General Meeting, after a quorum has been declared and both parties are present, the Director (or in his absence, Assistant Director) will suspend the normal business to hear the grievance and rebuttal.
- The General membership will be given an opportunity to discuss the allegation with both the accused and accuser.
- The time allotted for discussion to be limited to 15 minutes.
- After which time the Director will reconvene to the normal business of the Association and a motion may be presented for disciplinary action. If no motion is offered, the grievance is moot.
- An additional motion will be presented to define the nature of the discipline.
- To be approved, all motions must have 2/3rds of the members present voting in the affirmative.
- The individual will be allowed to appeal the decision at the next scheduled General Membership meeting.
SECTION 10 Members who joined ALR128 prior to December 31, 2012 shall be known as ALR Charter Members.
Article V ELECTIONS
SECTION 1 All elections of the ALR Chapter Officers shall be made by secret ballot and/or voting machine or Absentee Ballot. The Absentee Ballots will identify the voter by name to ensure no one votes twice. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected to the respective office for which they were candidates. All officers of the American Legion Riders chapter must be confirmed by the Post 128 Executive Committee prior to installation.
SECTION 2 Nominations for all ALR Officers will be opened and closed at the regular ALR meeting in April. All members nominated will not be on suspension and no name shall be placed in nomination in absentia without the written consent of the nominee. Elections: Election of all Officers will be held at the regular ALR meeting in May.
SECTION 3 An Election Committee shall be appointed by the ALR Chapter Executive Committee to consist of a Chairman and at least three (3) members. Committee will be charged with the supervision and orderly conduction of business on Election Day. Committee will have sufficient number of ballots. Duties of the Election Committee will be 1) Have an up to date membership roster present to check the right of a member to vote, 2) Have a ballot box in place and guarded to receive ballots after members have voted. 3) To count the ballots and record the results. 4) Voted ballots, results, and a signed report of the Election Committee must be sealed in a packet and turned over to the ALR Chapter Secretary for safe keeping. The sealed packet can only be opened for verifying the vote by order of the Chapter Executive Committee. The packet is to be destroyed after the installation of Officers.
SECTION 4 Absentee voting will be permitted. Absentee ballots must be requested at the April Meeting. A ballot will be provided to the requesting eligible ALR member. The ballot must be printed, requested information filled in, votes cast, and returned to Post 128 ALR no later than 2:00 PM the day the elections are conducted. Only one ballot will be accepted per eligible voting member. Ballots received after the May election day will not be counted.
ARTICLE VI OFFICERS
SECTION 1 The administrative affairs of this Chapter of the American Legion Riders shall, except as may be otherwise provided for in the Chapter Bylaws, be under the supervision of the ALR128 Executive Committee which shall consist of the Elected Officers of the ALR128 and the immediate Past Chapter Director. The term of office of members of the ALR128 Executive Committee shall be for one (1) year. The ALR128 Chapter, by its Bylaws, may provide for such other standing committees as the business of the Chapter may require.
SECTION 2 The Officers of this ALR Chapter shall be a Director, Assistant Director, Sergeant-At-Arms, Secretary/Treasurer, Road Captain, Historian, Chaplain and Webmaster.
SECTION 3 The Director, Assistant Director, Sergeant-at-Arms, Secretary/Treasurer, and Road Captain shall be elected annually in May prior to the American Legion State Convention. Officers Elect must be installed within twenty (20) days after the completion of said State Convention and will take place during Post 128 Installation of Officers. They shall hold office until their successors are duly installed. The Historian, Chaplain, and Webmaster will be appointed by members of the ALR Executive Committee and the position will be considered filled upon the appointees’ acceptance of the Duties of Office.
SECTION 4 All officer vacancies, other than the Director, for reasons other than expiration of term, shall be filled by appointment of the Director. Any person so appointed shall hold office for the unexpired term of the member who is succeeded. A vacancy shall exist when a committee member or officer is absent from the ALR128 due to resignation, loss of qualifications, incapacity from injury or illness, or for a continuous period of three general membership meetings.
SECTION 5 Official Resignation of an Officer shall be in the form of a letter to the ALR128 Director. Official Resignation of the Director shall be in the form of a letter to the AL Post 128 Commander.
