Bylaws

I. Association Bylaws

  1. Name

    The name of the Association will be Vulcan Riders Association hereafter referred to as the Association. The Association will also be known as the VRA

  2. Purpose

    The purpose of the Association is to promote responsible motorcycling activities for its members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging the participation of its members in these activities while maintaining a family-oriented open atmosphere. Vulcan Riders Association is a democratically run organization. Brotherhood, friendship and tolerance are the guidelines for all our arrangements and meetings.

  3. Logotype
    1. The Association logo is copyrighted and the copyright rests with the Association Executive Committee. The right to use the copyrighted logo is extended to National Chapters.
    2. Use of the logo by any other third party requires permission from the Association Executive Committee.
    3. The logo is carried as a front patch and placed on the left or right side of the vest or jacket depending of the national chapters culture.
    4. The logo may not be misused or carried in such a manner by members, that it in anyway deflects from the Association’s core values. The VRA is not a part of the Motorcycle Club Culture and the logo must not in any way be used to give that impression; for instance as a part of a three-part backpatch.
  4. AEC
    1. The Association Executive Committee is the governing body of the Association.
    2. The members of the AEC will consist of the National President from each country (or their appointed representative) and the National Vice Presidents.
    3. The National Chapters, the World President, and Non Chapter Member President have one vote each.
    4. From the incumbent National Officers, the AEC will elect a World President, a World Vice President, a Non Chapter Member President, and other officers as needed.
    5. The AEC reserves the right to charge each National Chapter an Association fee.
    6. The National Webmasters are a part of the AEC, but since they are appointed officers they have no vote in the committee.
  5. Association finances

    Vulcan Riders Association is financed by contribution according to each national chapter’s number of registered members. There are no regular fees. When needed the AEC will decide about contributions and financing for specific purposes.

  6. National and Regional Chapters
    1. By standard the VRA is divided in National Chapters, with one chapter per country, named by international dialing number. USA=1 UK=44 Sweden=46 etc. National Chapters will abide by the Association bylaws and the decisions of the AEC.
    2. If, at any time, a chapter is not adhering to this charter or the spirit of this charter, that chapter's affiliation may be rescinded.
    3. If a specific country chose to have more regions or local organizations within its borders, should these be named:
      • Regional Chapter - A chapter defined by regional boundaries. A Regional Chapter has one or more appointed regional officers. Regional chapters are always at the discretion of the National Chapter.

      • Local Chapter - A chapter defined by a central town, city or location. A Local Chapter has locally elected officers to lead the Local Chapter. Local chapters are always at the discretion of the National Chapter.
  7. Definition of Officers
    • Elected Officer – A full member elected to lead a chapter:
      • President - The President is the nominal head of the chapter.
      • Vice President - The Vice President, in general, assists the President and assumes the duties of President in the President's absence. The Vice President will assume the role of Membership Officer until one is appointed.
      • Secretary - The Secretary is responsible for recording the minutes of the meeting and distributing a summary to the membership. The Secretary is accountable for the safe keeping of all records and other documents relating to the Association.
      • Treasurer - The Treasurer maintains an accurate record of the chapter's finances. At each meeting, the Treasurer provides a treasury report with the chapter's balance and all transactions since the last meeting.
    • Appointed Officer - A member appointed by the Board/Executive Committee to perform a duty of the chapter.
      • Membership Officer - is mandatory for all National Chapters. The VRA recommends that this Officer handles membership issues for regional and local chapters as well.
      • Webmaster - is also mandatory for all National Chapters. Each National Chapter will present a website showing at least:
        • Regional Officers' name and contact information
        • Total number of members in the National Chapter
        • The minutes of the last Annual Meeting
        • Link to VRA International Website
        An additional need for different officers may vary between chapters.
        An Officer’s duties may not in anyway be in conflict with the VRA bylaws.
  8. Membership
    1. Requirement for Association full membership is a legal, running Kawasaki Vulcan of any size. All riders must be insured and licensed as required by their locale.
    2. Spouses, Significant Others, and children of full members are allowed full membership without prejudices.
    3. All members will be assigned a unique VRA number in their own National Chapter.
    4. Associate Membership is at the discretion of the chapter.
    5. An Executive Committee can suspend or revoke the membership or privileges of any member whose conduct threatens the safety or wellbeing of the chapter or its members or in anyway acts in conflict with the association’s core values and purpose.
  9. Elections
    1. Elections will be held yearly.
    2. National Chapters will elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
    3. Only a full member may be elected to office or participate in a vote to elect officers.
    4. Any elected officer can be removed by a majority of members
    5. In the President's absence, the Vice President will assume the role of President. Members can only hold one elected office but may also hold an appointed office.
  10. Voting
    1. Chapters will be conducted democratically by popular vote
    2. Each member will only have one vote.
    3. Any full member can request a vote by hidden ballot.
  11. Meetings
    1. The purpose of chapter meetings is to promote friendship, plan events and conduct the business of the chapter.
    2. Meetings will be scheduled at regular intervals.
    3. Where possible, chapter business will be conducted in person.
  12. Finances
    1. Any funds acquired through dues, fundraisers, merchandise sales or other means will be banked in the name of the chapter. All finances should be held within the official VRA National Accounts, not held by members private accounts.
    2. The Treasurer will keep accurate records of any monies received or spent.
    3. An audit committee will be appointed to review the chapter's financial records prior to officer elections.
  13. Dissolution
    1. If a chapter or the Association is dissolved for any reason, the assets and properties remaining after the settlement of all just debts will be given to an organization with similar aims to the Association and/or to a recognized charity.
    2. The recipient organization will be determined by a majority vote of the members prior to dissolution.
  14. Amendments
    1. Changes to the Association bylaws must be approved by a majority vote of the Association Executive Committee.
    2. Changes to the National Bylaws will not conflict with the Association bylaws and must be approved by the National Chapter.
    3. Changes to Local Chapter Bylaws will not conflict with the Association bylaws and must be approved by the National Chapter.

