CONSTITUTION, BY-LAWS AND
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF
THE RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC.
CHAPTER #10 OF
CHAPTER FOUNDED 05.06.2006
BY-LAWS CREATED
BY-LAWS REVISED
APPROVED BY INTERNATIONAL
RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL
FIREFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB, INC.
CHAPTER #10 OF
The Red Knights Membership holds the common interest of motorcycling, promotion of motorcycle safety, and to the strong ties brotherhood shared by Firefighters. To provide support to several non-profit charities distressed Firefighters and or their families. To assist in area disasters if needed. To follow the Constitution, By-Laws, and Rules and Regulations of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Inc. and of this Chapter.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
QUARTERMASTER
EAST DIRECTOR
WEST DIRECTOR
SOUTH DIRECTOR
CENTRAL DIRECTOR
STATE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE BOARD
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
VICE-PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
ROAD CAPTAIN
CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD
PRESIDENT
VICE-PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
ROAD CAPTAINS (4)
QUARTERMASTER
TRUSTEE
CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
FOUNDING/CHARTER MEMBERS
ACTIVE MEMBERS
SOCIAL MEMBERS
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
HONORARY MEMBERS
DUEL MEMBERS
LIFE MEMBERS
COMPASSIONATE/HONORARY
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE; 1: NAME, EMBLEM, UNIFORM, INTERNATIONAL
Section 1-1. The name of the International Corporation shall be; RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL FIREFIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE CLUB INCORPORATED.
The name of this Red Knights Chapter shall be; CHAPTER #10,
STATE OF
Section 1-2. Chapters of the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club®
Inc. may be chartered by the International Corporation. The application to and approved by the International Corporation for a Charter binds the Chapter to the International By-
Laws as amended from time to time at the Annual Meetings of the Corporation. This
Charter may be revoked by the International Executive Board for items that may include,
But are not limited to; inappropriate conduct, arrears of Annual dues, failing to file annual rosters and reports.
Section 1-3. The Emblem /Crest are set forth by the International Corporation and will not be altered in any way without the approval of the International Executive Board. It will consist of the Firefighters Red Maltese Cross with a Gold border and an image of a motorcycle and rider in the middle. The 10`` Emblem / Crest will be positioned in the center on the back of a Vest and/or Jacket. The Club rockers may be worn above the
Emblem / Crest with “CHARTER MEMBER” or appropriate title and below the
Emblem / Crest may be a rocker with the abbreviation of State / Province and number.
(Example (NY CHAPTER 46.) No other patches or logos will be worn on the back except as allowed By the International Executive Board. Ref. Section 5.15. Any other rockers, patches, pins worn will be in good taste conducive with the Red Knight image.
Section 1-4. The Chapter membership may adopt a uniform, vest, and / or jacket that is in good taste and worn in such a manner as to project a positive image of the Red Knights. International recommends that they be Red in color. However, the Chapter may adopt any color as long as they are the same and style. The vest / jacket color of this
Chapter is black.
Section 1-5. The International motto is; “LOYAL TO OUR DUTY.” This will also be adopted by the Chapter.
Section 1-6. The Chapter mailing address will be that of the current Chapter Secretary.
All communications shall be forwarded to the proper Officer or Member. Communication to the International Executive Board shall be sent to the International Secretary for distribution.
Section 1-7. Refer to Article 4, Section 4-6 for changing or altering this Constitution.
CHAPTER
BY-LAWS.
ARTICLE; 2. MEMBERSHIP, CLASSIFICATION, TENURE, CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD & MEETINGS.
Section 2-1. The classifications of Membership are; 1. Active. 2. Social. 3. Charter.
4. Associate. 5. Honorary. 6. Dual. 7. Life. And 8. Compassionate Honorary Member.
Section 2-2. Active Membership shall be available to Active, Retired or Disabled
Firefighters presently owning or having access to a Motorcycle and holding a valid
Motorcycle endorsement. Career Firefighters, Part Paid Firefighters, Volunteer
Firefighters, * EMT’s, Brigade Firefighters and Military Firefighters are all eligible to be
Active Members and shall be treated equally. Active members can also be Duel, Charter and Life if qualified. Active Members will have one vote on Chapter matters and hold any Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-3. Social Membership shall be available to Spouses, Partners, Boyfriends,
Girlfriends, Son and Daughters of Active Members. Active Members who sponsor
Social Members shall be responsible for their actions. Social Members will have one vote on Chapter matters but may not hold an Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Exception being Chapter Secretary or Treasurer, who then is required to pay full Annual dues to be listed on the International roster.
