REZ RIDERS
Indian Motorcycle Club Mission Statement
REZ RIDERS IMC purpose is to nurture
a brotherhood and sisterhood of All Nations who love to ride iron horses of
modern times. We also believe in our culture
and work towards living in the good Red Way of our people. Always remembering the price our relatives
have paid so that we can live Free. Free
to express ourselves, Free to unite, and Free to carry on the old teachings
that tell generations to come we have a right to practice our ways and that no
one can deny us. Creation has given us
the duty to watch over our earth mother and to practice our language and ways
in order to keep alive the very essence of who we are as indigenous two
legged. We carry this message as we ride
united as one to different fires throughout America and abroad to build
friendships, meet new family and share with other circles the spirit of life.
REZ RIDERS IMC
Bylaws
Revised 9/10/07
PURPOSE
The purpose of the club is to foster a family like environment of native brother and sisterhood dedicated to the sport of motorcycle riding.
FISCAL
YEAR
For tax and other financial and record keeping purposes, the club fiscal year shall coincide with the calendar year.
BY-LAW CHANGES
a.By-law changes will be made by original chapter at the quarterly meetings only. (August-November-February-May)All proposed by law changes will be submitted no later then a month prior to each quarterly meeting.All proposed bylaw changes must be motioned and seconded by members in good standing.
b. Motions to change the club bylaws must be passed by a 2/3 majority vote.
c. Amendments to the by-laws are approved with the exception to the MEMBERSHIP, what is addressed under membership for eligibility to become a member of RRIMC shall be non negotionable and will remain as stated in the by-laws for the duration of the REZ RIDERS Indian Motorcycle Club.
MEMBERSHIP
a. Must be a member of a federally / State recognized tribe, reservation or Rancheria, or
must show history of Native American background, (i.e. adopted or raised into native families)
b. Must be a passenger/companion of a fully patched member.
c. Non-Native riders will receive all full membership rights, with exception of holding officer’s positions.
d.Non-Native riders that are companion/married to a Native partner are eligible for full rights and privileges of active membership with exception of holding office.
e. Non-Native riders, dissolving their relationship to native companion, shall be
reviewed and voted on to retain full membership by 2/3 vote.
f.Non-Native riders who have been voted on and approved to retain their colors can not sponsor anyone.
g. Must have a legally registered street/highway motorcycle.
h.Must be drug free and shall remain that way.
i. Must attend 6 club meetings before eligible to be voted in as full member.
Active Members
a. Active Members are those people who have completed their Associate period of
attending 6 club meetings and been granted full rights and privileges by unanimous vote by show of hands of all Active Members.
b. Active Members may sponsor more than one Associate at any time.
Associates
a.Associates may be brought up for induction as an active member after attending 6
club meetings.
b. Associates must be sponsored by an active member in good standing.
c. Upon induction as an associate, 1 REZ RIDER top rocker will be given to the
Associate to be sewn on their vest to display that they are with us as an associate.
d. Sponsors and members are expected to treat all Associates in such a manner as to credit and honor the reputation of the club.
e. Upon induction as an active member an initiation fee of $100 dollars will be paid.
f. If during the voting process an active member votes against an associate being
inducted into the RRIMC, the active member must explain why. At that time
the club will decide if the explanation is valid to keep an associate from being
inducted into the RRIMC or not.
GOOD STANDING & BAD STANDING
a. Members are considered to be in “Good Standing” at all times unless declared otherwise.
b. A member may be declared in “Bad Standing” for violations by order of the club’s Executive Committee or by majority vote of the general membership. Members so declared may not be elected into office, may not vote on any question put before the general membership, and may not sponsor Associates.
c.All references to “Active Members” in these by-laws shall be construed to, refer only to Active Members in Good Standing.
d.Officers declared in Bad Standing shall be removed from office until such time as
their Good Standing status is returned and a temporary officer shall be appointed by the club to take their place until that time.
BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT
Members and Associates are “expected” to behave in such a manner as to avoid discrediting or dishonoring the club, especially, but not only, when wearing colors.Everyone is to conduct themselves in a good way and show respect for each other and whomever they come in contact with.
