| Club ByLaws |
|
Constitution and By-Laws Red Knights® International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc. Tennessee Chapter 2 Let it be known herein that the words “International” and “Club or Chapter” shall refer to the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club ®, and the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc. Tennessee Chapter 2 respectfully. Mission Statement of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc. ©The Red Knights share the common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety, and the brotherhood of firefighting. They provide support to various non-profit charities across the United States. Article 1Seal The seal shall have inscribed thereon, the name of the corporation and the date “1983”. The following is an impression of the chapter seal. Article 2Emblem/Crest The chapter Emblem/Crest shall be the Red Maltese Cross with a white or gold border and the words of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club. The Chapter Emblem/Crest shall be as depicted below. Article 3Uniform THE OFFICIAL UNIFORM OF THE RED KNIGHTS TENNESSEE CHAPTER 2 Insignia Placement Chapter Jacket The color of the jacket shall be at the discretion of the chapter. The design on the back of the jacket must first be submitted to the International for approval. Club VestThe club vest shall be at the discretion of the member (with red being the recommended color of choice by the International). Cresting on the backShall consist of only the official International Emblem as shown (picture) (1) A top rocker showing membership status as listed in Article 6 may also be worn. Or another option that is available is a top rocker that states “Red Knights”. (2) A bottom rocker showing chapter identification may also be worn. (3) The front of the vest may have nametag and/or rank insignias of the individual wearing the vest. (4) All other markings are to be in good taste and consistent with the image of the Red Knights. Club ShirtThe official uniform shirt for the chapter shall be white or blue in color at the discretion of the member (with the recommendation of white being the color of choice by the International). The creating for the shirt shall be (1) Shoulder of the left sleeve shall nave the official International emblem. The patch shall be centered on the left sleeve with the top center of the patch being ¼ of an inch from the shoulder seam. Spacing for additional rockers top or bottom of the patch shall maintain the same ¼ inch spacing. (2) Shoulder of the left sleeve shall have the chapter rocker under the official International emblem. (3) Shoulder of the right sleeve shall have the American flag. (4) The front of the shirt may have nametags and rank insignias of the individual wearing it. (5) All other markings are to be in good taste and consistent with the image of the Red Knights. Club PantsThe uniform pants shall be dark blue or black. The member shall wear dark blue or black socks and black shoes and belt. ARTICLE 4Organization Identities The Chapter shall use the Star Spangle Banner as its anthem. The motto of the Chapter shall be Loyal to Our Duty. The official Club Mascot shall be the Dalmatian dog. ARTICLE 5Dues Dues as set forth by the Chapter are as follows. Active and Associate members dues are $20.00 per member. All Social members (includes spouse, boy or girlfriend) dues are $10.00 per member. Children (18 years old & under) and Special Honorary members dues are $4.00 per member. Any member under the age of (18) eighteen must have a release form signed by a parent or guardian before being allowed to join the Chapter. Dues will increase if the International increases their dues. All dues are due on or before January 1st of each year and must be paid by March 1st of each year. ARTICLE 6Membership – Classification/Tenure, and Termination Ø Charter Member † Ø Active Member † Ø Associate Member † Ø Social Member † ‡ Ø Special Honorary Member Ø Life Member * Ø Compassionate Honorary Member * Life membership may be granted two ways; to a member in good standing that has been a continuous member for twenty-five (25) or more years, or to a member that due to a disability or declining health or age no longer has a motorcycle license or the ability to ride a motorcycle. Such membership cost shall be paid annual by the Chapter. Any member-at-large wishing to transfer membership may do so upon the expiration of his/her membership status. † These members have voting privileges and may run for office. ‡ Social members of an Associate member affiliation may not hold office or vote. Charter MembershipCharter membership is comprised of only the initial members on the club registry at the time the Tennessee Chapter 2 application was submitted to the International and the Club was established by the International. The chapter rocker shall be worn only by an Active member of any chapter. Charter members shall be restricted to Active members only of the original chartering. A charter member of any chapter who moves or transfers his/her membership to another chapter may retain his charter member rocker. Active MembershipActive membership shall be available to active and retired firefighting personnel presently owning or having access to a registered motorcycle with proof of valid insurance and holding valid motorcycle license. Associate MembershipAssociate membership shall be offered to a person who has been proposed in writing for such membership and accepted in good standing and in the opinion of a majority of the chapter’s current members. This member must substantially contribute to the promotion of the Red Knights for a minimal period of six (6) months. They must also attend fifty percent (50%) of our events during that six (6) month period. Final approval shall be by a majority vote of the chapter’s current membership at the end of their six (6) month period. Associate membership shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the