Northern Illinois Victory Riders By-Laws

Victory Motorcycle Club

Chapter By-Laws

Introduction: These by-laws exist for the creation and continuation of a Local Chapter of the Victory Motorcycle Club known as the:

"Northern Illinois Victory Riders Chapter" of the VMC.

The by-laws stated here have been agreed to by Charter Members of the

"Northern Illinois Victory Riders Chapter" on April 21st of 2004.

I Article 1: Purpose and Mission

(List your Local Chapter’s Purpose & Mission)

A. Promote the Victory brand.

B. Promote Victory Motorcycle Club Membership.

C. Support the VMC Charities as well as others.

D. Promote fellowship among Victory riders.

E. Promote safe group riding skills.

II. Article 2: Membership
A. Club membership is open to riders and enthusiasts of Victory motorcycles. Membership in this organization shall be determined on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard for age, sex, race, religion or national origin. Membership is on an individual basis, counting as one member for dues, if applicable. Each membership is allowed one vote.

B. All members shall have an equal stake in the club and its activities.

C. Membership shall be ongoing, but subject to termination with good cause, which could include the following:

1. Non-payment of dues local, if applicable, or VMC membership.
2. Criminal behavior during club events.

3. Lack of attendance at Chapter function(s).

Agreement of 75% of the members of the local chapter at a regularly scheduled meeting with at least 30 days prior notice of the termination vote.

D. All Chapter members must be members in good standing of the Victory
Motorcycle Club (VMC).

E. VMC Local Chapter membership is limited to 1 (one) VMC local chapter for regular members. Honorary membership is exempt from this rule, but must be a member in good standing of the VMC.

F. All chapter members must have a signed VMC Local Chapter Membership

Application and Liability Release Form (VMC Form #123) on file with the club

Secretary.

III. Article 3: Structure

From the membership at-large there will be as elected: President, Secretary, and a Treasurer if needed. One person may be designated "Secretary/Treasurer".

B. The President shall have primary responsibility for the legal and financial affairs of the chapter. The President will preside at all meetings and appoint "ad-hoc’ committees as deemed necessary. The president shall have the power to take actions and make determinations in the best interests of the chapter when needed, but will be required to adhere to the National VMC and Chapter approved by-laws.

C. The Secretary shall perform all the duties of the President in the absence of the President, and to assist as needed by the President. In the event of the President leaving office the Secretary shall become President for the remainder of that term.

D. The Secretary shall keep all records of meetings, legal matters and financial information as generated by the club. All dues or other intake of funds, if applicable, shall be accounted for and disbursements made as directed by the President. All records shall be available for inspection by any club member with reasonable notice.

The secretary shall maintain all VMC Local Chapter membership and Liability Release Forms (VMC Form #123) on file.

E. President and Secretary will serve for two years per term, alternating each year for election between the President and Secretary. Additional positions will be allowed as needed by the Chapter, and will serve similar terms.

F. Financial obligations approved by the membership will be paid from Chapter Funds. In the event that there are insufficient funds, the members shall be responsible for this deficiency. This will be on a pro-rata basis. These obligations will specifically NOT BE THE OBLIGATION OF THE VMC.

IV. Article 4: Meetings

A. General meetings of the club shall be at intervals not to exceed two months, with any meeting date not agreed to at the previous meeting requiring a one-week "good faith" notification with the exception of emergency situations. A central phone number or contact person shall be designated for all meeting information, and/or such information shall be posted on the Internet.

B. Any other meetings or activities of any kind relating to chapter business, held by club members or committees, shall have at least one Officer present, and will be held as needed.

C. Aside from overturning an action by an Officer, a simple majority of members present at meeting shall decide matters of the club.
V. Article 5: Group Rides, Rider Safety
A. VMC Chapters may choose to ride as a group. Non-VMC or Chapter Members are welcome.

B. WAIVER OF LIABILITY FORMS (VMC form#124)

A waiver should be signed for each ride participant (rider and passenger) prior to departure and maintained by the Chapter Secretary or designate. Chapter members with current signed liability release forms on file are exempt.

C. RIDE COORDINATOR

Each Group Ride will have a Ride Coordinator. That person, or their designee, should discuss in a pre departure meeting:

The destination and possible route(s) should be communicated verbally and/or in distributed printed material. He also should indicate the estimated time of arrival at the established destination.

Discussions of rider differences during group ride experience and that all riders should always stay in their riding comfort zone.

Communicate that local Motor Vehicle laws always apply.

This person should address discussion of the "Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s, Rules for Group Riding" as well.

A final reminder that local Motor Vehicle laws always apply when riding (regardless of group size) should be reinforced, before departure of the Ride Coordinator.

D. The Chapter will procure, distribute, and review MSF Videos or Literature on Rider Safety on a regular basis. These activities are to be documented by the Secretary in the meeting minutes.