Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
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Bylaws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
Rev F : 24 NOV 09
ARTICLE 1 : NAME AND EMBLEM
Section 1 (a)
The name of the association is: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
    Principle office of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be located at the following address: 1019 Highland, Liberty, MO 64068 USA
  1. Change of Address. The designation of the county or state of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association principal office may change by amendment of these bylaws. The board of Officers may change the principal office from one location to another within the named country by noting the changed address and effective date below, and such changes shall not be deemed minor, and require an amendment of these bylaws.
    1. New Address:
      Dated:
    2. New Address:
      Dated:
  2. Other Offices. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association may also have offices at such other places, within or without its state of incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business and activities may require, and as the board of directors may from time to time, designate.

Section 1 (b)
IRC Section 501(c)(19) Purposes. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 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. The BOD has the authority to change the CVMA bylaws if any part is found to be in conflict with Federal or MO state tax laws.

Section 2
The emblem / logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is the sole property of the CVMA. The CVMA patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license from the 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 the many ethnic backgrounds of all nations. 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 spade represents the death that war leaves in its wake.


ARTICLE 2 : OBJECTIVES
General: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Protocol.
The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is formed for the betterment of communication and camaraderie between other Motorcycle Associations, Veterans Organizations, and or Motorcycle Groups.

Section 1
To promote interest in various forms of motorcycle activity associated with Veterans.

Section 2
To create and maintain camaraderie among Combat Veterans from all U.S. Branches of Service and its allies.

Section 3
To support Veteran Organizations.

Section 4
To raise awareness for the plight of POWs, MIAs and their families.

Section 5
To conduct Association functions and activities in a manner befitting the members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and as well as the association's Auxiliary Members.

Section 6
To encourage a better understanding of motorcycle riders as a constructive sport among members of the public, press, and law enforcement agencies.


ARTICLE 3 : MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Any person:
  1. Of good character.
  2. Who is a Veteran of a Foreign War, "Combat".
  3. The ONLY Acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a copy of one's DD 214 or ERB which must be surrendered to the BOD for verification.
  4. Annual dues of $15 will be raised to $20 effective March 1, 2010 for all full Combat members and and $10 for military support members. Dues for CVMA members deployed in a war zone will be waived. Dues for all members are due in June of each year. Dues for new members will cover the balance of the current year and dues will be collected again in June. Dues for all new members joining after March 1st will be considered as paid in full for the balance of the current year and the following year.
  5. Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 500cc or above.
  6. Should a full member resign they will be given a 5 day grace period to rescind their resignation with no repercussions. After the 5 day grace period a member will have to re-apply for membership as a new member and will require BOD approval.
  7. Active members in good standing with the CVMA who become infirm, disabled or otherwise unable to ride their motorcycles will be able to keep their patch and be retired as members in good standing with the CVMA. Members must submit medical documentation and a minimum of one year as a member and/or BOD approval is required.
  8. Life members, if for health reasons can no longer ride can at their discretion, remain members in good standing with full voting privileges and can keep their patch.
  9. Life membership requirements: 3 years active in the CVMA. Member must be in good standing for all three years and minimum participation of one sanctioned CVMA event per year is required. One of which must be a National meeting. Cost for life membership is $150 and will be $200 effective March 1, 2010. If a life member quits for any reason or the member is removed from the CVMA rolls for any reason, no refunds will be made.

Section 2 (a)
Auxiliary Members:

  1. Must be of good character.
  2. All Auxiliary members must be a spouse, widow or widower of a full member who is in good standing with the CVMA
  3. Must support the efforts of ALL branches of the United States of Americas Armed Forces and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
  4. Will have no vote in CVMA business.
  5. Cannot hold a position on the BOD
  6. $10.00 annual dues will be assessed by the CVMA Auxiliary Unit

Section 2 (b)
Support members:

  1. Must be of good character.
  2. Must own and operate a motorcycle of 500cc or greater.
  3. Maximum number of support members will not exceed 10% of total CVMA full Combat membership.
  4. Support members must be a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.
  5. Support members will read and abide by all CVMA by-laws applicable to them. Sections excluded:
    1. Section 6 and subsection 2
    2. Section 3
    3. Elections
    4. Duties of Officers
  6. Support members are required to submit their application with proof of military service through a full member of the CVMA who has held a membership for not less than one year. Support members are required to have either ridden a minimum of 3,000 miles with their sponsor, attended three CVMA events or be known by their sponsor for a minimum of 6 months. A full member submitting an application for a support member should verify they meet the above criteria. Only 1 support member can be vouched on per year by an individual CVMA member. Support members will be at a 1 to 10 ratio, 1 support member to 10 full members based on state.
  7. Will have no vote in CVMA business .
  8. Cannot hold a position on the BOD
  9. $10.00 annual dues will be assessed and a CVMA Support ID will be issued.
  10. Support members in good standing can wear a small CVMA Support Patch on the front of their vest or jacket which will be supplied by their sponsor. Support members can also wear the 10 inch support back patch which will be supplied by their sponsor.

