The Freedom Rider’s - Patriot Motorcycle Club
CONSTITUTION
On May 1st, 2012 TFR-PMC ratified the club constitution. This is
our governing document. It is the goal of TFR-PMC to respect the
US Constitution, serve our Brethren, riding for selected charities,
while enjoying the thrill of motorcycle riding.
ARTICLE 1—Club Name
“THE FREEDOM RIDERS Patriot Motorcycle Club,” hereafter
referred to as “TFR-PMC” is formed as a means of fellowship
and camaraderie among fellow riders, providing opportunities for
patriotism, charitable actions and for the enjoyment of riding
motorcycles.
ARTICLE 2—Club Patch/Clubs Costs
THE TFR-PMC “Patch” will be issued to all members upon
approval at only the cost to create it, which can be picked up by
the new member after ordered by an official with your name
reserved to retrieve it, additional patches are also available at
club cost. Name Tags, and Flag for left side chest of vest can
bought through Officers or at the business locations that we have
partnered with to duplicate or logo upon request The patch
remains the property of the club, and must be surrendered to an
officer upon demand and any money paid for the patch or patches
will be reimbursed if they were paid for. Any vest or name tag
may be kept, but the Club Logos and Rockers must be returned.
There are no dues for first year of our club to focus on doing
Charity Rides, and building a good chapter, so there each member
is responsible to cover Patch costs during our first year of our
club. Next year, we will be voting on what fair dues would be for
our club considering what the growth is(member count), and if we
need a building or residence for club business in which an account
will be created and all will be up for a vote. In next years
Constitution changes or additions, dues are established, there will
be no charge for any members vest, new or old, it will be part of
the Clubs assets and covered by the accounts that would create at
that time.
For full and ALL active members, the patch is to be sown on
the back of a black leather motorcycle jacket or vest and to be
worn at anytime possible in our Chapters area, and is expected to
be worn on every ride or group ride taken. Officers especially are
expected to show and wear their patches and treat them as a
permanent part of their Motorcycle to best represent our group,
Wearing our patches represents the Unity, respect, loyalty for
each other, our country, and the Servicemen and women that
defend.
For associate members, part-time members, or prospects, the
patch is to be sown on the back of a blue denim jacket or vest.
But, No three-piece patches are permitted in the TFR-PMC as a
part time, or trial member.
Absolutely NO member of the TFR-PMC shall wear the
designation 1% on his or her vest, jacket or any other article of
clothing while representing the TFR-PMC. Patches representing
other motorcycle clubs will not be worn on the Club vest or in
conjunction with the TFR-PMC patch (Patriot Guard Riders,
VFW, and Christian club patches are exempted from this rule). .
ARTICLE 2a—Other Insignia
The club founders will wear the “founders” patch. Members who
have ridden at least 5 missions with the club will be permitted to
wear the “Honors” 5 star patch. All members are encouraged to
wear the “Honors Patch” patch if earned.
Officers carry 5 patches, the US flag on left of chest and under
Title of Officer, and under that Nickname. On Right Side, It may
be personal choice as to have a POW, DTOM, or respective patch
of equal size to US flag on left, under that, your chapter listed,
Chapter 1 or National Patch (When National becomes available),
and under Founder Patch, if not a founder, then Official.
Standard Members in addition to the Club back patches require
only 3 in front
ARTICLE 3—Officers
(1) THE TFR-PMC Executive Board at a National level when more
then 2 chapters are created will consist of 5 Executive Officers
(National President (Nat-Prez), National Vice-President (NatVeep), National Secretary / Treasurer (Nat-Scribe) National
Sergeant at Arms (Nat-SAA), National Road Captain (Nat-RC) and 2
members of the National Chapter. Each Local Chapter will elect
the following officers, President (Chap-Prez), Vice-President
(Chap-Veep), Sergeant at Arms (Chap-SAA) and Road Captains,
Secretary of Finance, and Treasurer which may be allowed to be
allocated to a single member so long as all finances have 2
separate Official Board members overlook view paperwork of
importance. The Secretary/Treasurer positions are optional based
on size of Chapter and to be determined by vote, but are
necessary positions if you are a National, or Chapter that receives
dues. The term of service for each position is unlimited. If one of
the Executive Officer or Chapter Officer positions becomes
available, the New Officer will be voted on by the Membership
and approved by the National President. An officer position may
become available through:
a) Resignation of an officer
b) A new position being established
c) Impeachment of an officer by a 2/3rd vote of the
Membership for conduct that shows the TFR-PMC in a bad
light, and any other reason deemed in the best interest of
the Club.