ARTICLE VII OFFICERS DUTIES
SECTION 1 Duties of the Director: It shall be the duty of the Director to preside at all meetings of the Chapter and to have general supervision over the business and affairs of the Chapter. The Director shall appoint committees as needed with the consent of the elected officers and membership, and shall be the Executive Officer of the Chapter. The Director shall make an annual report covering the business of the Chapter for the year and make recommendations for the ensuing year, which shall be read at the last general meeting prior to the Department Convention. The Director shall perform such other duties as directed by the AL Post 128 Executive Committee. The Director must have a current motorcycle operator’s license.
SECTION 2 Duties of the Assistant Director: The Assistant Director shall assume and discharge the duties of the office of the Director in the absence or disability of, or when called upon, by the Director. The Assistant Director will work with the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer to present the ALR128 Annual Budget and stay up to date on the ALR128 finances. The Assistant Director shall perform such other duties as directed by the Director. In the event of a vacancy in the office of Director, the Assistant Director shall succeed to the office of Director without further election. The Assistant Director must have a current motorcycle operator’s license.
SECTION 3 Duties of the Secretary/Treasurer: The Secretary/Treasurer shall have charge of and keep a full and correct record of all proceedings and meetings. These records shall be kept as the Post may require. The Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain the ALR128 membership records and reports of membership will be presented when called upon at a meeting by the Director. The Secretary/Treasurer shall handle all correspondence on behalf of the Chapter. The Secretary/Treasurer shall have charge of all finances and see that they are safely deposited in accordance with the directions given by the AL Post 128 Finance Officer. A report shall be presented to the ALR128 at the monthly meeting as to the condition of the finances of the Chapter. (All checks will have the signatures of the Post 128 Finance Officer and at least one of the following ALR128 Officers: Secretary/Treasurer and/or Director.)
SECTION 4 Duties of the Sergeant-at-Arms: The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at meetings and gatherings, assist the Road Captain 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 ALR128 Director or ALR128 Executive Committee. The Sergeant-At-Arms must have a current operator license for a motorcycle.
SECTION 5 Duties of the Road Captain. The Road Captain shall lead the formation in all organized tours, runs, activities, parades, and events (i.e., plan and print maps of the route). The Road Captain will also be in charge of the group until arrival at the destination. The Road Captain will determine the routes for all ALR128 rides. If the Road Captain is unavailable for any reason, assistant Road Captains may be appointed to take the lead or take any other measures necessary to help ensure the safety of the group during a ride(s). The Road Captain shall solicit suggestions for rides and group activities from the ALR128 membership and other ALR Chapters. The Road Captain shall work with the Webmaster to keep a schedule of rides and updated activities. The Road Captain must have a current operator license for a motorcycle.
SECTION 6 Duties of the Historian: The Historian shall preserve the records, incidents, and archives of the ALR128 and ALR128 members and shall publish from time to time such historical data as may be appropriate. The Historian shall serve as the official ALR128 photographer and maintain a pictorial and written record of events, runs, meetings, activities and all other ALR128 functions. The Historian shall work closely with the ALR128 web master to ensure that pictorial and written records of ALR128 functions are posted on the ALR web site and given to the AL Post 128 Historian for inclusion in the permanent records. The Historian shall perform other such duties as may properly pertain to the office and as determined by the Director.
SECTION 7 Duties of the Chaplain: The Chapter Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of the Chapter membership and may be asked to offer divine but nonsectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions as well as meeting invocations and benedictions. The Chaplain should be immediately notified of members or families of member’s to any deaths, illnesses, hospitalization, or needs. The Chaplain shall promptly notify the Officers and General Membership of requests received from the membership. The Chaplain shall initiate get well, sympathy cards, etc. and coordinate with the Director in regard to purchasing floral arrangements or making donations up to $75.00 without the approval of the membership.
SECTION 8 Duties of the Webmaster. The Webmaster shall maintain the ALR128 Web Page, update the Calendar of Events of the ALR128, work with the Historian to upload photos of events, and email other ALR Chapters of upcoming events of the ALR128.
ARTICLE VIII FINANCE
SECTION 1 The revenue of the ALR128 shall be derived from annual membership dues and from such other sources as may be approved by the AL Post 128 Executive Committee and by the ALR128.