Section 3
By applying for membership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, you are giving the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and its Board of Directors the right to verify any membership application and DD 214 records.

Section 4
Each member should attend a minimum of at least one (1) event hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association per year. This can also be an event in any member's state if prior approval is obtained by the state representative from the governing body of the Combat Veterans Association.

Section 5
All members MUST conduct themselves in a manner that is not an embarrassment to themselves, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, or the United States of America.

Section 6
All members must possess a valid motorcycle driver’s license endorsed by their state as well as proof of insurance for their motorcycle.

Section 7

  1. In the event of misconduct by any member, under the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the Board of Directors possesses the right to revoke that member's membership. Misconduct is defined as failure to abide by the by-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and any organization that the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association supports.
  2. Bringing dishonor upon the Combat Veterans Association in action, word(s), or deeds. Always remember WE ARE NOT, NOR DO WE CLAIM TO BE, A MOTORCYCLE CLUB! WE DO NOT HAVE COLORS! We do not prospect. We do have membership fees.

ARTICLE 4 : MEMBERSHIP DUES
Section 1
Membership dues shall be at such rate, schedule or formula as may from time to time be prescribed by the governing body of the association and approved by the general membership.

Section 2
The governing body of the association shall determine deadlines for payment of renewal membership dues.

Section 3
New members purchasing patches of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be done so at cost plus shipping and handling.

Section 4
Charter members will not be required to pay annual dues and may wear the 45 patch designating that they are an original starter member, or support member, of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Section 5
Chapters can collect local dues. A cap of $10.00 annual chapter dues can be assessed. All national dues continue to go straight to national.


ARTICLE 5 : ELECTIONS
Section 1
All nominees for any office must be active and in good standing in the association with a minimum of 1 full year CVMA membership. All nominees for the National BOD must be a member in good standing and have held a State or Regional leadership position for a a period of 1 year. Retired members cannot hold a CVMA officer position. Chapter officers in newly formed chapters are excluded from the one year requirement.

Section 2
All elected and or appointed officers and Board of Directors must remain active members in good standing for the duration of the term while in office.

Section 3
All officers are to be nominated and elected at the CVMA National and will assume office within 60 days of the election and hold that office for 36 months or until their successors are duly qualified. Consecutive terms are permitted.

Section 4
Nominations and elections to the BOD must be made at the CVMA national. The President will vote only in the event of a tie.

Section 5
Members nominated for office are qualified if he or she is a paid member in good standing with the CVMA for a minimum of 1 year.

Section 6
BOD members will be considered for re-election in the following order, President / Secretary, VP / Treasurer, SGT at Arms / PR. Should any Officer resign or be removed for any reason the BOD has the authority to replace the officer and the new officer will be put up for approval by the CVMA members and nominations for the newly filled position will also be taken at this time.

Section 7
Should an elected officer resign from office for any reason the BOD will appoint a replacement to serve until the next CVMA National.


ARTICLE 6 : DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1
The President will preside over all meetings of the association; serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, act as executive officer member of all committees, issue the call for regular and special Board of Directors meetings, schedule regular elections, and be sure they are held IAW this constitution, and carry out the directives of the Board of Directors. Treasurer and Secretary positions are both accountable to the CVMA BOD the CVMA BOD is allowed to temporarily fill these positions as required.

Section 2
The Vice-President will perform all duties of the President in his absence.

Section 3
The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Board of Directors and general membership meetings, and assume all duties to office.

Section 4
The Treasurer will collect dues and other forms of income due to the association, maintain the accounting books, make payments from the associations funds when so ordered by the board of Directors, sign all associations checks (along with another officers signature) and make regular reports of the associations financial status to the Board of Directors, State Representative and the general membership.

Section 5
The Public Relations Officer will maintain a file and have it ready to present at each meeting and all association functions. He or she will be in charge of all the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Associations publicity, in conjunction with and approved by the association's President. Duties will include: Historian, club file, pictures, newspaper articles, TV and radio announcements and the associations web site.

Section 6
Sgt. of Arms has and will maintain order during CVMA meeting's and check members ID cards before each meeting will start.

Section 7
The Board of Directors constitutes the Executive Board of the Association, responsible for the execution, through its officers of the authorized policies, by majority votes, fills vacancies in any office of the Board of Directors and submits to the associations meetings and recommendations affecting the policies of the association which have been previously approved.

Section 8
Regional Representatives will be chosen by the members in the given region and will require BOD approval prior to taking office. Regional representatives primary duty will be to enforce the CVMA bylaws.

