NORTH CAROLINA Chapter 15-1’s bylaws
ARTICLE 1 - NAME AND EMBLEM
Section 1 (a)
The name of the association is: North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 15-1 (NC CVMA CHAPTER 15-1). We are a state ran chapter of the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
a. Principle office of the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will be located at the following address: 1019 Highland, Liberty, MO 64068 USA (The designation of the county or state of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association principal office may change by amendment)
b. Other Offices. The National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association may also have offices at such other places, within or without its state of incorporation, where it is qualified to do business, as its business and activities may require, and as the Board of Directors (BOD) may from time to time designate.
Section 1 (b)
IRS Section 501(c)(19) Purposes. Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is organized exclusively for Past or Present Members of the Armed Forces as specified in Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code. The NC CVMA’s Officer’s, State Representative or the National CVMA Board of Directors has the authority to change the CVMA bylaws if any part is found to be in conflict with Federal or NC state tax laws.
Section 2
The emblem / logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and its Chapters are the sole property of the CVMA. The CVMA patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license from the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association’s BOD.
Section 2 (b)
The emblem of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is in the shape of a skull encompassed by the following colors: The incorporated colors are:
- The Skull and Ace of Spade- represents the death that war leaves in its wake.
- Red - represents the blood that has been shed on the battlefield.
- Military Gold- representing the many ethnic backgrounds of all nations.
- Black- represents the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those that are considered missing in action or prisoners of war.
ARTICLE 2 - OBJECTIVES
General: North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 15-1 Protocol.
The North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 15-1 is formed
for the betterment of communication and camaraderie between Veterans, Veterans Organizations,
families of veterans, other Motorcycle Associations, and or Motorcycle Groups. We
are not a Motorcycle Club.
Section 1
Create and maintain camaraderie among Combat Veterans from all Branches of the United States Armed Forces and our allies.
Section 2
Promote interest in various forms of motorcycling activities that are associated with and supports Veterans
Section 3
Promote and support Veteran Organizations
Section 4
Raise awareness for the plight of U.S. soldiers that are/were prisoners of war (POW), missing in action (MIA), wounded in action (WIA), or killed in action (KIA) and their families.
Section 5
Conduct Chapter functions and activities in a manner befitting the members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and the United States Armed Forces.
Section 6
Encourage a better understanding of motorcycling and motorcyclist among members of the public, press, and law enforcement agencies
ARTICLE 3 - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
Any person:
a. Of good character. (served/serves honorably in/with any branch of the United States Armed Forces)
b. Who is a Veteran of a Foreign War and has been in "Combat".
(a) The ONLY Acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a copy of one's DD 214, ERB, or ORB.
(b) DD 214, ERB, or ORB must be surrendered to the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officers, State Representative or National CVMA BOD for verification.
(c) You may protect your social security number.
c. Although it is not required it is highly recommended that any person desiring to become a full member attend at least one meeting prior to submitting an application.
d. Annual dues will be $20.00 for full Combat members and $15.00 for military support members (those without combat experience). If possible dues should be paid utilizing the National website. Dues for new members will cover the balance of the current year and dues will be collected again in June.
e. Dues for CVMA members deployed in a war zone will be waived. Dues for all members must be paid on or before the last day of June annually. Dues for all new members joining after March 1st will be considered as paid in full for the balance of the current year and will not be required to pay again until June of the following year.
f. Must own and operate any style Motorcycle of 500cc or above.
g. 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 said member will have to either re-apply for membership as a new member, or make arrangements to return the CVMA back patch within thirty (30) days of resignation.
h. Active members in good standing with the CVMA, who become infirm, disabled or otherwise unable to ride their motorcycles will be able to keep their patch and be retired as members in good standing with the CVMA. Member must submit medical documentation and a minimum of 1 year as a member and/or BOD approval is required.
i. Life membership requirements: 3 years active in the CVMA. Member must be in good standing for all three years and minimum participation of one sanctioned CVMA event per year is required. One of which 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 refunds will be made and the back patch must be returned to the CVMA.
Section 3
By applying for membership with the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, you are giving the NC CVMA and the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association’s Board of Directors the right to verify any membership application, and DD 214 records.
Section 4
Each member is encouraged to attend all meetings and make the time to support our veteran support activities. The National CVMA BOD would like members to attend a minimum of at least one (1) event hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association per year.
Section 5
All members MUST conduct themselves in a manner that is not an embarrassment to themselves, the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, or the United States Armed Forces.