SUSPENDED MEMBERSHIP
a.Under bad standing.Conduct & behavior by 2/3 majority vote, the club may choose to suspend membership for a period of 3-6 months.
b. Suspended members must surrender all RRIMC property within ‘1’ week of vote
to suspend them, and pay all dues or debts to the club in order to start suspension in good standing.
EXPULSION
The Club may, by 2/3 majority vote of all active members, expel any Member or
Associate for just cause including, but not limited to, discrediting or dishonoring the
club.
DEATH OF A MEMBER
a. Any member in good standing who dies may keep their colors for their final ride.
b. Any colors not worn by a deceased member shall be held by the club as retired.
REINSTATEMENT
a. Any former active member who has resigned from the club may apply for
Reinstatement as an active member under the following conditions:
1.They left the club while in good standing.
2.They have no outstanding debts to the club.
3.They receive a unanimous vote approval from all Active Members.
b. Probationary period is waived and all previous seniority accrued. Time elapsed
between the date of the member’s resignation and the date of their reinstatement shall not count toward seniority.
c. Upon completion of a suspension, officers will hold an evaluation of suspended
member and decide if reinstatement is granted. Upon granted reinstatement the
member in question will be brought back under conditions of probationary period.
After a 3 month probation period has been reviewed and good behavior and conduct has been exhibited the probation period will be lifted.
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP
a. Honorary members are brothers or sisters of any nation, Indian or non Indian rides or not, that has shown ongoing strong support to our mission statement and the RRIMC as a whole.
b. Honorary members are to be considered for membership and voted in under 2/3
majority vote.
c. Honorary members are welcome to attend regular club meetings and are encouraged to participate in all club functions.
d. Honorary members are not required to pay dues.
e. Honorary members have no voting rights.
OFFICERS EMERGENCY VOTE
In the case of a death in the community and the family is in need for donations to help with burial/ceremony cost the Officers may by majority vote amongst themselves vote to donate no more than the maximum donation of $250.
REGULAR CLUB MEETINGS
a. Regular club meetings will be held the second Saturday of every month.
b. Attendance at regular meetings, including the Annual Meeting is expected for all Active Members and Associates.
c. 1/3 of the Active Members and 3 officers shall constitute a quorum.
d. Order of business for all meetings shall be as follows:
1.Prayer - Call to order
2.Open forum
3.Closed Executive Committee Session (if applicable)
4.Board Session of Active Members in Good Standing (Closed if applicable)
5.Open forum
6.Adjournment
e. Any active member or associate who will be absent from a monthly club meeting
must notify a club officer with an explanation why they are unable to attend. Anyone who does not follow this policy will be fined and if it repetitively continues can be expelled. The penalties will be assessed as follows:
1.1st unexcused absence: $15.00 fine + regular monthly dues.
2.2nd consecutive unexcused absence: $30.00 fine + regular monthly dues.
3.3rd consecutive unexcused absence: $45.00 fine + regular monthly dues, and placed on bad standing status.
4.4th consecutive unexcused absence: membership terminated.
ANNUAL
CLUB MEETING
The Annual Club Meeting will be in August and elections for new Club Officers will be held.
MONTHLY CLUB DUES
All Members and Associates will pay $15.00 in Dues on a monthly basis. Dues will be collected at each regular club meeting.If a regular club meeting is canceled, monthly dues are still due.
COLORS & PATCHES
Upon being brought into the circle as an Active Member and after the initiation fee is paid to the treasurer two full sets of colors will be issued to the new Active Member.
Initiation Fee:
A one time initiation fee of $100 dollars will be paid at the time of induction as an Active Member. Colors will not be issued until initiation fee is paid.
Club Property
All patches, business cards, identification cards, emblems, pins, articles of clothing, or other paraphernalia containing either the Club name or any abbreviation thereof shall remain the property of the club at all times.
Patch Locations
Principal Officers will wear officer patches & Rez Rider
IMC patches, above the left breast pocket, while name patches, and anniversary
patches shall be worn above the right breast pocket. Active Members will wear
the REZ RIDER IMC patch above the left breast pocket, while name patches, and
anniversary patches shall be worn above the right breast pocket.(see example)
Only the top rocker, center patch and the IMC rectangle may be attached to the back of the garment chosen to bear the colors.All patches must be uniformly positioned in accordance with club guidelines issued with the colors.(see example)No other patches or paraphernalia may be placed there.
