ARTICLE 1: NAME AND EMBLEM

Section 1.

The name of the association is: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

The Chapter is Illinois.

Section 2.

The emblem/logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is the sole property of CVMA. The CVMA patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license from the BOD (Board of Directors.). 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 other 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 11.5. 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 membership.

Section 6.

To encourage a better understanding of motorcycle riding as a constructive sport among members of the public, press, and law enforcement agency.

            Section 7.

Help Homeless Veterans found in the State of Illinois in any way we are able.

Section 8.

Attend and show support at local and state soldiers’ funeral services.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

Section 1.

Any person meeting the following conditions will be eligible for Full Membership status:

(a)    Be of good character.

(b)   Must be a Veteran of Foreign War, having served in active combat.

(c)    The ONLY acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a copy of one’s DD 214 which must be surrendered with the application to the Illinois State Representative and be forwarded to the National HOD for verification. Active duty members will submit a copy of their ERB file or similar documentation that shows combat/eminent danger status.

(d)   Must own and operate a Motorcycle of 500cc or above.

(e)    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 the State Chapter BOD approval. The Chapter BOD will then forward the request to the National BOD, if the request is approved by a majority vote of the State BOD.

(f)    Active members in good standing with the CVMA who after 5 years become infirm, disabled or otherwise unable to ride their motorcycles will be able to keep their patch and be retired as life time members in good standing with the CVMA.

(g)   There shall be no “prospect” period required for membership and the term “prospect” will not be used to describe a potential member. Prospect is an MC term.

(h)   $15.00 annual dues will be assessed for national membership.

(i)     Life Membership requirements, 3 years active in the CVMA. Member must be in good standing for all three years. Minimum participation of one sanctioned CVMA event per year is required. At least one event in the 3 year period must be a National Meeting. Cost for life Membership is $150. If a life member quits for any reason or the member is removed from the CVMA rolls for any reason, no refund will be made.

            Section 2.

Auxiliary Members:

(a)    Must be of good character

(b)   All Auxiliary members must be a spouse of a full member in good standing with the CVMA.

(c)    Support the efforts of ALL branches of the United States of Americas Armed Forces and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

(d)   Will have no vote in CVMA business.

(e)    Can’t hold a position on the BOD.

(f)    $10.00 annual dues will be assed for national membership.

Section 3.

Support Members:

(a)    Must be of good character

(b)   Must either ride or operate a motorcycle

(c)    Maximum number of support members will not exceed 10% total CVMA full Combat membership

(d)   Support members are required to have had military service.

(e)    Support members will read and abide by all CVMA bylaws applicable to them. Sections excluded:

a.       Section 6 and subsection 2

b.      Section 3

c.       Elections

d.      Duties of Officers

(f)    Support members are required to submit their application through a regular 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 regular member submitting an application for a support member must vouch for the new support members meeting the above criteria. An individual CVMA member can vouch for only 1 support member per year.

(g)   Will have no vote in the CVMA business.

(h)   Cannot hold a position on the BOD.

(i)     $10.00 annual dues will be assessed and a CVMA Support ID will be issued.

(j)     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. Veteran support members after verifying their military service and wear the large support back patch with will be supplied by their sponsor.

Section 4.

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 5.

Each member should attend a minimum of at least one (1) sanctioned event per year as determined by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. This can also be an event in any members’ state if prior approval is obtained from the governing body of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. Completing one sanctioned ride each year is not a requirement to maintain membership in good standing; however sanctioned rides are required in order to become a life member.

 
            Section 6.

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 7.

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

Section 8.

(a)    In the event of misconduct of a member, under the bylaws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the Board of Directors possesses the right to revoke that person’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.

(b)   Never bring dishonor upon the Combat Veterans Motorcycle 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 HAVE VETERAN’S INSIGNIA AND OUR PATCH WILL BE REFERRED TO AS “OUR PATCH”!

Article 4: INITIATION FEES AND 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 at the association and approved by the general membership.

Section 2.

The governing body of the State Chapter shall determine deadlines for payment of State 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.

State Chapter dues will be (amount to be determined by State Members at a later time.)

Article 5: STATE CHAPTER ELECTIONS

Section 1.

All nominees for any office must be active and in good standing in the association.

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 State meetings and will assume office within 30 days of the election and hold that office for 12 months or until their successors are duly qualified. Consecutive terms are permitted. After the first election, newly elected officers will hold offices for two years or until their successors are duly qualified.

Section 4.

Nominations must be made at the State CVMA Meeting. The Chapter Commander 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.

Section 6.

Should and elected officer resign from office for any reason the State Rep will appoint a replacement to serve until the next CVMA Meeting.

Section 7.

Election cycles will normally run from the fall meeting through a 24 month cycle to the next years fall meeting.

 Article 6: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

            Section 1.

The Chapter Commander will preside over all meetings of the association; act as ex officio member of all committees, issue the call for regular and special State Board of Directors meeting, schedule regular elections, and be sure they are held IAW this constitution, and carry out the directives of the Board of Directors.

Section 2.

The Chapter XO will perform all duties of the Chapter Commander in his absence.

Section 3.

The Secretary shall keep minutes of the Board of Directors and general membership meeting, 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 form the association 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 Association publicity, in conjunction with and approved by the associations 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 the start of each meeting.

 
            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 any recommendations affecting the policies of the association which have been previously approved.  

 
            Section 8.

The regional directors (once regions are organized) will be appointed by the National Board of Directors.

            Section 9.

State Representatives are appointed by the National 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 Sate Representative would be elected by state members.

            Section 10.

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

            Section 11.

State representatives’ responsibilities. These include carrying out the by-laws 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 conduction business shall consist of those present at any given meeting. A quorum is defined as 50% of the membership plus one more.

Section 2.

See DUTIES OF OFFICERS, Article 6.

Section 3.

The Chapter Commander or two active members can call special membership meetings and special State Board of Directors meetings.

Section 4.

The Robert’s 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 Chapter Commander, but are subject to the approval of the State 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 State Board of Directors.

Article 9: AMENDMENTS

Section 1.

These by-laws may be altered, or repealed and new by-laws adopted only at the yearly Illinois State Chapter CVMA meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

Section 2.

Approved and accepted amendments take effect immediately.

Section 3.

Any changes to any Article and or Section of the Illinois Chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be discussed and voted on by a quorum.

NOTE: If ANY State Chapter by-laws conflicts with the CVMA National by-laws, the National by-laws will take precedence over the State by-laws. Corrections will be made in future meetings to bring the state by-laws in line with the National one.