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.