Section 6
All members must possess a valid motorcycle driver’s license endorsed by their state as well as proof of insurance for their motorcycle. This proof must be validated by one of the Chapter Officers prior to issuing any back patch.
Section 7
a. In the event of misconduct by any member, under these by-laws and those of the National Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, the Board of Directors possesses the right to revoke their 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. Bringing dishonor upon the Combat Veterans Association in action, word(s), or deeds. Always remember while we do have membership fees, WE ARE NOT, NOR DO WE CLAIM TO BE A MOTORCYCLE CLUB! WE DO NOT HAVE COLORS! We do not prospect.
ARTICLE 4 - MEMBERSHIP 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 of the association and approved by the general membership.
Section 2
The National governing body of the association shall determine deadlines for payment of 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. The initial back patch will be ordered through one of the Chapter’s Officers, State Quarter Master or the State Representative and will be issued to new members in person.
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
Chapters can collect local dues. A cap of $10.00 annual chapter dues can be assessed. All national dues continue to go straight to national.
ARTICLE 5 - ELECTIONS
Section 1
Members may accept a nomination for any Chapter officer position if he/she is a paid member in good standing with the CVMA and has a minimum of 1 full year CVMA membership with at least six months in the Chapter. Only the six month minimum requirement rule may be immediately amended with a majority vote of the general membership.
Section 2
All elected and or appointed officers must remain active members in good standing for the duration of the term while in office.
Section 3
Officers are to be nominated and elected at the NC CVMA State Meeting held in September. Elected members will assume positions immediately after the elections are complete and hold that office for 24 months or until their successors are duly qualified. Consecutive terms are permitted.
Section 4
Chapter Officer Nominations can be made electronically (e-mail) but the nominee must accept the nomination (in person or by phone) at least 14 days prior to the elections being held. The President will vote only in the event of a tie.
Section 5
NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officers will be considered for re-election on alternating years in the following order, Commander / Secretary / PR (Odd numbered years); XO / Treasurer / SGT at Arms (even numbered years). This is to ensure continuity and provide new Officers with a smooth transition.
Section 6
Should any NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officer (other than the Commander) resign or be removed for any reason the Chapter Commander has the authority to replace the officer at his/her discretion. However, the new officer will be put up for approval by the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 officers and a majority vote will decide. The President will vote only in the event of a tie. Should the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Commander be removed, the position will be assumed by the Chapter’s Executive Officer (XO) and the XO’s position will be reassigned.
Section 7
Should an elected officer resign from office for any reason the remaining NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officers will appoint a replacement to serve until the next NC CVMA State Meeting. If a suitable replacement cannot be determined the missing Officers duties and responsibilities will be delegated by the Commander and assumed by the remaining NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officers.
ARTICLE 6 - OFFICERS
Section 1
The Commander will preside over all meetings of the Chapter; act as the Executive Officer for all committees, issue the call for regular and special NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 meetings, schedule regular elections, and be sure they are held IAW the National CVMA bylaws, and carry out the directives of the National CVMA Board of Directors. The Commander may appoint additional duties as required to Chapter Officers and may designate Officer Positions if said position is vacant.
Section 2
The Executive Officer will perform all duties of the Commander in his absence. He/she will be the point of contact for all new applications to ensure the correct paperwork (to include motorcycle license and proof of insurance) is in order before releasing it to the NC State Representative. The Executive Officer will perform duties of the Public Relations Officer (Article 6 Section 5) if that position is vacant.
Section 3
The Secretary shall keep ‘minutes’ of the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 general membership and Board of Directors meetings held at Nationals. He/she will keep attendance records, keep and maintain an updated NC CVMA 15-1 membership roster as well as update the website roster. Other duties may include updating the NC CVMA 15-1 website, correspondence with inactive members, and ensure to have all points of contact (phone numbers/e-mails) for meeting locations.
Section 4
The Treasurer will collect dues and other forms of income due to the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 and the National CVMA as required. Maintain the accounting books, make payments from the associations funds when so ordered by the Commander, sign all NC CVMA Chapter 15-1’s associations checks (along with another officer’s signature) and make regular reports of the associations financial status to the National Board of Directors, State Representative and the general membership.
Section 5
The Public Relations Officer will maintain a file containing the Chapters mission, tax ID numbers, and copies of event fliers (at a minimum) and have it ready to present at each meeting and all association functions. He/she will be in charge of all the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Associations publicity, in conjunction with and approved by the associations President. Duties will include: Historian, chapter file, pictures, newspaper articles, TV and radio announcements and the associations web site.