existing Active membership. * Amended on 12-4-2005, see back page under By-laws Amendments/Repealments Social MembershipSocial membership shall be the spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, son(s), and daughter(s) of Charter, Active, or Associate members. Social members of Associate members may not hold office or vote in the affairs of the chapter. Special Honorary MembershipThis membership status may be granted to a member of a recognized religion for the position of chapter Chaplain. Honorary membership may also be granted to a civic or business leader who does volunteer work for the chapter. Honorary membership may also be granted to the widow or widower of a Charter, Active, or Associate member. An Honorary member shall not hold office or vote in the affairs of the chapter. Compassionate Honorary MembershipThis membership shall be given to the surviving spouse of any member of a chapter, be they Charter, Active, Associate, or Honorary member. This membership would be presented by the Chapter for tenure of its desire; there shall be no dues payable on this category of membership to the International organization. This will allow a surviving spouse to continue to be a part of the fraternal family of the Chapter without placing a financial burden on the Chapter. Membership Termination - Any member who terminates his/her membership in the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Inc. Tennessee Chapter 2 for any reason shall return his/her membership card and their colors to the Chapter upon their leaving.ARTICLE 7 Monthly Meetings The monthly meeting shall be on the first Sunday of each month. If a Holiday falls on that weekend, then the meeting shall be moved to the next following Sunday. The time of the meeting will be at one-thirty pm (1:30pm). But, the time of the meeting can be changed at anytime when voted on by the Chapter membership. ARTICLE 8Special Meetings Special meetings may be called by the vote upon the written petition of at least ten percent (10%) of the Chapter’s membership. Upon such vote or petition, the President shall call a special meeting at such time and place as he shall deem appropriate and the Secretary shall give due notice of the special meeting. Only such business as is clearly set forth in the notice for the special meeting shall be transacted at such meeting. ARTICLE 9Quorum for a Meeting At any monthly meeting or special meeting, three (3) Club Officers shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. At any monthly or special meeting, the presence of ten percent (10%) of the Chapter members shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. ARTICLE 10Secretary for Meetings Meetings of the Chapter shall not be held unless a Secretary is present or someone is appointed to take minutes of that meeting. ARTICLE 11Majority Vote At all meetings of the Chapter at which there is a quorum present, except as otherwise provided in these By-laws, a majority of the votes cast on any matter before the meeting shall control. Any matters before the meeting concerning By-laws changes will require two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote for passage. ARTICLE 12Procedure Roberts’ Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of any meeting unless inconsistent with the Aticles of Incorporation or these By-laws. ARTICLE 13Prohibition of Proxy Voting There shall be no voting by proxy at any monthly or special meeting of the members of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc. Tennessee Chapter 2. ARTICLE 14Presiding Officers At all meetings of the Chapter, the President or Vice President or in their absence, the Secretary shall preside. ARTICLE 15Non Conformation of the By-laws The Executive Board of Directors has the right to require the Chapter that does not conform to the Constitution and By-laws of the corporation, to surrender its charter and all funds and property to the International Corporation. Any monies and the value of any property are to be given to a charitable organization in the name of the corporation. ARTICLE 16Compensation Officers shall not receive any stated salary for their services as such, unless noted and approved at any monthly meeting. ARTICLE 17Election and Term of Office The officers of the Chapter shall be elected annually with nominations taking place during the November meeting and elections taking place during the December meeting. The new officers shall be sworn in at the January meeting. These new officers shall be sworn in by the last year’s President. Chapter officers shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captains (3), Quarter Master, and Web Page Editor. Other positions may be established and elected as determined by the Chapter. ARTICLE 18Duties of the President The President shall be the General Executive Head of the Chapter. He/she shall be the co-signer with the Treasurer of all notes, checks, deeds, leases, mortgages, and other legal documents given on behalf of the Chapter. The President, if required, shall have the power to call meetings of the Chapter. ARTICLE 19 Duties of the Vice President At the request of the President or in the event of his absence or disability, the Vice President shall perform the duties and possess the powers of the President. He/she shall have such other powers as to perform the duties of the President until such time as the Chapter declares a vacancy and elects a qualified replacement to serve as President. He/she shall report to the President and carry out any duties as required by the By-laws and fulfill any request the President requires of the Vice-President. He/she will carry out the duties of the President during any absence. ARTICLE 20Duties of the Treasurer The Treasurer shall have custody of all funds and property of the Chapter. He/she shall receive all funds including all annual dues from the membership. He/she shall deposit the same in the name of the Chapter