Chapter By-Laws
Great Plains Chapter By-Laws
Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
Great Plains Chapter
Article 1. Name of Organization
This organization will be known as the "Reguladores Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club Great Plains Chapter." In accordance with the founding chapter by-laws the name can be abbreviated as, "Reguladores LEMC, Great Plains Chapter. The National chapter will be referred to as the, "Club," and the Great Plains Chapter will be referred to as the "Chapter," for the purposes of this document.
Article 2. Purpose
The purpose of the Chapter is to be an advocate for skilled and educated motorcycling. The members will aggressively pursue multiple rides to give every member a chance to participate in Club events. The Chapter will use every effort to promote safe, and fun, events so every attendee can benefit from the Chapter's members. The Great Plains members will try to promote camaraderie with other motorcycle enthusiasts and assist the local community and charities.
Article 3 Membership
Section 3.1. Membership Criteria
Membership is open to any current, or retired, law enforcement official with the powers of arrest. This can include, but are not limited to, Federal Officials, Police Officers, Deputy Sheriffs, and Military Police. The Chapter will also accept Associate members. Associate members are invited by regular members and must own a motorcycle. All members may invite their significant other, and depending on their sex, they will be referred to as a Darlin, or an Associate. Any significant other owning a motorcycle can be referred to as Associate. Any party joining as a Member, or an Associate, based on motorcycle ownership must prove the same, and be licensed to operate a motorcycle. Membership is open to all people meeting the criteria, as long as they are of good morale standing. All current members can have input and are expected to bring any concerns of potential members to the attention of the officers and other members. All potential members must also agree to follow the by-laws of the Chapter and the Club.
3.1a- Members must be out of the field training program and cannot be a probationary employee.
Section 3.2 Membership Rights
Every member, in good standing, will have full voting rights and full privileges.
Section 3.3 Removal
Any member may be subject to removal. Removal will require a 2/3 vote of members in good standing. A notice will be sent to all members in the case of a potential removal. The notice will include the reason for the meeting, the date, the time, and location of the meeting. The cause for the removal will be discussed at the meeting and the member will have the right to speak on his/her behalf. At the conclusion of the discussion, a vote will be called and only members present will be allowed to vote. At the conclusion of the vote, if the vote meets the criteria, the removal will be immediate. Any member removed will not be entitled to a dues refund and must surrender the club colors as soon as possible.
Article 4
Section 4.1 Dues
A new member will be required to pay the Club fee of $100.00 until the start of the next fiscal year after joining. At the beginning of the fiscal year, every member will pay $20 for the entire fiscal year. The Chapter's fiscal year will be from October 1st to September 30th. After October 31st of the new fiscal year, members failing to pay dues will be considered inactive until paid in full. Dues will not be pro-rated, or refunded except in the case of a hardship. The member requesting dues waived must make a request to the treasurer. The treasurer will present the request to the officers and must be agreed upon by a majority vote. In the event of a dissolution of the Chapter, all funds will be donated to a charity agreed upon by majority vote of remaining members still in good standing.
Article 5 Meetings
An executive meeting will be called every month. During the executive meeting, all members are welcome to attend. Four meetings, a fiscal year, will be designated as a social meeting for all members. Any member can request a topic of discussion by e-mailing the President and the Secretary one week prior to the next scheduled meeting. If e-mail capabilities do not exist, a member can contact the President by telephone, or in person, to make the request. Business for the Chapter will be conducted during social meetings, but these meetings should be during weather typically acceptable for riding to increase enthusiasm and attendance. Road Captains will be asked to provided a route for the Chapter to ride during these meetings. The route should be planned and e-mailed to all members prior to the date set for the meeting.
Article 6 Officers
Section 6.1 Chapter Officers
The Chapter shall have the following officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant at Arms. Event officers will be Road Captains, Event Coordinator, web master, and Chaplain.
Section 6.2 Qualifications
President and Vice President will be Peace Officers, as required by the Club. All other officers may be members, darlin's, or associates.
Section 6.3 Financial Responsibilities of Officers.
Any Executive Board officer may spend up to, and including, $100 without prior approval of the membership, however, the spending must be presented at the next meeting and receipts for purchases will be presented during the meeting. The money will only be reimbursed after a majority vote.
The Treasurer will keep up to date financial records at all times, and can be reviewed by any member, at any time, taking in to consideration conflicting schedules.
Article 7 Duties Of Officers
All officers are responsible for the objectives and purposes of the Chapter.
Section 7.1 President
The duties of the President shall include, but not be limited to:
A) Presiding over meetings and events not being directed by an event officer.
B) Coordinating, directing, and managing chapter functions, and business, to ensure success of the chapters objectives and goals.
C) Delegating duties such as route preparation, preside over meetings, or events.
D) Performing duties appointed to him/her
Section 7.2 Vice-President
The duties of the Vice-President shall include, but not be limited to:
A) Perform the duties of the President in the case of his/her absence
B) Serving as activities coordinator in scheduling, planning, and ensuring all arrangements have been made for any Chapter event.
C) Performing other duties which may be assigned.
Section 7.3 Treasurer
The duties of the Treasurer shall include but not be limited to:
A) Maintaining financial records including all money donated to the Chapter, raised by the Chapter, donated to charities, or spent for Chapter operations.
B) Coordinating reimbursement through the Executive Board.
