By-laws
ARTICLE 1:
NAME
The name of this organization shall be “Defenders
Motorcycle Club, Inc.”, aka “Defenders MC”, “Defenders
Motorcycle Club”, or “DMC”.
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a “Not for
Profit” corporation by the laws of the State of Florida,
Florida State Statutes Chapter 617.
ARTICLE 2:
PHILOSOPHY/HISTORY
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. (DMC) was founded in
June 2004 as an independent, non-profit, male social
club. It was established to provide the opportunity for
increased camaraderie between current and retired law
enforcement officers, military personnel, emergency
services personnel and select citizenry, who enjoy
riding motorcycles and attending motorcycling related
events. The DMC and Chapter rides and events are
intended to promote safe activities that will appeal to
the membership as a whole. Any member may suggest ideas
for rides or events. The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.
is one club, with chapters in various locations. All
chapters shall be governed by and subject to the
authority of the National Executive Board.
ARTICLE 3:
MEMBERSHIP
Active Members: Membership in the DMC is open to all
male active and retired law enforcement officers,
military personnel, emergency services personnel, and
select citizenry who have been sponsored by an active
member in good standing. All active members will be
required to comply with these By-Laws and all future
amendments.
Membership of each Defenders Chapter must be maintained
as a majority of Law Enforcement Officers, Public Safety
Professionals, and Military as compared to its civilian
membership. The chapter executive board will be
responsible for maintaining this ratio of membership.
The National Executive Board will ensure all chapters
comply with this provision.
Associate Members: Associate membership by females is
permitted, but shall be limited to the female spouse or
“significant other” (girlfriend) of an active member in
good standing. All associate members will be required to
comply with these By-Laws and all future amendments.
Upon the termination of a relationship, a male patched
member will be responsible for collecting the patches
from his wife/girlfriend/significant other that he
sponsored as an associate member. That (former)
associate member may not be sponsored again by another
patched member.
ARTICLE 4:
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
Applicants for Active membership in the DMC must be an
active or retired male law enforcement officer, military
serviceman, member of an emergency services profession,
or a select member of the citizenry who possess the
highest moral and ethical values, uncompromised
integrity and character. All prospects for membership
must be sponsored by an active member in good standing.
Applicants for Associate Membership in the DMC must be
the female wife or “significant other” (girlfriend) of
an active member in good standing, and must also possess
the highest moral and ethical values, uncompromised
integrity and character. Active members shall maintain
control of the associate member under their sponsorship.
Associate members shall only be permitted to wear DMC
patches or insignia in the presence of their sponsoring
active member or other patched DMC members.
All active and prospective members must own and ride an
American made, or cruiser style motorcycle. The DMC
shall employ the philosophy of judging members by who
they are, not what they ride. Other types and styles of
motorcycles shall be evaluated by the National executive
board on a case-by-case basis. A male patched member
must own a motorcycle. Should the member experience the
loss of his motorcycle by theft, financial troubles or
vehicle accident. The member will have a six (6) month
period to repair or replace the motorcycle. Extensions
may be requested by the member and such request for
extension will be reviewed for approval or denial by the
National Executive Board, on a case-by-case basis.
All active and associate members who drive motorcycles
must possess a valid driver’s license with motorcycle
endorsement and must comply with all the laws of their
State regarding driver’s licensing, vehicle
registration, and insurance requirements.
All members will pay yearly dues and any other
assessments the DMC deems necessary for the good of the
Club, the Chapter, and the Organization as a whole. The
Chapter Executive Board will decide on dues and
assessments. Dues and assessments are NOT REFUNDABLE!
There are NO MANDATORY RIDES! All members are encouraged
to attend as many rides, meetings, and events as
possible.
In order to maintain continued membership in the DMC,
each member must attend a minimum of three (3) meetings
per year and keep current with monthly dues. Monthly
participation in rides, meetings, and events is strongly
encouraged.
Members are expressly prohibited from maintaining
membership in ABATE or any other motorcycle club other
than the DMC. This provision does not include motorcycle
benefit organizations such as, A.M.A., H.O.G., or other
similar motorcycle benefit organizations. The National
Executive Board reserves the right to exclude any member
from maintaining membership in any organization deem
unacceptable or whose objectives and philosophies are
contrary to the objectives of the DMC.