Section 6
The SGT at Arms will maintain order during CVMA meetings and has the authority to check members ID cards before the start of each meeting. While every member is responsible for their own actions the SGT at Arms is looking out for the Chapter’s actions as a whole. He/she will speak directly to any member or guest at any event if their actions may jeopardize or call into question the integrity of the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1’s reputation.
Section 7
The Road Captain is appointed by the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 Officers. The Road Captain will plan routes for rides and meetings. He/she will ensure the routes are safe for use by large groups of motorcyclist and that no major construction will prevent the use of said routes. He/she will be the point of contact when working with police escorted rides. He/she will be responsible for a headcount at the start point and at the arrival point for all NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 members. He/she will brief riders on safety, stops along the way, any tolls associated with rides, and time hacks before the start of each ride.
Section 8
The State Representative is appointed by the National CVMA BOD. State representative’s responsibilities include carrying out the bylaws of the National CVMA BOD and to watch over their membership. Although every opportunity will be given to allow the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1’s Officers to handle all situations within their Chapter the State representative can dismiss or discipline unruly members with National CVMA BOD approval. He/she will act as a liaison between the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1’s Officers and the National CVMA BOD. The State Representative would be over the State Chapter Commanders, and will ensure activities associated with all Chapters of the NC CVMA 15 adhere to the bylaws as outlined by the National CVMA BOD.
Section 9
The Board of Directors constitutes the Executive Board of the National CVMA Association. The duties and responsibilities are described within the National Bylaws Article 6 Section 7.
Section 10
Duties and responsibilities are subject to change IOT support any requirements or justified requests of the Chapter’s Officers, the State representative or the National CVMA BOD.
ARTICLE 7 - MEETINGS
Section 1
Every effort will be made to hold meetings in facilities that support, defend, and bring honor to all U.S. Military Veterans. Meetings will be at various times and locations in the State of North Carolina to include (but not limited to) VFW’s, American Legions, Monuments, Veteran’s Parks, Memorial sites, business establishments and private homes. A quorum of conducting business shall be those present at any given meeting.
Section 2
The North Carolina Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 15-1 encourages their members to attend all meetings. The meetings are the forum to present old and new NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 business and any concerns therewith. Meetings are used to build camaraderie among Veterans, their families and their supporters IOT create a sense of unity within the Chapter and the CVMA as a whole.
Section 3
See DUTIES OF OFFICERS, Article 6, Section 1.
Section 4
Special membership meetings and special Chapter’s Officers meetings can be called by the Commander or two active members. An active member is any member that has not missed three or more consecutive meetings and is in good standing with the Chapter.
Section 5
The Chapter Commanders 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 Commander (but are subject to the approval of the officers) to officially represent the Chapter 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 NC CVMA Chapter 15-1’s Officers.
ARTICLE 9 - AMENDMENTS
Section 1
The general membership may present amendments to the bylaws when ratified by three fourths of the members present at a NC CVMA 15-1 meeting. Amendments once passed will take place immediately.
- Proposals for amendments to these bylaws may be submitted to the general membership meeting for consideration for a maximum of two consecutive years. If the proposal is denied for two consecutive years, it shall not be placed on the agenda again unless one of the following criteria is met:
1. A two year time limit has elapsed
2. The State Representative approves the item for placement on the agenda
Section 2
The State Representative and Chapter Commander will not vote on amendments. A majority vote of the general membership must be obtained. If the result is a tie, the amendment will be denied.
Section 3
The State Representative is responsible for implementing overall policy and direction of the Chapter. The Chapter Commander is responsible for day-to-day operations of the association and shall make decisions as necessary to maintain the Chapter’s viability and order.
ARTICLE 10 - PATCHES
Section 1
While there are no specific “rules” with regards to placement of patches it would be appropriate to follow the same guidelines as the Military, with your Chapter identification patch placed above your heart (left side) and your road name (if assigned) on your right. However, ultimately it is up to you to decide on placement of your patches.
Section 2
The back patch is the sole property of the CVMA. Authorization to wear this patch is given as long as the member is in good standing as set forth in Article 3. The back patch will not be referred to as “colors”, it is a patch. Should a member decide to terminate membership for any reason it will also void that members authorization to wear the CVMA back patch and said member will be required to return the patch within 30 days of termination with NO return of funds.
Section 3
It is the desire of the NC CVMA Chapter 15-1 officers and members to make the day a new member receives his/her back patch a memorable one for all. Therefore, we ask that any members make every effort to be present at a general meeting in order to receive the back patch. While this is not a forcible requirement it is strongly recommended.