Section 2-4. Charter Members are founding Members or members who have joined the
Chapter within one year from the date that the International Corporation accepted the
Chapter as a Chartered Chapter. Charter Members will have one vote on Chapter matters and hold any Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-5. Associate Members shall be offered to any person who has been proposed in writing for such membership and contributed to the promotion of the Chapter and wishes to participate in Chapter activities. Final approval shall be by a unanimous vote of the
Chapter at an Annual Meeting. Associate Membership shall not exceed ten (10) percent of the existing Active Members. Associate Members will have one vote on Chapter
Matters but may not hold an Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-6. Honorary Membership may be granted only under special conditions to an individual who has performed a very special act or acts in assisting the Chapter. Such as
Lawyers, Accountants, Clergy, Politicians, Etc. Such membership is limited to one person per Chapter on an Annual basis and selection based on criteria established by the
Chapter Executive Board. Honorary Members do not have a vote and shall not hold an
Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-7. Duel Membership is available to an Active Member of another Chartered
Chapter of the Red Knights Corporation. A Duel Member may not hold an elected Office in more then one Chapter. A Duel Member may also sponsor a Social Member of another Chapter. A Duel Member will have one vote on club matters and may hold an Office on the Chapter Executive Board per above stipulations. Section 2-3 applies for the
Social Member.
Section 2-8. A Life Member is a Charter Active Member who has been a concurrent member for twenty five (25) years or to an Active Member that due to health or age, no longer has the ability to ride a motorcycle. The International Corporation will honor the
Life Member by paying His /her Annual International dues. Chapter dues are at the discretion of the Chapter Members. Life Members will have one vote on Chapter matters and can hold an Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-9. Compassionate Honorary Membership may be granted to the surviving spouse or partner of any Active, Associate or Honorary Member of the Chapter. They will be exempt from any Chapter and International dues. They may have one vote on
Chapter matters but may not hold an Office on the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-10. Conditions. All members shall keep the Chapter Secretary informed of current Addresses, Phone numbers, E-Mail Addresses, and any other pertinent information. All members shall honor the “Golden Rule” at all Chapter meetings and functions. At regular meeting, a member may be entitled to only one vote despite the multiple membership classifications they qualify for. All members may be appointed to
Committees as needed.
Section 2-11. The elected Offices of this Chapter shall be; President (Chapter
Representitive), Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captains, Quartermaster, &
Two Year Trustee. The elected Officers of the Chapter shall be the Chapter Executive Board with the President serving as Chairman.
Section 2-12. The President, Secretary, Road Captain and Trustee shall be elected on the even year at the Annual Meeting. The Vice President, Treasurer and Quartermaster shall be elected on the odd years at the Annual Meeting all serving a two year term at the will of the membership. Committee chairpersons and Committees will be appointed by the
President on a yearly basis at the Annual Meeting.
Section 2-13 Nominations for Officers shall be presented by the Nomination Committee a month prior to the Annual Meeting. Nominations will be taken from the floor at the
Annual Meeting. Voting for Officers shall be by secret ballot if more then two members are running for one office. After the election is completed, all ballots will be destroyed.
* EMT’s qualify for membership as long as they are employees of an established Fire
Department. This also applies to Custodians, Drivers, and such. If they are not employees of a Fire Department, they may be accepted as Associate Members under Section 2.5.
OFFICERS AND DUTIES.
Section 2-14. A Chapter may create a position for the original Founder of the Chapter.
He / she could be called, a Lifetime Trustee and be a member of the Chapter Executive
Board. (Optional.)
Section 2-15. President; The President shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter, appoint Committees and non-elected officers. He/she shall at all times, enforce a due consideration and observance of the International and Chapter Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations and shall preserve order and harmony within the Chapter.
He/she will be the Chapter Representative at International Meetings and State / Province
Association Meetings. If He/she cannot attend, He/she will appoint another member in his/her place. He/she shall report activities, problems, and Chapter Officer Changes to the State Representative and International Secretary as needed. He/she shall be ex-officio member on all Committees except the Nomination Committee. He/she shall be shall be the co-signer with the Treasurer on notes, checks, and other legal documents unless other arrangements have been made. He/she shall accept all gifts and donations on behalf of the Chapter.