ARTICLE 5:
DMC INSIGNIA
The name “Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.” (See Article
#1 above) and its patches, colors, and insignia are the
sole property of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.
Unauthorized use or reproduction without express written
consent of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is
strictly prohibited.
Members will wear the DMC patches on a black leather
vest or jacket only.
Active Member patches on the REAR of the vest will be
worn in the following order:
Defenders Top Rocker
Defenders Patch (Leo) Center
LE Patch will be displayed to the lower left of Leo
MC Patch will be displayed to the lower right of Leo
Bottom Rocker
State
No other patches or insignia will be displayed on the
rear of the vest.
Associate Member patches on the REAR of the vest will be
worn in the following order:
Defenders Top Rocker
Defenders Patch (Leo) Center
Lady’s Rocker
No other patches or insignia will be displayed on the
rear of the vest.
Patches on the FRONT of the vest will be worn in the
following order:
Left Front - American Flag
Left Front – 1* Patch
Right Front - Nickname Patch
Right Front – Officer Patch
Right Front - Founding Member Patch
Right Front – Chapter Patch
Other patches, pins, and insignia may be worn on either
side of the front of the vest below the level of the
America Flag.
ARTICLE 6:
NEW/PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
Prospects must be sponsored by an active member in good
standing. Prospects who have been invited to apply for
membership will be placed on probation for a period of
not less than ninety (90) days. The patch and
initiation fees will accompany any prospective member's
application. During the probationary period, the
probationary member will not have voting privileges."
During the probationary period, the probationary member
must wear the “Probate” patch in the place of the Center
Patch (LEO).
Probationary members may not sponsor an associate
member.
A probationary member may be awarded their full patch
and membership in the DMC after completion of at least
90 days probationary membership and a unanimous vote by
the chapter executive board and a majority vote by the
chapter membership in good standing.
All patches remain the property of the Defenders
Motorcycle Club and will be returned to the DMC after
membership is expired by dismissal or resignation.
Thereafter, the member will have no right, title,
interest or claim in any asset of the DMC or any rights
to any refund of any dues, fees, or contributions the
member has made to the DMC.
Upon the return of a members patches due to dismissal,
resignation, or retirement; all associate member patches
issued under the control of that member must also be
returned.
Any member who maintains active membership for a period
of no less than seven (7) consecutive years shall be
deemed a Life Member. Life membership shall entitle a
member in good standing to retain the DMC patches in the
event of resignation from the DMC in good standing. All
founding members may elect to count their previous club
affiliation time in calculating Life Member status at
the time of application.
ARTICLE 7:
EXECUTIVE BOARD and ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
National Executive Board:
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc, hereafter named the
National Executive Board, will preside over all DMC
chapters. The National Executive Board shall consist of
the following Executive Officers: President,
Vice-President, Commander, Major, Secretary, Treasurer
and Lt at Arms.
Members who are eligible to serve on the National
Executive Board shall consist of Founding Members, Life
Members, or members with prior chapter executive board
service. National Executive Board members will serve a
life term until death, resignation, or removal for just
cause for actions contrary to the philosophy and
objectives of the DMC. Said removal shall be by a vote
of the National Executive Board and all chapter
presidents. National Executive Board members will be
elected by a vote of the entire club membership.
The National President must be an active or retired Law
Enforcement Officer.
Three of the six remaining National Board Members must
also be active or retired Law Enforcement Officers.
The National Lieutenant at Arm must be an Active Law
Enforcement Officer with powers of arrest.
The National Executive Board shall have the ultimate
authority over all chapters and in all club decisions,
but will work to fulfill the requests and demands of
each Chapter and the membership as a whole, when at all
possible.
The National Executive Board shall be responsible for
voting on issues relating Club business. Open voting by
both the chapter members or club membership shall occur
as deemed appropriate and necessary. The National
Executive Board has the ultimate authority over all
chapters and all members.
The National Executive Board will have the power and
authority to issue chapter charters. The National
Executive Board will have the authority to collect
charter fees as deemed necessary to efficiently operate
the club.