All club patches other than the club colors (i.e. Road Names, Officer patches, etc.) Shall be brown lettering on white background, with brown border.
All Members should fly their colors at all club events and meetings.
Surrendering or delivering ones colors to an Officer of the club, except for the purpose of safekeeping, shall signify resignation from the club.Once so delivered, colors revert to club stock.
RESTRICTIONS
Prior approval must be given from the Active Members to reproduce the Club Colors in a specific manner or on a specific item or items.The club Treasurer shall maintain a copy and a log of all such approvals issued by the club.Permission granted to any Member for a specific use of the colors shall thereafter appertain to all Members.
ADDITIONAL CLUB CHAPTERS:
The executive committee will have the authority to grant charters for the establishment of additional chapters of the club.All new chapters will be required to adopt these bylaws.The executive committee of the original/Mother chapter will also have the authority to suspend for due cause the chapter of any subsequent chapter. Any chapter suspended by the executive committee will be prohibited from using the name of the club.
“ONE ARROW” Status:
One Arrows are REZ RIDERS who are moving to another state and wish to keep their patch and start a chapter in the new location.The “One Arrow” patch signifies 1 member departing to new territory like 1 arrow being shot into the sky by itself.“One Arrow” status will be granted under the following conditions.
a. One Arrows will adhere to RRIMC By-laws at all times.
b. One Arrows will make contact with Sgt At Arms via email, phone, or letter, or contact Prez at lease once a month and that contact will be conveyed at regular club meetings.
c. One Arrows will be governed by original chapter.
d. A One Arrow will be responsible to try and start up a RRIMC chapter in their area. When and if potential officers have been recruited they will be interviewed by the original Executive Committee for final approval.
e. One Arrows will keep club dues current.
f. Once One Arrow status is granted, 2 patch’s with the picture of 1 brown arrow
embroidered to them will be given to the club member to be sewn to his leathers that bare the club colors.
g. One Arrow patches are to be sewn directly above the REZ RIDERS IMC patch on the upper left breast.
OUT OF STATE STATUS
REZ RIDERS who are moving to another state and wish to keep their patch and are not seeking1-Arrow status must address the club at a regular club meeting and request to take their colors with them. By 2/3rd majority vote the member may retain and take their colors with them.At any time the out of state member requests 1-Arrow status in order to start a chapter the club will again by 2/3rd majority vote to approve 1-Arrow status.
Out of State
Associates and Membership
Any potential new member is made an Associate by the One
Arrow and other out of state members (if available). The new associate attends
a total of six meetings with One Arrow and other out of state members (if
available). At the associates sixth meeting he/she is voted in by the One Arrow
and other out of state members (if available) and Mother Chapter members who are
present. Once there are enough new out of state members to create officers
consisting of President, Vice-President, Sergeant at Arms, Secretary, and
Treasurer, then the Mother Chapter Officers are informed. Mother Chapter
Officers will then meet with and must approve potential officers.
All Out of State Members and Associates will adhere to the following:
a. Out of State Members and Associates will adhere to RRIMC By-laws at all times.
b. Out of State Members will make contact with Sgt At Arms or Prez of the Mother
Chapter via email, phone, or letter at least once a month and that contact will be
conveyed at regular club meetings. Once a chapter is established in their area those out of state members will answer to their own chapter officers.
c. Out of State Members will be governed by Mother Chapter.
d. Out of State Members and Associates will keep club dues current and once a chapter is established in their area those dues will go to that chapter.
PRINCIPAL OFFICERS - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
There shall be five voting officers. President, Vice-President, Secretary, Sgt. At Arms, and Treasurer.These officers make up the Executive Committee. The Road Captain shall serve on the Executive Committee as a nonvoting member, except when serving as an alternate.
ELIGIBILITY TO HOLD OFFICE
a. Any active member may run for office.Nominations are not required to run for any principal office.Any active member may become a candidate by simply stating their intention to do so at the June or July monthly meetings.
b. A member may not run for more than one office at a time.