Article 2-16. Vice President; The Vice President shall preside in absents of the
President in case of his/her disability or vacancy of his/her office. He/she shall be responsible for money raising projects of the Chapter. He/she should be a co-signer on the Chapters checking/savings account. He/she shall be the Chairperson of the
Membership Committee.
Section 2-17. Secretary; The Secretary shall attend all meetings when possible, keep records of all proceedings, keep a current roster of Chapter members, attend to all correspondence and keep the State/Province Representative and the International
Secretary informed of Membership, Officers and activities. He/she shall render monthly reports in the form of newsletters or electronically to the Chapter Members, keeping the membership informed of all functions, activities and inform all members of the
Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations amendments and/or changes. He/she may contract for supplies, printing, postage and other minor purchases to maintain the
Chapter at his/her discretion, presenting bills to be paid for by the Treasurer with the membership approval at a stated meeting. All expenditures shall be registered and audited prior to the Annual Meeting. He/She shall, at the expiration of his/her term of office, he/she shall transfer all books, papers, monies and other Chapter property to his/her successor in office.
Section 2-18. Treasurer; The Treasurer shall attend all meetings when possible and pay all bills and vouchers when properly approved by the Chapter Executive Board and the membership, keeping a record of the same. He/she shall be the principle signer of notes, checks and other legal documents. He/she shall end the year’s finances on December 31st of any given year. He/she shall open and maintain a checking/savings account in a federally insured Bank or Credit Union. He/she shall collect all yearly dues and other monies, keeping records of all transactions. He/shall give a report of the Chapters finances at regular meetings, giving copies to the Chapter Executive Board when requested. The books shall be made available to any member upon request giving one (1) weeks notice. He/she shall coordinate with the Secretary so that all members receive their Annual dues cards and other necessary information. He/she shall forward the Annual per-capita dues and current roster of all members to the Red Knights International Executive Board Secretary and/or Treasurer on or before December 31st and no later then March 1st. The Chapter Treasurers books shall be audited by the Auditing and Finance Committee prior to the Chapter’s Annual Meeting. At the expiration of his/her term of office, he/she shall transfer all books, paper, monies and other Chapter property to his/her successor in office.
Section. 2-19. Road Captain; The Road Captain shall be responsible for directing the movements of the Chapter while traveling together in a safe and lawful manner. The directions and orders of the Road Captain will be followed until such a time that any problems that may arise can be resolved. The Road Captain shall assist in setting up trips, checking the route for detours and hazards and make arrangements for rest stops, meals and meetings. Trips shall be kept within reason I.E. miles, meals, dirt roads, times,
Etc. He/she shall inform the Secretary of the proposed trips so the membership can be informed. The Road Captain shall lead the movements of a group and assign another experienced member to bring up the rear. The Road Captain shall create a ride schedule and take suggestions from the membership for trips and rides. He/she shall do a quick safety check of all motorcycles prior to any trips, checking for worn tires, low fluids, oil leaks, loose spokes, Etc. He/she shall inform new riders of Chapter riding procedures. The Road Captains will make up the membership of the Safety Committee.
Section 2-19. Quartermaster; The Quartermaster shall have custody of the Red Knights seal and request permission from the International Quartermaster when any Chapter items require its use. He/she shall order any products or items required by the Chapter
Executive Board and Membership. All funds for products purchased and sold shall be recorded and given to the Chapter Treasurer. All money expended shall be previously approved by the Chapter Executive Board and Membership. He/she shall have the books audited by the Audit and Finance Committee prior to the Annual Meeting and a report presented at the Annual Meeting. At the expiration of his/her term of office, he/she shall transfer all books, papers, monies and other Chapter property to his/her successor in office.
Section 2-20. Trustee; The Trustee shall assist in overseeing the operations and functions of the Chapter in accordance with the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations of International and the Chapter. He/shall be the Chairperson of the Audit and Finance Committee and a member of the Grievance Committee. He/she shall meet with and assist the Chapter Executive Board in decision concerning Chapter problems.
(If a Lifetime Trustee is elected, He/She shall have the same duties.)
Section 2-21. Executive Board meetings may be called at the will of the President at any time or place he wishes with one (1) weeks notice. Executive Board meetings should be open to all members unless it goes into Executive session. Then only one (1) item may be discussed in Executive session. No action on Chapter affairs shall be voted on at the
Executive Board meetings unless as noted in the Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and
Regulations of International and the Chapter. Trips, rides, Chapter activities, personnel and Officers may be discussed and voted on by the Chapter Executive Board. Members must be notified of actions taken. All Officers are required to give an Annual report to the Membership at the Annual Meeting and make their duties verbally available upon request at any regular meeting.