SECTION 2 The amount of such annual membership dues shall be determined at the first general meeting of the ALR128 of the calendar year. The annual membership dues will first be applied to ALR Chapter administrative costs (office supplies, postage, web page, etc.) before being used for other purposes. Dues will be paid by ALR128 members at the first meeting they attend in a calendar year. There will be no prorating of annual ALR128 dues. The ALR Secretary/Treasurer will be responsible to record payment of membership dues. Members who are in arrears with their dues may be reported at ALR128 monthly meetings in the Secretary/Treasurer’s report.
SECTION 3 All revenue generated through ALR128 fundraisers and donations will be reported to the ALR128 Secretary/Treasurer in writing to be recorded in the financial records and deposited in the AL Post 128 bank account in accordance with direction provided by the AL Post 128 Finance Officer. A financial statement will be provided at the monthly meeting and will be given to the Post Financial Officer.
ARTICLE IX MEETINGS
SECTION 1 The regular meetings of the ALR128 shall be held at The American Legion, Bernard L. Tobin Post 128 or any place selected by the Director or by the Executive Committee, monthly. No less than ten (10) meetings per year to transact any business as may be properly brought up for action. Such meetings may be converted into entertainment meetings (e.g. picnic) as may be deemed advisable by the ALR128 Executive Committee. The Director or a majority of the Executive Committee have the power to call a special meeting of this Chapter at any time.
SECTION 2 For the conduct of regular and special meetings of the ALR, a quorum shall exist when three of the five elected officers are present. One of these members must be the Director or Assistant Director and 4 Members.
ARTICLE X RULES OF ORDER
All proceedings of the ALR128 shall be conducted under the guidance of Robert's Rules of Order, newly revised, except as herein otherwise provided.
ARTICLE XI ALR IMAGE
SECTION 1 The ALR is a program of The American Legion, and as such, members will dress in a manner that promotes a positive image for The American Legion and AL Post 128. ALR128 is free to set the standards to which members are attired, unless superseded by the oversight of The American Legion Bernard L. Tobin Post 128 Executive Committee. Articles of clothing with the ALR emblem will not display patches or pins containing or displaying profanity, racism, or otherwise be deemed inappropriate in a family oriented environment.
SECTION 2 The American Flag:
1. When worn by an ALR128 member, the Flag must not be subjugated by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.
2. When worn by an ALR128 member, the Flag must not be obscured or covered by any other emblem or standard on the item of apparel to which it is affixed.
3. Established standards for the display and wearing of the Flag must be observed (4 U.S.C. § 1).
4. When worn on the shoulder of a garment representing ALR128, the field of stars must be forward, as if the Flag is carried into the wind on a pole.
5. When worn on the front of a garment, the field of stars is to be on the Right.
6. When worn in conjunction with one (1) flag of another organization, sovereignty, territory, or nation, the American Flag must be in a numerically superior position (to the left of the other flag when viewed from the front).
7. When worn in conjunction with several flags of other organizations, sovereign ties, territories, or nations, the Flag must be worn in the center and above any other flag in the grouping.
8. No graphic or slogan is ever to appear across the Flag.
9. 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.
10. When 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.
SECTION 3 The American Legion Riders Back Patch is to be worn by all members of the ALR128 in good standing and must be the dominant feature of the back of the garment upon which it is worn. It will not be subjugated to the patch of any M/C or motorcycle owners' group. No other Back Patch or Back Patch Design is authorized for use to represent the American Legion Riders. The ALR Back Patch and other related articles of clothing incorporate The American Legion emblem, and must be worn in a manner consistent with The American Legion emblem requirements. American Legion logos and emblems, to include the ALR Back Patch, may also be authorized by the host post for wear by selected volunteers performing work on behalf of the local post or post programs.
ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1 These Bylaws are adapted to the provisions of the Constitution of The American Legion Bernard L Tobin Post 128. Any amendment to the Post Constitution which is in conflict with any provisions hereof shall be regarded as automatically repealing or modifying the provisions of this ALR Bylaw to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 2 These Bylaws may be amended at any regular ALR128 meeting by a vote of two thirds of the members attending the regular meeting, providing that the proposed amendment shall have been submitted in writing and read at the next preceding regular meeting. Providing, further, that notices shall have been e-mailed to all members at least five (5) days in advance of the date such amendments are to be voted on. The notices shall consist of the articles and sections to be changed and provided that no amendment to be adopted shall be inconsistent with the Constitution of the Post. After ALR128 member approval, all amendments must be submitted to the Post Judge Advocate for AL Post 128 final approval.