Defenders Motorcycle Club

Jacksonville Chapter

Bylaws

Established November 30, 2006

1.   Purpose

    a.  The following guidelines and organizational policy governs the Defenders Motorcycle Club of Jacksonville Florida, Chapter Five (5).

    b.  This document does “NOT” grant authorization to change, remove, or modify, in any way, the Bylaws set forth by the National Chapter.  This policy is established exclusively for the operational control and management of the Jacksonville Chapter, and shall apply to all current and future members. 

    c.  Persons seeking membership must possess all qualification requirements set forth by the National Chapter, and comply with the policies and instructions established within these Bylaws.

    d.  These Bylaws have been established and set forth by the chapter’s original founding officers.  In time the chapter will change controlling members by electing new officers for the duties and management of the organization.  However, the original officers will at all times maintain a 51% controlling vote over the chapter as long as one original officer remains in good standing within the Jacksonville Chapter.      

2.   Scope

The provisions of the Jacksonville Chapter Bylaws are applicable to all current and future members of the Jacksonville Chapter.  Nothing contained in this Bylaw shall be construed to cancel or supersede any instruction or directive issued by the authority of our National Chapter.

3.   Responsibility

    a.  These Bylaws are limited to the Defenders MC of Jacksonville, Florida only and does not grant the authority to impose or misrepresent the policies of our National or Brother Chapters.  It is the responsibility of each club member to promote professionalism, good community relations, chapter support, motorcycle safety, and above all else our unwavering commitment for the protection of freedom and the safety of our fellow Defender brothers. 

b.  Members (Full Patch) will at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner when displaying Defender MC colors within the view of the general public.  At no time will such member’s actions/conduct reflect poorly or bring discredit upon the club or its members.

c.  Associates (Spouse/Friend) will at all times uphold the same polices and guidelines set forth in these Bylaws, and the Bylaws of the National Chapter.  Such members will maintain the same high standards required by full patch members as to support quality club and chapter representation.   

d.  New Members (Probate) will at all times conduct themselves in a professional manner when displaying Defender MC “Probate” colors within the view of the general public.  At no time will such member’s actions/conduct reflect badly or bring discredit upon the club or its members. 

Probationary members will be under the probation and review process for a period of not less than 90-days, at which time one of the following actions will apply:

1. Acceptable Completion of Probate/Review:

   (Awarded Full Patch Club Membership)

2. Unsatisfactory Completion of Probate/Review:

   (Denied Club Membership)

3. Non-Satisfactory Completion of Probate/Review:    

Probationary members who are not awarded “Full Patch” status at the completion of 90 days may be extended at the discretion of the Executive Board.  Such extension will require a monthly review until such time as the probationary member is awarded “Full Patch” status, or denied membership.

    e.  Referrals (Candidate) will be recommended by a full patch member “only”.  Candidates will be required to meet the same requirements set forth in all club policies and Bylaws.  A candidate must own (required type) motorcycle, make a minimum of three (3) rides with three or more full patch club members, to be completed prior to being considered for club membership.

    f.  Dismissal/Membership Cancellation (All) This chapter reserves the right to cancel membership of any member, who’s actions/conduct do not reflect the policies, guidelines, and Bylaws to include the fundamental image of our established organization, IAW the Bylaws removal procedures set forth by this chapter and the National Chapter.

4.   Procedures and Requirements

We are a nonprofit fraternal motorcycle club for active and retired law enforcement, emergency services, military, and public safety professionals.  Our goal is to promote solidarity and brotherhood through the sport of motorcycling.  Our commitments are to each other, our families and our communities.  We reflect a positive image within our communities, and are dedicated to keeping it that way. 

Each person associated with the Defenders MC must understand that our public image is paramount to the successful acceptance of the club by the community we serve.  Conduct, which may be perceived in “poor taste” or improper, will adversely impact all members and chapters, and will not be tolerated.  

        (1) Member (Full Patch): Must have a valid state driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement.

        (2) Member (Full Patch): For Concealed Weapons Carry, must possess a State Concealed Weapons Permit or be exempt under the Peace Officers Safety Act, and meet all requirements.

        (3) Member (Full Patch): Operating a motorcycle onboard military installations, must meet DOD qualifications and utilize required motorcycle safety equipment during operations on base.  Defender MC colors are not authorized for wear during duty hours or while in uniform.

        (4) Member (Full Patch): Will not permit Defenders MC colors to be left unsecured, borrowed by non-club members, displayed inappropriately, unauthorized manufacture/copy, or the sale of such items/club property.

        (5) Member (Full Patch): Will at all times, while displaying Defenders colors conduct themselves in a manner that reflects a safe, positive and pro community image.

        (6) Associate (Spouse/Friend): Will not wear or display Defender colors outside of those areas as designed in club policy/Bylaws.  Associates wearing Defender colors in the view of the general public will at times be in the presence of at least one full patch member.  This is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of our most valuable members. 

        (7) Associate (Spouse/Friend): Will not permit Defenders MC colors to be left unsecured, borrowed by non-club members, displayed inappropriately, unauthorized manufacture/copy, or the sale of such items/club property.

        (8) Associate (Spouse/Friend): As pertains to club business, have authority to make recommendation or suggestions; however, they do not have voting rights on club business issues.

5.   Dues, Fees, and Remedies

    a.  Membership dues for all active members shall be assessed at the rate of ten ($10.00) dollars per month. 

    b.  Dues shall be paid in advance, and may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.

    c.  Dues shall be due on the 1^st of the month and become delinquent after the 15^th of the month.

    d.  Delinquencies in excess of 90 days shall be referred to the Executive Board.  The Executive Board shall convene a hearing during which the member shall have an opportunity to explain such delinquency.  Remedies available to the Executive Board shall include: extensions, penalties, placement in inactive status, termination of membership, or other action as deemed appropriate. 

6.   DMC Jacksonville Chapter-5 Founding Board Officers

   a.  The skull patch bearing the American flag bandana displayed on the lower right front of the vest as worn, shall signify a founding member of the Jacksonville chapter, and is otherwise not authorized for wear.

b.  Founding members are:

• President: Glenn Williams
• Vice-President: Randy Gommer
• Chapter Major: Joseph Robinson
• Chapter Commander: Blake Cunningham
• Lieutenant at Arms: John Tillman
• Secretary: Bo Haywood
• Treasurer: Clote Hemphill

7.   Changes and Amendments