Section 2-22. An Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the Chapter President. The President may appoint a temporary Officer or the vacancy can be filled by nomination and vote of the membership present at a regular meeting until the Annual Meeting.
Section 2-23. Officers shall not receive compensation for their services unless as noted herein or approved at the Annual Meeting. The exception being the Chapter
Representative.
Section 2-24. Officers and members shall not commit the Chapter to anything or anybody without the consent of the voting members present at any stated meeting. Any products or services being presented to the membership at any meetings will first be approved by the Chapter Executive Board.
MEETINGS.
Section 2-25. The order of business at all meetings shall be as follows;
1. Call to Order. Roll call of Officers.
2. Introduction of Members and Guests.
3. Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. (If available.)
4. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting.
5. Reading of correspondence and action taken.
6. Treasurers report. Presentation of bills and payment.
7. Report of other Officers.
8. Committee reports.
9. Reading of applications for Membership.
10. Unfinished Business.
11. New Business. (Election and Installation of Officers.)
12. Good of the Chapter. Open discussion.
13. Announcements
14. Adjournment.
Section 2-26. The regular stated monthly meeting of this Chapter will be the second Wednesday of the month. Meeting can be held in conjunction with planned trips at the same time. All members shall be notified by the Secretary of the date, time and place and activity at least one (1) week prior to the meeting. The January and February meetings may be put aside at the discretion of the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 2-27. The Chapters Annual Meeting shall be held on an evening the third or forth weekend in December or an alternate date as the membership wishes it to be scheduled. This shall be a special event of the Chapter. At the Annual Meeting, the election and installation of new Officers will be held, Annual officers reports and the yearly dues are payable to the Chapter Treasurer. The President will appoint all necessary Committees. All members and special guests shall be notified by the Chapter Secretary of the date, time and place at least one (1) week prior to the Annual Meeting.
Section 2-28. Quorum. A quorum of at least four Officers and four members are required at any Regular Meeting or Annual Meeting. A quorum, of at least four Members of the
Chapter Executive Board is required at any Chapter Executive Board meetings.
Minutes of all meetings shall be sent to the Membership by the Chapter Secretary. If the
Chapter Secretary in not present, the President may appoint some other qualified person.
Section 2-29. At all meetings of the Chapter in which there is a quorum present, a
Majority of the votes cast on any matter that comes before the Membership shall control.
Any matter concerning By-Laws changes will require two-thirds vote for passage.
Section 2-30. When it becomes necessary to vote on International issues or International
Constitution and By-Laws changes, a vote will be taken on the issue by the Chapter at a regular meeting. The Chapter Representative will reflect that vote at the International
Corporation Convention Annual Meeting. The Chapter Representative will have one vote on any International Matter. The Chapter Representative shall receive an amount to be determined by the Audit and Finance Committee to help defray expenses for attending the International Corporation Annual Meeting. The Chapter Representative will be selected by appointment of the Executive Board of the Chapter.
Section 2-31. There shall no voting by absentee or proxy at any meetings of the Chapter.
Section 2-32. Robert Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of all meetings unless inconsistent with the International and Chapter Constitution and By-Laws.
COMMITTEES.
Section 2-33. Standing and other Committees. The following Committees may be appointed by the President at the Annual Meeting. (** Are required.)
1. By-Laws Committee. **
2. Audit and Finance Committee. **
3. Membership & Nomination Committee. **
4. Safety Committee. **
5. Grievance Committee **
6. Entertainment Committee.
7. Clothing Committee.
All Committees may set up their own rules with the approval of the Chapter Executive
Board.
ARTICLE 3, CONDUCT, APPLICATIONS.
Section 3-1. All members shall conduct themselves in a prescribed manner of our proud history of Firefighting and public servants. All members shall be accountable to the
International and Chapter Constitution, By-Laws and Rules and Regulations. All members shall ride in a safe and lawful manner when moving in public and assist the public if possible without harm to yourself, your passenger and the Chapter.
No one shall be denied membership because of race, sex, religion, nationality, political affiliation or disability. Membership shall not be restricted to a class or manufacture of motorcycle as long as they are licensed, insured, in safe and working condition and street
Legal.