The National Executive Board owns the trademark of the
DMC patches and shall possess the authority to issue DMC
patches to members. All DMC patches are the property of
the National Executive Board and may be recalled for
just cause per Article #9. Patch fees are not
refundable.
All matters concerning organizational, operational, or
procedural aspects of the management of the chapters and
the Club shall be directed to the National Executive
Board for appropriate direction and action as necessary.
President - National
The National President is the Chief Executive Officer of
the Club and the Chairman of the National Executive
board. The President has the power and authority to run
the club as deemed necessary for the good of the
organization. The President will consider the input and
suggestions of the National Executive Board and the
Chapter Executive Boards when making decisions that
affect the Club. The National President (or his
designee) shall preside at all National Executive
meetings and sign contracts and other documents as
necessary. The National President shall perform other
duties as required and necessary.
Vice-President - National
The National Vice-President (VP) is the second in
command of the organization and shall assume all duties
and responsibilities of the national President in his
absence. The National VP shall act as an intermediary
between the chapter executive boards and the National
President. The VP is responsible for coordinating the
recruitment of prospective chapters and the orientation
and development of new chapters. The VP may assign
duties to chapter executive board members as necessary
to aid in the completion of these (and other) tasks. The
VP will execute all other assignments as directed by the
National President.
Major - National
The National Major shall direct and supervise the
responsibilities of the Chapter Majors. The National
Major shall coordinate inter-chapter events and oversee
development and coordination of road rules for all
chapters. The Major will execute all other assignments
as directed by the National President or his designee.
Commander – National
The National Commander shall direct and supervise the
responsibilities of the Chapter Commanders. The National
Commander will coordinate all club security and ensure
that safety measures are in place for protection of
chapters and club members. The National Commander will
handle liaison duties between the DMC and other
organizations. The Commander will execute all other
assignments as directed by the National President or his
designee.
Secretary-National
The National Secretary shall be responsible for making
and keeping all records as directed by the National
President. The National Secretary shall record and
maintain minutes of all National Executive Board
meetings. The National Secretary shall create and submit
any reports as required or directed. The National
Secretary shall maintain the Official registrar of all
Chapters and all Club members. The National Secretary
shall prepare and submit all correspondence to chapters,
club members and other persons and organizations outside
the Club. The National Secretary will execute all other
assignments as directed by the National President or his
designee.
Treasurer - National
The National Treasurer shall maintain an up-to-date
accurate ledger of all National Executive Board Finances
to include all income, expenses, assets and debts. The
National Treasurer shall maintain all Club financial
documents, papers, and records. The National Treasurer
shall prepare the monthly and annual financial reports.
The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the
collection of all monies to include dues, fees,
assessments, or any and all payments due to the Club.
The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the
payment of all bills and expenses. The National
Treasurer shall be responsible for the completion and
submission of all official financial documents such as
tax returns, reports, etc. The National Treasurer will
execute all other assignments as directed by the
National President or his designee.
Lieutenant at Arms - National
The National Lieutenant-At-Arms shall ensure that all
By-Laws are followed and all orders and directives of
the National President and the National Executive Board
are carried out as intended. The Lieutenant -At-Arms
shall maintain strict compliance with these articles and
orders by the chapters. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall
maintain order and dignity during all National Executive
Board meetings. The Lieutenant-At-Arms shall be
responsible for enforcing club discipline as directed by
the National President or National Executive Board,
ensuring the payment of all fees and assessments as
required by the Club, and for securing patches, colors
and all Club property from chapters, members or
associates who retire, resign, or who are expelled from
the Club for just cause. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall
continually maintain an awareness of real or perceived
threats or safety issues affecting the Club and it
members and immediately report said threat or safety
issue to the National Executive Board.
The Lieutenant -At-Arms is required to be an active
certified law enforcement officer with powers of arrest.
The Lieutenant -At-Arms will execute all other
assignments as directed by the President or his
designee.