C) Keeping an account of all receipts and disbursements so a statement of financial condition for the Chapter may be reviewed by the Executive Board and general membership.
D) Preparing an end-of-year report which will be presented at the first meeting of the next fiscal year.
E) Other duties which may be assigned.
Section 7.4 Secretary
The duties of the Secretary shall include, but not limited to:
A) Keeping a current list of membership, for the Chapter, and their contact information.
B) Keeping and maintaining a accurate written records of all meetings.
C) Ensuring an open line of communication is made available to all members via email or phone regarding all Chapter functions.
D) Accepting and recording all nominations for Officer elections.
E) Other duties which may be assigned.
Section 7.5 Sergeant at Arms
The duties of the Sergeant at Arms shall include, but not be limited to:
A) Keeping and maintaining ordering during all meetings.
B) Surveying and assessing any and all risks to Chapter functions, or events, and determine ways to reduce the risk to ensure a safest event possible.
C) Assisting in making lodging arrangements for out of town events.
D) Other duties which may be assigned.
Section 7.6 Road Captains
The duties of the Road Captains shall include, but not be limited to:
A) Assist the Event Coordinator in developing ride routes and coordinating events
B) Assess routes that provide safe riding for all
C) Prepare safe group riding protocols for the Chapter
D) Any other duties which may be assigned
Section 7.7 Event Coordinator
The duties of the event coordinator shall include, but not be limited to:
A) Developing a plan for special Chapter events.
B) Developing contacts within the community to assist with fundraising efforts.
C) Updating the Executive Board of needs to complete event plans
D) Create a timeline and work with Road Captains to help develop a ride route.
E) Any other duties which may be assigned
Section 7.8 Web Master
The duties of the webmaster shall be to maintain and update the chapter website. The web master can hold another office while performing the duties of web master.
Section 7.9 Succession of Officers
The following structure will be in effect in the absence of normal officer responsibility: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sgt. At Arms, Road Captain, Event Coordinator.
Article 8 Election of Officers
Officers shall hold an elected office for a term of two years and elections will take place every two years.
Section 8.1 Nominations
Nominations, or applications, for an Officer position shall be made at the general meeting during the third quarter before the end of term. All nominations, and applications, shall be made by contacting the Chapter Secretary in writing(e-mail is acceptable). Elections will be held during the September meeting.
Section 8.2 Chapter Standing
All officers must be part of the membership, and in good standing.
Section 8.3 Election Procedures
All candidates must be current members in good standing. A ballot vote will be conducted a least one month after the nomination period begins. Members must be in god standing and PRESENT to vote in any election. Those receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected for that term and will hold office until the election of a replacement. Terms will be for a 2 year period and will begin January 1st after the September election.
Section 8.4 Vacancies
Any vacancy that arises, between elections, will be filled by a member appointed by the President. This party will be a current member, in good standing, and will maintain that office until the next election.
Section 8.5 Removal
Any officer may be removed from office, for cause, by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of members present at a meeting; following a discussion of the cause. The call for a meeting for removal must be announced to the membership no later than two weeks (14 days) prior to the meeting and must include the date, time, and location of the meeting and must include the reasons for calling a removal meeting.
Article 9 Amendments
Section 9.1 Notification
Notification of proposed changes to the by-laws of the Chapter will be made through e-mail at least two weeks prior to a meeting at which changes to the by-laws are to be considered.
Section 9.2 Vote
These by-law changes may be changed by a majority vote of the members present at a regularly scheduled meeting. If and amendment or change is passed, it will go in to effect immediately and the by-laws will have the date of the change added, e.g. "[21 Mar 08]"
Article 10 Conduct
Section 10.1 Event Removal
Any member of the Club may be dismissed from a Club meeting or Club activity as a result of inappropriate behavior. The member shall be warned concerning such inappropriate conduct by an Executive Board member. The following shall be a basis for disciplinary action:
A) unsafe riding habits, especially any activity which jeopardizes the safety of other persons;
B) Behavior that is detrimental to the image of the Club; and
C) Associating with the criminal element, outside the scope of Law Enforcement duties.
Section 10.2 Disciplinary Action
Ratification of Executive Board recommendations for disciplinary action will be by a two-thirds majority vote of the Chapter members in attendance at a regularly scheduled general meeting.
Article 11 Non-Member Guests
Non-member motorcycle riders are welcome at general meetings, rides, and social gatherings of the Chapter so long as they are invited guests and accompanied by a member. Guests must agree to abide by Chapter, and Club, rules and standards of conduct. Members with invited guests are responsible for their behavior.
Article 12 Riding Protocol
While riding in a group, the following placement of bikes shall be followed:
A) President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Sgt at Arms, Charter Members, Members, and guests.
B) Road Captains shall be placed as needed to ensure safety of group.
C) A "Sanctioned Ride" shall be any three patch holding members, and must wear colors during the ride.
Article 16 Placement of Colors
Colors will be defined as patches used to signify or represent the Reguladores LEMC.
A) On the back of a black vest only the Reguladores three piece patch will be worn. An example of proper placement will be available to all new membership to ensure uniformity.
B) On the front left of the vest above the "heart" is where a member will wear the patch indicating the office held, and a charter member patch if applicable.
C) On the right, across from the office patch area is where a road name patch will be worn.
D) After completion of a term in an office, the member shall place the office patch upside down somewhere on the front of the vest, unless voted in to the same office.