in such bank(s) or trust companies as may be designed by the Chapter. He/she shall keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements when necessary or proper. He/she shall co-sign with the President, checks and/or notes, and other obligations given on behalf of the Chapter. He/she shall enter regularly on the books of the Chapter and be kept by him/her for or on account of the Chapter and shall exhibit such books at all reasonable times to the officers of the Chapter. He/she shall make full report of the financial status of the Chapter at each monthly meeting. He/she shall set up and maintain a master roster of all Chapter members in the Club and forward it to the Chapter Secretary. ARTICLE 21Duties of the Secretary He/she shall have charge of such books, documents, and papers of the Chapter. He/she shall attend all meetings of the Chapter. He/she shall keep and maintain minutes of all meetings. He/she shall give adequate notice of the meetings to all members of the Chapter. He/she shall work with the President to set up the agenda for the monthly meetings. He/she shall keep an updated record of the Help-a-Knight Directory; the complete address, telephone contact number(s), and email address(s) of the Chapter members; and a current copy of the Chapter Constitution and By-laws. ARTICLE 22Road Captain The Road Captain(s) shall have the responsibility of approving routes for all poker runs and sanctioned Chapter rides. He/she shall hold responsibility for safe riding as the Safety Officer(s) of the Chapter. If the Road Captain(s) is/are not on a ride, then the President or Vice President shall resume responsibility as Road Captain(s). The Road Captain(s) may ride in the number two (2) position with an assistant Road Captain in the lead. The Road Captain(s) may also take over the assistant Road Captain’s position at the rear of the group. His/her duties are to report safety problems to the lead Road Captain(s) and to assist any bikes leaving the group. ARTICLE 23Quarter Master The Quarter Master shall be responsible for the records of all Club properties and shall be responsible for purchasing and sales of Red Knights and/or Club merchandise for the good of the Chapter. ARTICLE 24Web Page Editor The Web Page Editor shall report to the President and carry out duties as required by the By-laws. He/she shall fulfill any request(s) of the President as required regarding the Club web site. He/she shall produce and update the Chapter web site as needed or requested in a timely matter if at all possible. ARTICLE 25Declaring a Vacancy in Office A vacancy in office may be declared if a member has unexcused absences for three (3) or more meetings, or if a member becomes inattentive to the duties of the office he/she holds. ARTICLE 26Removal or Suspension of a Member Any Chapter who removes or suspends a member or members for just cause shall within thirty (30) days notify the President of the International in writing as to the member(s) name, address, telephone contact number(s) and Chapter; giving full details for the removal or suspension. ARTICLE 27Voting All qualified voting members in good standing will have ONE (1) equal vote on each motion presented on the floor of a meeting. Votes taken at the meeting will be final. ARTICLE 28General All references herein to the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender where appropriate. No one shall be denied membership because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation or disability. ARTICLE 29Amendments These By-laws may be proposed for repealment or amendment at any monthly meeting and voted on at the next monthly meeting by members of the Chapter. A two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote is required for passage of any new, repealed, or amended by-law(s). ARTICLE 30Rules and Regulations All members shall conduct themselves in such manner as to reflect credit upon themselves, their department, the International, and the Club. Members should go out of their way to assist the motorcycle public and shall endeavor at all times to improve the image of motorcycling. All members shall keep their motorcycle(s) in a good and safe operating condition at all times. Members will obey all traffic laws at all times. When riding on the road with the Club, all motorcycles will be street legal. When participating in Club rides, each member shall be under the direction of the Road Captain(s) and his/her assistant regarding proper motorcycle formation, traffic control, and routes of travel, etc. Each member shall be allowed to wear the Club uniform/colors whenever he/she is riding, or at other times, but shall not do anything to discredit it or the image of the International and the Club. No abusive language or partaking in alcoholic beverages while riding a motorcycle and wearing any Red Knights’ clothing or apparel that will identify that person as a member of the Red Knights will be tolerated. It is requested that all Red Knights’ insignias shall be removed from any motorcycle, automobile, helmet, clothing, etc. prior to the sale of the same to a non-member. By-LAWS AMENDMENTS/REPEALMENTSArticle 6 - Associate Membership (Amended on 12-4-2005): Associate membership shall be offered to a person who has been proposed in writing for such membership and accepted in good standing and in the opinion of a majority of the current chapter membership present and eligible to vote at an officially scheduled meeting. This member must substantially contribute to the promotion of the Red Knights for a minimal period of six (6) months. They must also attend fifty percent (50%) of our events during that six (6) month period. Final approval shall be by a majority vote of the chapter’s current membership present and eligible to vote at an officially scheduled meeting at the end of the six (6) month period. Associate membership shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the existing Active membership. |