National Quartermaster:
The National Quartermaster shall maintain a record of
all merchandise or regalia from all club chapters
relating to the club name as well as it's logo(s) and or
mottos. The National Quartermaster will review new
potential club merchandise or regalia for the club store
and has authority to approve such items on behalf of the
National Executive Board.
The National Quartermaster shall keep and provide
invoices of all funds expended by the National Executive
Board.
The National Quartermaster will obtain approval from the
National Treasurer or President or Vice President prior
to expending funds on behalf of the National Executive
Board, or advancing funds on their behalf. The National
Quartermaster shall research new sources and venders for
existing and new merchandise as well as negotiate prices
with suppliers. The National Quartermaster will be a
contact for the chapter quartermasters and will render
assistance whenever possible regarding club merchandise
or regalia. The National Quartermaster will maintain
records and information pertaining to the club's on-line
store. The National Quartermaster shall also be aware of
License and Trademark agreements and keep copies of
signed agreements.
Chapter Executive Board:
The Chapter President must be an active or retired Law
Enforcement Officer.
Each Chapter of the DMC will elect a Chapter Executive
Board for a term of two (2) years (no term limit). Any
none probationary, fully patched, active members shall
be eligible for service on the Chapter Executive Board.
Voting will be in accordance with state statute
guidelines. The Chapter Executive Board shall consist of
the following Executive Officers: President,
Vice-President, Commander, Major, Secretary, and
Treasurer & Lt at Arms.
The Chapter Executive Board shall be responsible for
voting on individual chapter issues. Open voting by the
chapter members shall occur as deemed appropriate and
necessary.
The Chapter Executive Board shall have the authority to
govern the chapter and the chapter members. The Chapter
Executive Board will work to fulfill the requests of the
chapter membership as a whole, when at all possible.
President - Chapter
The Chapter President is the Chief Executive Officer of
the Chapter and chairman of the chapter Executive Board.
The President has the power and authority to run the
club as deemed necessary for the good of the Chapter.
The President will consider the input and suggestions of
the Chapter Executive Board when making decisions that
affect the Chapter. The Chapter President (or his
designee) shall preside at all Chapter Executive
meetings and sign contracts and other documents as
necessary. The Chapter President shall perform other
duties as required and necessary, as approved by the
National Board.
Vice-President - Chapter
The Chapter Vice-President (VP) is the second in command
of the Chapter and shall assume all duties and
responsibilities of the Chapter President in his
absence. The Chapter VP shall act as an intermediary
between the chapter executive board and the Chapter
President. The VP is responsible for coordinating the
recruitment of prospective members. The VP may assign
duties to chapter executive board members as necessary
to aid in the completion of these (and other) tasks. The
VP will execute all other assignments as directed by the
Chapter President.
Major - Chapter
The Chapter Major shall direct and supervise the
responsibilities of the Road Captains and Road Guards.
The Major will ensure that all rides and events are
properly planned, organized, routed, and executed in a
safe and responsible manner. The Major shall coordinate
with the VP and the Commander to ensure that events and
rides have adequate security to protect the club, its
members and guests. The Major will execute all other
assignments as directed by the Chapter President or his
designee.
Commander – Chapter
The Commander shall direct and supervise the
responsibilities of the Sergeant-At-Arms. The Commander
will coordinate with the VP and the Major to ensure that
all rides and events have adequate security and safety
measures in place for protection of members and guests.
The Commander will execute all other assignments as
directed by the President or his designee.
Secretary – Chapter
The Chapter Secretary shall be responsible for making
and keeping all records as directed by the Chapter
President. The Chapter Secretary shall record and
maintain minutes of all Chapter meetings. The Chapter
Secretary shall create and submit any reports as
required or directed. The Chapter Secretary shall
maintain the Official registrar of the chapter and all
Club members. The Chapter Secretary shall conduct a roll
call of members at all meetings. The Secretary shall
prepare and submit all correspondence to club members
and other persons and organizations outside the Club.
The Chapter Secretary shall submit all roster changes
and meeting minutes to the National Executive Board
Secretary on a monthly basis. The Secretary will execute
all other assignments as directed by the Chapter
President or his designee.