2) The National President will oversee all activities of the TFRPMC. The National President will also oversee all Officers
and Members within the TFR-PMC.
3) The National Vice-President shall maintain the current Roster.
The Vice-President will report current numbers and activities
at each meeting.
4) The National and Local Secretary/Treasurer shall maintain a
membership list, record minutes of meetings, and maintain
the Club’s finance records. If no Secretary or Treasurer are
needed yet, then the Sgt at Arms or Lieutenant may assume
duties needed including recording Minutes at meetings
5) The Chapter President shall oversee all activities of his
Chapter, shall keep National President informed of all
activities for the Chapter, and perform other duties assigned
by National President.
6) The Chapter President shall appoint Chapter Vice-President,
Road Captains, Lieutenants, and Sec/Tres (if needed). All
Road Captains resigning positions shall inform the President
and assist in finding a replacement.
7) The Chapter Vice-President is responsible to inform the
National Vice-President of all new members to the Chapter.
9) The Chapter Vice-President shall maintain the current roster.
The Chapter Vice-President will report current numbers and
activities at each meeting, also report financial information to
the National Sec/Tres, if no Chapter Sec/Tres is appointed.
10) The Road Captains will be appointed by the Chapter President
and approved by the National Road Captain. Road Captains
will lead Club rides. The Road Captains must learn and be
proficient in the hand signals used for safe group riding.
11) The Lieutenant position is a value position equal to the Vice
President. The Lieutenant shall oversee and make judgments
on new members, and maintaining a log of New members as
well as making recommendations to Prez and Veep on
Membership Growth.
12) Sgt at Arms is appointed by the President (National or
Chapter) to assist in maintaining order at meetings and events,
and to perform other assigned tasks as asked by the
President. National Sgt at Arms will oversee and assist the
Chapter Sgt at Arms in their functions.
13) Chapter Officers must attend a minimum of 50% of all
meetings within a year and 25% of all sanctioned events.
14) Road Captains must attend a minimum of 25% of all meetings
within a year or 25% of all sanctioned events.
15) Officers that resign due to conflict of interests; or Officers
that have been removed from their position for failing to
follow the Club By-Laws or Officer Code of Conduct will not be
allowed to hold an Officer position in the TFR-PMC.
ARTICLE 4— Membership
1) MEMBERSHIP in the TFR-PMC is open to any Patriotic Citizen
with an interest in group riding regardless of race, sex, or
make of motorcycle so long as it is above 350cc, no mopeds
allowed. All applicants for full membership must be 18 years
of age or older. Full members must be a motorcycle rider.
Immediate family members of a current full member may
apply for associate membership, regardless of age. Associate
Members do not have voting rights, and cannot hold an officer
position.
2)
(Dues are not required first year of our Chapter, to
Concentrate more on Charity rides, and membership
growth) First time membership dues (Determined by the
Executive Board) will be collected from applicants that are
accepted for membership. With these dues the new member
will receive membership rights to vote, Club Name patch, a
constitution and the full support of this brotherhood. Club
Dues amount at next years time will be voted by full body and
only put together after full membership voting and a majority
decision is in place.
3) Anyone wishing to apply for membership shall complete a
membership application, and submit to interviews by Chapter
Officers and/or National Officers. The Chapter Officers will
discuss and vote to allow membership and forward
recommendation for membership to the National Officers. If
membership is denied the applicant will receive a reason for
denial. If only one chapter exists (or until we create a second
chapter), no National approval is required and members can
be approved by Chapter officials that receive applications and
make an immediate vote of approval.
4) The President (National & Chapter in agreement) may remove
membership from any member that does not comply with the
Constitution of the TFR-PMC or acts in a manner that does
not reflect the TFR-PMC in a good light.
