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Club Bylaws
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1: NAME The name of this organization shall be “Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.”, aka “Defenders MC”, “Defenders Motorcycle Club”, or “DMC”. The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a “Not for Profit” corporation by the laws of the State of Florida, Florida State Statutes Chapter 617. ARTICLE 2: PHILOSOPHY/HISTORY The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. (DMC) was founded in June 2004 as an independent, non-profit, male social club. It was established to provide the opportunity for increased camaraderie between current and retired law enforcement officers, military personnel, emergency services personnel and select citizenry, who enjoy riding motorcycles and attending motorcycling related events. The DMC and Chapter rides and events are intended to promote safe activities that will appeal to the membership as a whole. Any member may suggest ideas for rides or events. The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is one club, with chapters in various locations. All chapters shall be governed by and subject to the authority of the National Executive Board. ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP Active Members: Membership in the DMC is open to all male active and retired law enforcement officers, military personnel, emergency services personnel, and select citizenry who have been sponsored by an active member in good standing. All active members will be required to comply with these By-Laws and all future amendments. Membership of each Defenders Chapter must be maintained as a majority of Law Enforcement Officers, Public Safety Professionals, and Military as compared to its civilian membership. The chapter executive board will be responsible for maintaining this ratio of membership. The National Executive Board will ensure all chapters comply with this provision. Associate Members: Associate membership by females is permitted, but shall be limited to the female spouse or “significant other” (girlfriend) of an active member in good standing. All associate members will be required to comply with these By-Laws and all future amendments. ARTICLE 4: REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
ARTICLE 5: DMC INSIGNIA The name “Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.” (See Article #1 above) and its patches, colors, and insignia are the sole property of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. Unauthorized use or reproduction without express written consent of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is strictly prohibited.
Associate Member patches on the REAR of the vest will be worn in the following order:
Patches on the FRONT of the vest will be worn in the following order:
ARTICLE 6: NEW/PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
ARTICLE 7: EXECUTIVE BOARD and ORGINIZATIONAL STRUCTURE National Executive Board:
President - National The National President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Club and the Chairman of the National Executive board. The President has the power and authority to run the club as deemed necessary for the good of the organization. The President will consider the input and suggestions of the National Executive Board and the Chapter Executive Boards when making decisions that affect the Club. The National President (or his designee) shall preside at all National Executive meetings and sign contracts and other documents as necessary. The National President shall perform other duties as required and necessary. Vice-President - National The National Vice-President (VP) is the second in command of the organization and shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the national President in his absence. The National VP shall act as an intermediary between the chapter executive boards and the National President. The VP is responsible for coordinating the recruitment of prospective chapters and the orientation and development of new chapters. The VP may assign duties to chapter executive board members as necessary to aid in the completion of these (and other) tasks. The VP will execute all other assignments as directed by the National President. Major - National The National Major shall direct and supervise the responsibilities of the Chapter Majors. The National Major shall coordinate inter-chapter events and oversee development and coordination of road rules for all chapters. The Major will execute all other assignments as directed by the National President or his designee. Commander – National The National Commander shall direct and supervise the responsibilities of the Chapter Commanders. The National Commander will coordinate all club security and ensure that safety measures are in place for protection of chapters and club members. The National Commander will handle liaison duties between the DMC and other organizations. The Commander will execute all other assignments as directed by the National President or his designee. Secretary-National The National Secretary shall be responsible for making and keeping all records as directed by the National President. The National Secretary shall record and maintain minutes of all National Executive Board meetings. The National Secretary shall create and submit any reports as required or directed. The National Secretary shall maintain the Official registrar of all Chapters and all Club members. The National Secretary shall prepare and submit all correspondence to chapters, club members and other persons and organizations outside the Club. The National Secretary will execute all other assignments as directed by the National President or his designee. Treasurer - National The National Treasurer shall maintain an up-to-date accurate ledger of all National Executive Board Finances to include all income, expenses, assets and debts. The National Treasurer shall maintain all Club financial documents, papers, and records. The National Treasurer shall prepare the monthly and annual financial reports. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of all monies to include dues, fees, assessments, or any and all payments due to the Club. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the payment of all bills and expenses. The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the completion and submission of all official financial documents such as tax returns, reports, etc. The National Treasurer will execute all other assignments as directed by the National President or his designee. Lieutenant at Arms - National The National Lieutenant-At-Arms shall ensure that all By-Laws are followed and all orders and directives of the National President and the National Executive Board are carried out as intended. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall maintain strict compliance with these articles and orders by the chapters. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall maintain order and dignity during all National Executive Board meetings. The Lieutenant-At-Arms shall be responsible for enforcing club discipline as directed by the National President or National Executive Board, ensuring the payment of all fees and assessments as required by the Club, and for securing patches, colors and all Club property from chapters, members or associates who retire, resign, or who are expelled from the Club for just cause. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall continually maintain an awareness of real or perceived threats or safety issues affecting the Club and it members and immediately report said threat or safety issue to the National Executive Board. The Lieutenant -At-Arms is required to be an active certified law enforcement officer with powers of arrest. The Lieutenant -At-Arms will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. Chapter Executive Board:
President - Chapter The Chapter President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Chapter and chairman of the chapter Executive Board. The President has the power and authority to run the club as deemed necessary for the good of the Chapter. The President will consider the input and suggestions of the Chapter Executive Board when making decisions that affect the Chapter. The Chapter President (or his designee) shall preside at all Chapter Executive meetings and sign contracts and other documents as necessary. The Chapter President shall perform other duties as required and necessary, as approved by the National Board. Vice-President - Chapter The Chapter Vice-President (VP) is the second in command of the Chapter and shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the Chapter President in his absence. The Chapter VP shall act as an intermediary between the chapter executive board and the Chapter President. The VP is responsible for coordinating the recruitment of prospective members. The VP may assign duties to chapter executive board members as necessary to aid in the completion of these (and other) tasks. The VP will execute all other assignments as directed by the Chapter President. Major - Chapter The Chapter Major shall direct and supervise the responsibilities of the Road Captains and Road Guards. The Major will ensure that all rides and events are properly planned, organized, routed, and executed in a safe and responsible manner. The Major shall coordinate with the VP and the Commander to ensure that events and rides have adequate security to protect the club, its members and guests. The Major will execute all other assignments as directed by the Chapter President or his designee. Commander – Chapter The Commander shall direct and supervise the responsibilities of the Sergeant-At-Arms. The Commander will coordinate with the VP and LT at Arms to ensure that all rides and events have adequate security and safety measures in place for protection of members and guests. The Commander will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. Secretary – Chapter The Chapter Secretary shall be responsible for making and keeping all records as directed by the Chapter President. The Chapter Secretary shall record and maintain minutes of all Chapter meetings. The Chapter Secretary shall create and submit any reports as required or directed. The Chapter Secretary shall maintain the Official registrar of the chapter and all Club members. The Chapter Secretary shall conduct a roll call of members at all meetings. The Secretary shall prepare and submit all correspondence to club members and other persons and organizations outside the Club. The Chapter Secretary shall submit all roster changes and meeting minutes to the National Executive Board Secretary on a monthly basis. The Secretary will execute all other assignments as directed by the Chapter President or his designee. Treasurer - Chapter The Chapter Treasurer shall maintain an up-to-date accurate ledger of all Chapter Executive Board Finances to include all income, expenses, assets and debts. The Chapter Treasurer shall maintain all Club financial documents, papers, and records. The Chapter Treasurer shall prepare the monthly and annual financial report. The Chapter Treasurer will submit a quarterly financial report to the National Treasurer. The Chapter Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection of all monies to include dues, fees, assessments, or any and all payments due to the Chapter. The Chapter Treasurer shall be responsible for the payment of all bills and expenses including Chapter Charter Fees to the National Executive Board on a quarterly basis. The Chapter Treasurer shall be responsible for the completion and submission of all official financial documents such as tax returns, reports, etc. The Chapter Treasurer will execute all other assignments as directed by the Chapter President or his designee. Lieutenant at Arms - Chapter The Chapter Lieutenant-At-Arms shall ensure that all By-Laws are followed and all orders and directives of the Chapter President and the Chapter Executive Board are carried out as intended. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall maintain strict compliance with these articles and orders by the chapter. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall maintain order and dignity during all Chapter meetings. The Lieutenant-At-Arms shall be responsible for enforcing club discipline as directed by the Chapter President or Chapter Executive Board, ensuring the payment of all fees and assessments as required by the Chapter, and for securing patches, colors and all Club property from chapters, members or associates who retire, resign, or who are expelled from the Club for just cause. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall continually maintain an awareness of real or perceived threats or safety issues affecting the Club and its members and immediately report said threat or safety issue to the Chapter Executive Board. The Lieutenant -At-Arms is required to be an active certified law enforcement officer with powers of arrest. The Lieutenant -At-Arms will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. ***The following positions are Chapter officers. Chapter officers are not executive officers and do not serve on the Executive Board. Road Captains The Road Captains are responsible for researching, planning and executing all chapter rides. The Road captains shall conduct a monthly “Road Captains meeting” to obtain input from the membership as to suggested rides and events. The Road Captains shall stay informed as to local rides and events that may appeal to the membership, and include them as deemed necessary on the ride schedule. The Road Captains will submit a monthly ride schedule to the Vice-President for inclusion on the Official Ride Calendar. The Road Captains is responsible for the ride organization and route planning to effect a safe and efficient movement of the members and guests during rides. The Road captain is responsible for the enforcement of road rules during rides. The Road Captain has the authority to terminate any ride as a whole for safety reasons and has the authority to terminate any members or guests participation in a ride for any safety reason. The circumstances of such an action will immediately be reported to the Executive Board for review and follow up action if necessary. The Road Captain will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. Road Guards The Road Guards will assist the Road Captains as ordered and directed. The Road Guards will coordinate with the Road Captains and Major for ride safety and security. The Road Guards will monitor the actions of members and guests at all Club rides and events. The Road Guards may assume the position of the Road Captains in the absence of those officers or at the direction of an Executive Officer. The Road Guards will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. Sergeants-At-Arms The Sergeants-At-Arms shall provide safety and security for the Club, all members, and guests at all Club meetings, functions, events and rides. The Sergeants-At-Arms shall continually maintain an awareness of real or perceived threats or safety issues affecting the Club and it members and immediately report said threat or safety issue to an executive officer. All Sergeants-at-arms are required to be active certified law enforcement officers with powers of arrest. Sergeants-At-Arms are expected to use their knowledge, training, skills and abilities to defuse and control all situations for the safety and security of the Club and all members. The Sgt-at-Arms report to the Lt-at-Arms or the Commander. The Sergeants-At-Arms will execute all other assignments as directed by the President or his designee. ARTICLE 8: CODE OF CONDUCT The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a Law Enforcement based organization and all Club members and associates must possess and maintain the highest moral and ethical values and un-compromised integrity for continued membership in the Club. All Club members will strictly follow and adhere to the laws and ordinances of their respective state or jurisdiction, and the constitution of the Untied States of America. All Club members and associates will show respect for Club officers and all members. No club member or associate shall disrespect another, harass, or cause embarrassment to themselves or the Club or exhibit conduct contrary to the philosophy or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. Sexual harassment of members, associates, or guests is strictly prohibited. The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc., its members and associates, will not associate with any known felons, criminals, or known or suspected criminal organizations, this includes known or suspected 1% motorcycle clubs and their associates or affiliates. Members and associates will not discuss Club business outside of the Club. Any suspected violations of the Code of Conduct will be immediately reported to the Chapter Executive Board for investigation. The National Executive Board reserves the right to discipline Club members as outlined in Article 9. The National Executive Board reserves the right to suspend or revoke Chapter Charters for just cause for conduct contrary to the philosophy or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. ARTICLE 9: DISCIPLINE The Chapter Executive Board will have the power and authority, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, to vote to rescind the membership of any member or associate and remove the name of any member from the National roster for conduct contrary to the philosophy or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. The Chapter Executive Board will have the authority to sanction its membership, including, but not limited to discipline, suspension of active membership, or expulsion. Conduct unbecoming is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. The National Executive board has the right to revoke the charter of any chapter for just cause for actions contrary to the philosophy and objectives of the DMC. The National Executive Board has the ultimate authority over all chapters and all members. ARTICLE 10: DUES & FEES The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a non-profit organization. Dues will be established to be solely used for administration of the Club and to provide benefits for eligible members. All active members will pay annual dues. The Chapter Executive Board will determine annual Chapter dues. The Chapters will pay quarterly Charter Fees to the National Board. Failure to pay membership dues or charter fees will result in suspension from the Club or revocation of Chapter Charter. Fee Schedule to the National Board: Quarterly Charter Fees of $60.00 per every ten (10) members will be due upon submission of Quarterly Financial Report to the National Executive Board. Charter fees are subject to change as necessary as determined by the National Executive Board. Patch and Initiation fees will be set by the National Executive board and are subject to change. The individual Chapter Executive Board shall set chapter membership dues. ARTICLE 11: LIABILITY The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is not responsible and can not be held accountable for any illegal, immoral, or unethical actions by it members or associates. Any such actions will be considered an independent action by that person. Any such action will subject that person to discipline up to and including expulsion from the Club. All individuals, including members, Associates, and guests participating in Club events, will be required to sign a release of liability form that holds harmless the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. from any civil liability claims. ARTICLE 12: CHANGES and AMENDMENTS The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. reserves the right to issue changes and amendments to the By-Laws as deem necessary for the efficient operation of the Club. All members and associates are bound to abide by all future changes and amendments. |