Treasurer - Chapter
The Chapter Treasurer shall maintain an up-to-date
accurate ledger of all Chapter Executive Board Finances
to include all income, expenses, assets and debts. The
Chapter Treasurer shall maintain all Club financial
documents, papers, and records. The Chapter Treasurer
shall prepare the monthly and annual financial report.
The Chapter Treasurer will submit a quarterly financial
report to the National Treasurer. The Chapter Treasurer
shall be responsible for the collection of all monies to
include dues, fees, assessments, or any and all payments
due to the Chapter. The Chapter Treasurer shall be
responsible for the payment of all bills and expenses
including Chapter Charter Fees to the National Executive
Board on a quarterly basis. The Chapter Treasurer shall
be responsible for the completion and submission of all
official financial documents such as tax returns,
reports, etc. The Chapter Treasurer will execute all
other assignments as directed by the Chapter President
or his designee.
Lieutenant at Arms - Chapter
The Chapter Lieutenant-At-Arms shall ensure that all
By-Laws are followed and all orders and directives of
the Chapter President and the Chapter Executive Board
are carried out as intended. The Lieutenant -At-Arms
shall maintain strict compliance with these articles and
orders by the chapter. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall
maintain order and dignity during all Chapter meetings.
The Lieutenant-At-Arms shall be responsible for
enforcing club discipline as directed by the Chapter
President or Chapter Executive Board, ensuring the
payment of all fees and assessments as required by the
Chapter, and for securing patches, colors and all Club
property from chapters, members or associates who
retire, resign, or who are expelled from the Club for
just cause. The Lieutenant -At-Arms shall continually
maintain an awareness of real or perceived threats or
safety issues affecting the Club and its members and
immediately report said threat or safety issue to the
Chapter Executive Board.
The Lieutenant -At-Arms is required to be an active
certified law enforcement officer with powers of arrest.
The Lieutenant -At-Arms will execute all other
assignments as directed by the President or his
designee.
***The following positions are Chapter officers. Chapter
officers are not executive officers and do not serve on
the Executive Board.
Road Captains
The Road Captains are responsible for researching,
planning and executing all chapter rides. The Road
captains shall conduct a monthly “Road Captains meeting”
to obtain input from the membership as to suggested
rides and events. The Road Captains shall stay informed
as to local rides and events that may appeal to the
membership, and include them as deemed necessary on the
ride schedule. The Road Captains will submit a monthly
ride schedule to the Vice-President for inclusion on the
Official Ride Calendar. The Road Captains is responsible
for the ride organization and route planning to effect a
safe and efficient movement of the members and guests
during rides. The Road captain is responsible for the
enforcement of road rules during rides. The Road Captain
has the authority to terminate any ride as a whole for
safety reasons and has the authority to terminate any
members or guests participation in a ride for any safety
reason. The circumstances of such an action will
immediately be reported to the Executive Board for
review and follow up action if necessary. The Road
Captain will execute all other assignments as directed
by the President or his designee.
Road Guards
The Road Guards will assist the Road Captains as ordered
and directed.
The Road Guards will coordinate with the Road Captains
and Major for ride safety and security. The Road Guards
will monitor the actions of members and guests at all
Club rides and events. The Road Guards may assume the
position of the Road Captains in the absence of those
officers or at the direction of an Executive Officer.
The Road Guards will execute all other assignments as
directed by the President or his designee.
Sergeants-At-Arms
The Sergeants-At-Arms shall provide safety and security
for the Club, all members, and guests at all Club
meetings, functions, events and rides. The
Sergeants-At-Arms shall continually maintain an
awareness of real or perceived threats or safety issues
affecting the Club and it members and immediately report
said threat or safety issue to an executive officer.
All Sergeants-at-arms are required to be active
certified law enforcement officers with powers of
arrest. Sergeants-At-Arms are expected to use their
knowledge, training, skills and abilities to defuse and
control all situations for the safety and security of
the Club and all members. The Sgt-at-Arms report to the
Major or Lt-at-Arms. The Sergeants-At-Arms will execute
all other assignments as directed by the President or
his designee.