Section 3-2. All applications for membership shall be made upon the prescribed form and presented at a regular meeting, signed by the applicant giving their name, address, phone number etc., and shall be accompanied with the necessary fees and dues. A vote shall be taken upon ever applicant for membership and must receive two-thirds (2/3) approval by the voting members present. If an applicant is rejected, they may re apply in six (6) months. If rejected, the fees and dues will be returned.
Section 3-3. Any member who has been found guilty of a felony, dismissed from the
Fire service for conduct unbecoming a Firefighters, who is in arrears in payment of dues as set forth by these By-Laws shall be dropped from the membership roster. Any members who cheats, defrauds or steals from the Chapter can be suspended by a majority vote of the membership present at the Annual Meeting. The International President shall be notified of the dismissal within thirty (30) days and reasons for such actions. The International President shall use all resources available prior to accepting or rejecting the decision of the Chapter Executive Board.
Section 3-4. Chapters shall not support, affiliate or alien themselves with a Club, group or organization that do not conform to the principles and dictates of the Red Knights,
State/Provincial and Federal laws or grant the same to anyone else.
CHAPTER DUES
ARTICLE 4; CHAPTER DUES, FUNDS AND AMENDMENTS.
Section 4-1. The initiation fee for the Chapter shall be $40.00 (or the cost of a set of club “colors”) and the payment of one year dues. In all cases, this fee shall accompany the application for membership. Social members will pay the rate of $8 per year and may opt to buy their “colors” at club cost. The Annual dues for all Active, Associate, Duel, Charter and Life Members shall be $25.00 per annum. All dues shall be paid on or before November 30th each year. Dues of applications who are elected for membership after October 1st of any year shall be applied to next years dues. Social, Honorary and Compassionate Honorary Members are not required to pay yearly dues. Social Members who are elected to the Chapter Secretary and/or Treasurer must pay Annual dues to be placed on the International roster. All selected members owing annual dues by April 1st shall be notified in writing by the Secretary. All selected Members whose dues are unpaid after six (6) months subsequent to the Annual Meeting will stand suspended and cease to enjoy the privileges of the Chapter until current dues are paid and are properly reinstated. All members shall receive Annual dues cards at the Annual Meeting or soon thereafter. All Charter Members in good standing shall have their Membership card marked as such. All Active members upon being accepted into the Chapter shall receive a copy of the current By-Laws, Membership card, ride schedule, newsletter and any other information available.
Section 4-2. All funds shall be raised by fees, dues; activities, donations and such other
means as the Chapter shall from time to time deem necessary staying within guidelines of good taste and lawful activities. All funds exceeding normal operating expenses shall be deposited in a federally insured checking and/or savings account and withdrawn as deemed necessary. No debts shall be incurred by or for the Chapter except as authorized by a vote by the membership present at a regular meeting of the Chapter, with the exception of the Secretary and Treasurer who is authorized to contract for all expenses such as postage, stationary, printing, newsletters, Etc.
Section 4-3. The Road Captain shall collect $1.00 per person on all scheduled trips,
Rides and meetings for the purpose of building up the Charity Fund. The money shall be
Given to the Treasurer and kept separate from the general fund. The funds shall be dispersed as the Chapter Membership sees fit to a needy charity or person.
Section 4-4. Disillusionment. If the Chapter is dissolved or disbanded for any reason, any remaining funds will be donated to a charity by a majority vote of the remaining membership.
Section 4-5. All other Articles and Sections not covered herein shall revert back the
International Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 4-6. The Constitution can only be changed by a 2/3 vote of voting members present at an Annual Meeting giving thirty (30) days notice. The By-Law can be changed by a majority vote at any regular meeting giving thirty (30) days prior notice. The
Chapter Executive Board must unanimously approve or rejects all changes prior to being presented to the Membership. All Constitution and By-Laws changes that change the intent of the Article and/or Section must be submitted to the International By-Laws
Committee then to the International Executive Board in case of discrepancy.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD AND
MEMBERSHIP ON _________, OF_________, 20___.
PRESIDENT ______________________________
VICE PRESIDENT _________________________
SECRETARY _____________________________
TREASURER _____________________________
QUARTERMASTER _______________________
ROAD CAPTAIN __________________________
__________________________
__________________________
__________________________
TRUSTEE ________________________________
APPROVAL OF THE RED KNIGHTS INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE BOARD ON
AND THE INTERNATIONAL BY-LAWS COMMITTEE.
_______, OF ________ 20 ____.