II. USA National Bylaws

  1. National Executive Committee (NEC)

    The National Executive Committee, also referred to as "National", governs the National Chapter. Its goals are to promote retention and growth, increase visibility of the Association, improve communication and provide benefits to members.

    1. National Chapter business will be conducted through a private forum as needed.
    2. The voting members of the NEC will consist of the President from each local chapter (or another elected officer appointed by the Chapter President) and the Non-Chapter Member President.
    3. The non-voting members of the NEC will consist of any elected National Officer who is not currently serving as a Chapter President.
    4. All voting will be conducted democratically (majority of votes cast rules).
    5. In the event of a tie, the National President will cast the deciding vote.
  2. Patches
    1. Official VRA patches with or without the custom chapter outer ring can be worn as a backpatch with a maxium diameter of 10”.
    2. Backpatches must be 1-piece and cannot be worn with a rocker or resemble a 2 or 3-piece 1% Motorcycle Club backpatch.
    3. Custom chapter patches can only be worn on the front. Front patches can be worn on either side of the vest.
  3. National Officers
    1. In March of each year, National Officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) will be elected by a majority vote of the NEC.
    2. Any elected Officer may nominate themselves or any full member for a National Office.
    3. Any nominee accepting the nomination and receiving a second supporting nomination from an elected officer will be included on the election ballot.
    4. Term of office will be from the conclusion of the election poll until the conclusion of the following annual election.
    5. Appointed Officers will be appointed by the National President (e.g. Webmaster, Chapter Coordinators, Store Manager, Merchandising Officer, Marketing officer, etc).
    6. Appointed National Officers can be removed by the National President.
    7. Elected and Appointed National Officers can be removed by a majority vote of the NEC.
    8. Should an elected National office become vacant, a special election will be held if more than 3 months remain until the next scheduled election. Appointed National positions may be filled at anytime.
  4. Local Chapters
    1. Local chapters will elect a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.
    2. The following will be approved by the National President
      1. New chapter applications
      2. The chapter’s name (should reflect its location)
      3. Any custom patches
    3. Local chapters will be assigned a National chapter number upon approval.
      1. The first digit in a local chapter’s number will be “1” to represent the United States
      2. The second digit(s) will be assigned in sequential numerical order based on the order each chapter was founded.
      3. At the discretion of the National Presdient, a chapter may reuse a previous chapter number that represented the same location
    4. Local chapter bylaws will not conflict with either the Association bylaws or National bylaws.
  5. National Finances
    1. The National Officers have authority to approve routine or recurring expenses, the purchase of VRA merchandise or any expense up to $75.00. All other expenditures must be approved by a majority vote of the National Executive Committee.
    2. The fiscal year for the national association will be from Mar 1 to Feb 28
    3. A yearly audit of the treasury will be completed prior to National Officer elections.
  6. Amendments
    1. Changes to the national bylaws will be approved by a majority vote of the National Executive Committee.
Local chapter bylaws are created and maintained by each local chapter. A suggested template is shown below:

III. Local Chapter Bylaws (Blank Template)

  1. Name

    The name of the chapter shall be _____________________.

  2. Purpose

    The purpose of the chapter is to promote responsible motorcycling activities for its members by conducting chapter activities and encouraging the participation of its members in these activities while maintaining a family-oriented open atmosphere. Vulcan Riders Association is a democratically run organization. Brotherhood, friendship and tolerance are the guidelines for all our arrangements and meetings.

  3. Bylaws
    1. The local chapter will operate in compliance with VRA National Bylaws.
    2. Any changes to these local chapter bylaws must be approved by a majority vote of the local chapter membership
  4. Dues

    Membership dues will be ________________.

  5. Associate Membership

    Membership eligibility, privileges and requirements to join as an Associate member will be as follows:

    1. ____________________________
    2. ____________________________
    3. ____________________________
  6. Elections

    In ___(month)____ of each year, local chapter officers (President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) will be elected by a majority vote of the local chapter membership.