Chapter Quartermaster:
The Chapter Quartermaster shall maintain the club
inventory for Members including patches, shirts, and
other paraphernalia for the purpose of selling to
members. The Quartermaster will review new potential
club merchandise for the club store and present it to
the membership for approval. The Quartermaster will then
order paraphernalia from vendors. The Quartermaster
shall be responsible for the record keeping of sales to
members, other chapters and share those records with the
Treasurer and Executive Board if requested. The
Quartermaster shall keep and provide invoices of all
funds expended. The Quartermaster will obtain approval
from the Treasurer prior to expending funds on behalf of
local chapters, or advancing funds on their behalf. The
Quartermaster shall research new sources and venders for
existing and new merchandise as well as negotiate prices
with suppliers. The Quartermaster will handle requests
for all regalia for members and non-members. The
Quartermaster shall also be aware of License and
Trademark agreements and keep copies of signed
agreements.
ARTICLE 8:
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a Law Enforcement
based organization and all Club members and associates
must possess and maintain the highest moral and ethical
values and un-compromised integrity for continued
membership in the Club. All Club members will strictly
follow and adhere to the laws and ordinances of their
respective state or jurisdiction, and the constitution
of the Untied States of America. All Club members and
associates will show respect for Club officers and all
members. No club member or associate shall disrespect
another, harass, or cause embarrassment to themselves or
the Club or exhibit conduct contrary to the philosophy
or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc.
Sexual harassment of members, associates, or guests is
strictly prohibited. The Defenders Motorcycle Club,
Inc., its members and associates, will not associate
with any known felons, criminals, or known or suspected
criminal organizations, this includes known or suspected
1% motorcycle clubs and their associates or affiliates.
Members and associates will not discuss Club business
outside of the Club. Any suspected violations of the
Code of Conduct will be immediately reported to the
Chapter Executive Board for investigation. The National
Executive Board reserves the right to discipline Club
members as outlined in Article 9. The National Executive
Board reserves the right to suspend or revoke Chapter
Charters for just cause for conduct contrary to the
philosophy or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle
Club, Inc.
ARTICLE 9:
DISCIPLINE
The Chapter Executive Board will have the power and
authority, after notice and an opportunity to be heard,
to vote to rescind the membership of any member or
associate and remove the name of any member from the
National roster for conduct contrary to the philosophy
or objectives of the Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. The
Chapter Executive Board will have the authority to
sanction its membership, including, but not limited to
discipline, suspension of active membership, or
expulsion. Conduct unbecoming is not acceptable and will
not be tolerated. The National Executive board has the
right to revoke the charter of any chapter for just
cause for actions contrary to the philosophy and
objectives of the DMC. The National Executive Board has
the ultimate authority over all chapters and all
members.
ARTICLE 10:
Dues & Fees:
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is a non-profit
organization. Dues will be established to be solely used
for administration of the Club and to provide benefits
for eligible members. All active members will pay annual
dues. The Chapter Executive Board will determine annual
Chapter dues. The Chapters will pay quarterly Charter
Fees to the National Board. Failure to pay membership
dues or charter fees will result in suspension from the
Club or revocation of Chapter Charter.
Fee Schedule to the National Board:
Quarterly Charter Fees of $60.00 per every ten (10)
members will be due upon submission of Quarterly
Financial Report to the National Executive Board.
Charter fees are subject to change as necessary as
determined by the National Executive Board.
Patch and Initiation fees will be set by the National
Executive board and are subject to change. The
individual Chapter Executive Board shall set chapter
membership dues.
ARTICLE 11:
LIABILITY
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. is not responsible
and can not be held accountable for any illegal,
immoral, or unethical actions by it members or
associates. Any such actions will be considered an
independent action by that person. Any such action will
subject that person to discipline up to and including
expulsion from the Club. All individuals, including
members, Associates, and guests participating in Club
events, will be required to sign a release of liability
form that holds harmless the Defenders Motorcycle Club,
Inc. from any civil liability claims.
ARTICLE 12:
CHANGES and AMENDMENTS
The Defenders Motorcycle Club, Inc. reserves the right
to issue changes and amendments to the By-Laws as deem
necessary for the efficient operation of the Club. All
members and associates are bound to abide by all future
changes and amendments.