Section 9
State Representatives are appointed by the BOD and the Chapter Commander would be picked by the Chapter members. The State Representative would be over the State Chapter Commander, all below the State Representative would be elected by state members.

Section 10
State and Regional Officers would use military terms to describe their position.

Section 11
State Representative's responsibilities. These include carrying out the bylaws of the national and to watch over their membership. State representatives can dismiss or discipline unruly members with BOD approval.


ARTICLE 7 : MEETINGS
Section 1
A quorum of conducting business shall be those present at any given meeting.

Section 2
See DUTIES OF OFFICERS, Article 6, Section 1.

Section 3
Special membership meetings and special Board of Directors meetings can be called by the President or two active members.

Section 4
The Presidents rule of order will be applied during meetings to affect parliamentary procedures, unless otherwise amended and provided for in the by-laws.


ARTICLE 8 : DELEGATIONS
Section 1
Delegations will be appointed by the President, but are subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, 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.

ARTICLE 9 : AMENDMENTS
Section 1
The membership may present amendments to the bylaws when ratified buy three fourths of the membership present at a CVMA National meeting. Amendments once passed will take place immediately.
  1. Proposals for amendments to bylaws may be submitted to the general membership meeting for consideration for a maximum of two consecutive year. If the proposal is denied for two consecutive National meetings , it shall not be placed on the agenda again unless one of the following criteria is met:
    1. A two year time limit has elapsed
    2. The National BOD approves the item for placement on the agenda

Section 2
National BOD members may not hold the position of State Representative or Chapter Officer while serving on the National BOD.

Section 3
The National BOD is responsible for implementing overall policy and direction of the association. The National BOD is responsible for day-to-day operations of the association and shall make decisions as necessary to maintain the association's viability and order. At the BOD's discretion, they may delegate responsibility of implementing policy operations to the State Representatives and Regional/Area Reps when necessary.

Section 4
Benevolent fund for CVMA members will be $250 per incident. Chapters must help raise money on their own prior to applying for additional funds from the National. Money given out will not be required to be given back. Chapters with a member in need can petition National for funds. $3 out of members dues will be set aside for the benevolent fund.

Section 5
Any full member who is still a member of the Armed Forces of the USA who attends the previous years Nationals, but cannot, because of Military deployment to a combat zone, attend the current year national meeting will be given credit for the National and will be authorized a rocker for the National patch that will read, for example, DEPLOYED 20XX.

Section 6
Chapters will have delegate votes based on chapter membership. One delegate vote per 15 full members. Delegate votes will be used for National agenda items. Votes for National officers will not be changed and will still be taken by full members in actual attendance at the National.


ARTICLE 10 : STATE CHAPTERS

Section 1
State chapters require a minimum of 15 members.

Section 2
Initial State chapters are based on when they were recognized; KY being chapter one, MA chapter two, etc. Subsequent chapters within the same state shall be numbered in accordance to their initial recognition as a full chapter within that state. Example Kentucky Chapter is KY Chapter 1-1; the next full chapter will be KY Chapter 1-2.

Section 3
Chapters should not be located closer than a 1-hour ride from a previously established Chapter within the same state unless approved by the State Rep and/or National BOD.

Section 4
The Chapter members would elect the Chapter Commander. The State Representative would be over the Chapter Commander; state members would elect all below the State Representative.

Section 5
Chapter Commanders within the state are considered to be equal in "rank" regardless of chapter recognition dates.

Section 6
(DETACHMENTS)
Detachments are sponsored by and accountable to a state chapter.

Section 7
Detachments require a minimum of 8 members.

Section 8
Detachments may apply for Chapter status provided they meet Chapter guidelines. (see Article 10 sections 1-5).

Section 9
Every chapter at a minimum needs to be incorporated. Each chapter that has thier own runs and checking account will stand as an individual entity and will be responsible for their own audit. Each chapter or sub chapter, at their discretion can apply for tax exempt 501 c status and will submit a yearly report to their State Representative. The State Representative will in turn submit a financial statement to the National Treasurer. The report is due following close of the business year and not later than 15 Feb. Report needs to include an itemized list of any donations made to eligible groups (example Veterans homes) and any monies raised from chapter sponsored events and all donations received from sources outside CVMA. A detailed of expenses for chapter operation are to be included as well.

Section 10
The Detachment members would elect the Detachment Commander. The State Representative would be over the State Chapter Commander; State Chapter Commander would be over the Detachment Commander; state members would elect all below the State Representative.

Section 11
The BOD has is the final authority in disbanding a chapter or dismissing a chapter member. The BOD has the authority to assemble an investigative committee to investigate any incidents involving either a chapter or chapter member.


Rev F : 24 NOV 09 : Blackhorse, NAT SEC
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