ELECTIONS OF
OFFICERS
a. Elections of principal officers shall be held at the August monthly meeting.In order to allow for an orderly transition of administrations, the newly elected slate shall assume office at the Annual meeting.
b.All principal officers shall be elected by plurality (simple majority) vote.
c.A member may only hold one office at one time.
d.Members may mail in their ballot if they will not be present.
TERM OF OFFICE
All principal officers shall be elected for a term of one year.
SPECIAL ELECTION
In the event of an officer’s death, demotion to bad standing, expulsion, resignation, or retirement, a special election shall be held no more than 30 days after office is vacated.
IMPEACHENT OF OFFICERS
Any Active Member at a regular meeting may submit a Writ of Impeachment against any officer.This Writ must be signed by at least three active members of the club and must list the charges used as basis for the Writ.All active members in the club must be informed of the Writ prior to any impeachment vote.In order to allow the officer in question an opportunity to prepare a statement concerning the charges against them, a special meeting shall be scheduled for action on the Writ no less then three and no more than thirty days following the submission of the Writ.Associates are prohibited from attending this meeting, unless required to give testimony to support the Writ.Impeachment requires 2/3 majority vote of all active members in the club.
AUTHORITY
& DUTIES OF OFFICERS
PRESIDENT:
The President is the Chairman of the Executive Committee and Chief Executive Officer of the club. All matters concerning relations between the club and any outside person or organization should be routed to the President for appropriate action.The President or his/her delegate shall assume the Chair at all club meetings.He/She is responsible for controlling all meetings and keeping order.If necessary, the Chair may utilize the services of the Sgt-At-Arms to aid in keeping order.The Chair/President may not make or second any motion, and only vote on questions where their vote would affect the outcome, as in making or breaking a tie vote.Any questions of the Bylaws during a regular club meeting will be interpreted by the President.If a member is dissatisfied with that interpretation the issue will be tabled until the executive committee can rule on it.
VICE-PRESIDENT:
The Vice-Presidentshall coordinate all committees, and supervise plans for all club events.The Vice-President shall act as an intermediary between the President and the Members or Associates.All questions or comments concerning any club business not specifically related to the duties of the other officers should be brought directly to his/her attention. Additionally, the Vice-President is second in command to the President, and shall assume all responsibilities and duties of the President in their absence.
SECRETARY:
The Secretaryis responsible for making and keeping all club records, including: the membership roster, the By-laws, records of all committee appointments, all written reports, copies of all correspondence between the club and any outside person or organization, and the minutes.He/She is responsible for making sure the sign in sheet is passed around for attendance.The secretary must notify Active Members of special or emergency meetings, and must notify all members of any appointments or elections made in their absence.
TREASURER:
The Treasurerkeeps all funds of the club chapter.The treasurer may disburse funds to pay expenses not to exceed $100 dollars.Any expense over $100 dollars must be approved through the club.The treasurer must keep an accurate record of all income and expenses, and is required to report fiscal status of club funds at each regular meeting.The treasurer will notify members and associates of any money that is due to the club.
SERGEANT AT ARMS:
The Sergeant At Armsis responsible for ensuring that the By-laws of the club are not being violated and that the orders of the Executive Committee are carried out in an expeditious manner. He/she will keep inventory of all unused club colors and patches, as well as a record of colors, patches, or reproductions thereof issued to members. He/she is responsible for policing and keeping order at all club events, except as noted under the duties of the Chairman.He/she may delegate members to aid in keeping order on their own authority.He/she has a responsibility to report any unseemly behavior or incident to the Executive Committee.He/she is responsible for securing any patches or colors from any member who retires, resigns, or is expelled.The Sgt at Arms is responsible for the safety and security of the club, as well as the protection and defense of its members.Upon becoming aware of any real or perceived threat to the club, its members, or events, he/she shall immediately notify the Executive Committee of said threat.
ROAD CAPTAIN:
The Road Captain is responsible for all club runs. He/she shall research, plan, and organize all runs. During actual time on the road or at intermediate stops during the run, he/she shall be ranking officer, deferring only to the president or vice-president, if either of them is present, and only then for matters involving persons outside the club. He/she shall supply the secretary with any information required to notify outside agencies of impeding club runs in a timely manner.