5) Each Member must have proof of insurance and valid
motorcycle endorsement.
6) TFR-PMC neither participates in nor condones criminal
activity. Any member known to be involved in such activity
while in our club is unacceptable and that member is subject
to termination with no refund of dues paid, and MUST return
the club patch. TFR-PMC is a Patriot organization and as
such MUST represent our causes in good manner.
7) TFR-PMC chapters may be founded when there are no less
than five (5) prospective members that meet membership
requirements. The prospective members will first apply for
membership, once at least five have been granted full member
status; they will then petition the National Committee for a
chapter charter, which would be the original and 1st Charter
which would take that role. The National committee will
review the application, meet with the prospective chapter
leaders and vote on the establishment of the chapter.
Establishing a chapter requires a unanimous agreement.
ARTICLE 5— Meetings
1) MEETINGS will be convened as deemed necessary by both
National and Chapter officers. All Meetings will be conducted
by “Standard Club’s Rules of Order.” The date, time and
location will be posted on through Club contact list, by flyer,
through facebook, Text, Email, or Website at least 7 days
prior to the meeting at minimum. A club ride will usually
precede the meeting. If Members are unable to attend the
ride they are encouraged to attend the meeting. The National
President shall convene a National meeting at least once a
year.
2) Other than executive meetings, meetings are open to all
members. Members present will be able to vote on topics
presented for vote.
3) Any officer may call a meeting of the Officer Staff to discuss
any problem or potential problem.
4) Rumbles are meetings for Officials only and are called by Local
Chapter President or National President which may be of
immediate concern or a needed vote, which is considered an
immediate meeting, each member called to a rumble must try
to make it to the best of their ability or in certain
circumstances can attend via conference phone.
ARTICLE 6— Other Than Club Rides
1) THE TFR-PMC encourages members to ride charity events.
2)
The TFR-PMC encourages members to ride Patriot Guard
Missions or Veteran Support Events.
3) The TFR-PMC encourages riding to Patriot Events and
supporting Constitutional and educational causes
ARTICLE 6—Sanctioned Rides and Events
1) ANY event organized and conducted by TFR-PMC will be a
sanctioned ride/event.
2) Any member that wishes to conduct and plan a ride may do so
with the following requirements:
a) Inform a Chapter Officer to ensure the event does not
conflict with other Club activities.
b) Contact at least one Road Captain that is able and willing to
attend to act as a ride leader.
c) Ensure a minimum of 5 members (including one officer) will
attend the ride. Any ride organized that does not have 5
members (including one Officer) will not be considered a
sanctioned ride/event.
5) Any new member, with less than 500 miles of experience, or
anybody the ride leader deems inexperienced must ride in
front of the group.
ARTICLE 7— Amendments
1) ANY full member may suggest alterations, changes or other
revisions to this constitution.
2) Suggestions should be presented to Chapter Officers in writing.
3) The written suggestion will then be forwarded to the National
Leadership. Once reviewed the National and Originating
Chapter will then vote on the suggestion.
4) If the suggestion receives a .75 vote of the Officer Staff, it will
then be presented to the whole membership for a vote.
Constitutional changes require a .75 majority to pass.
Absolution Laws; No Illegal Business may take place within our
membership, no member can do illegal activities, such as drugs, dealing,
or anything criminal with our patch on your body. If we know of any
illegal activity or disrespect shown to regular citizens, other clubs or
especially serviceman, police or firefighters, You will be stripped of your
patch, and if we deem it serious enough or a risk to our club, then, expect
a vote on full removal as a member.
If you carry a firearm, make sure you have a permit. Respect other Club
members. If you go out drinking, be safe, and call a brother, friend, or
family member if you need a ride, Let’s support each other. Consider
each member an extension of family.
Our goals are to be ambassadors of goodwill in our community and to
Soldiers, Law enforcement, firefighters, and all good workers and their
families, as well as the family and friends of each of our members. Our
strength is not just in our numbers but it is in the commitment to one
another to make a difference in people’s lives. Good deeds breed
opportunity to not only enjoy the Freedom or riding, but to help defend
those same freedoms by helping the Soldiers that fight for those freedoms.
GOD-FAMILY-COUNTRY