COMBAT VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
CVMA CHAPTER 17-1, MAINE
(2006)
CERTIFIED CHAPTER OF
COMBAT VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION
(2001)
BYLAWS FOR MAINE CVMA CHAPTER 17-1 (Last revision: 19 Sep, 2020)
ARTICLE I
General:
Section 1(a)
a. The name of this Chapter hereto and after shall be known as
COMBAT VETERANS MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION, MAINE CHAPTER 17-1 (CVMA 17-1
The Crossroads Chapter)
(Awarded its Certificate on November 12, 2006 by Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association
National Board Of Directors [BOD]) hereafter known as the CVMA.
b. The principal address for Chapter 17-1 is: 9 N. River Road #246 Auburn, ME 04210
c. Upon a vote of the state BOD, the principal address may be changed. Membership must be notified of such change.
d. CVMA Chapter 17-1 may conduct business at any location selected by the 17-1 BOD.
Section 1(b)
Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c) (19) Purposes: Maine Chapter 17-1 is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, educational and/or scientific purposes as specified in Section 501(c) (19) of the internal revenue Code, including, for such purposes, the making of distributions to organizations under section 501(c) (19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Section 2
The emblem/logo used by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is the sole property of the CVMA. The logo of the CVMA is copyrighted and requires written approval from the NBOD prior to the logo being used in any manner of sales or marketing. Any item(s) given approval and featuring the full copyrighted logo may then only be sold to Full Members of the Association. Modifications to the logo will be submitted for review. The emblem of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is in the shape of a skull encompassed by the following colors. The incorporated colors are: Red, representing the blood that has been shed on the battlefield. The Military Gold, representing all branches of the military service of the United States. Black, representing the heavy hearts possessed for those who gave their lives and for those that are considered missing in action or prisoners of war. The skull and ace of spades represent the death that war leaves in its wake.
Section 3:
All CVMA merchandise will be sold at cost, plus shipping and handling.
ARTICLE 2
Objectives:
General:
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association protocol: The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is formed for the betterment of communication and camaraderie between other motorcycle associations, veterans organizations, and or motorcycle groups.
Section 1
To promote interest in various forms of motorcycle activity associated with Veterans.
Section 2
To create and maintain camaraderie among Combat Veterans from all Branches of Service and its allies.
Section 3
To support Veterans and Veterans Organizations.
Section 4
To raise awareness for the plight of POW's, MIA's and their families, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, (TBI) and other combat related medical conditions.
Section 5
To conduct Association functions and activities in a manner befitting the members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and as well as the association’s Auxiliary Members.
Section 6
To encourage a better understanding of motorcycle riders as a constructive sport among members of the public, press, and law enforcement agencies.
ARTICLE 3
Membership Requirements
Section 1
Full Members:
a. Should attend at least one meeting a year.
b. Must be a person of Good, Moral Character who is a “Combat” Veteran of a foreign war.
c. The Only acceptable proof for membership to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association is a copy
of the applicant's DD 214 or Official Military Personnel File or officer/enlisted record brief (ORB/ERB), which must be surrendered to the BOD for Verification.
d. Annual Dues-National dues shall be $20.00 dollars for full members and $10.00 for military support
members. Dues for CVMA members deployed in a war zone will be waived. Dues for all Members
will be due in June of each year. Dues for new members will cover the balance of the remainder of the
year. Dues for new members joining after January will be considered as paid in full for the balance of current
year and the following year. Chapter dues for chapter 17-1 are $10.00 dollars a year and will be due at the
same time as National dues.
e. Motorcycle: CVMA Members must own and operate a motorcycle of 500cc or greater.
f. Member Resignation: 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, a member will have to re-apply for
membership as a new member and will require BOD approval.
g. Member becoming Infirm: Active members in Good Standing with the CVMA who become infirm, disabled or otherwise become unable to ride their motorcycles will be able to keep their patch and be retired as Members in Good Standing with the CVMA. Members should submit medical documentation and a minimum of one year as a Member. BOD approval is required.
h. Life Membership requirements: 3 years active in the CVMA, member should be in good standing
for all three years, and have minimum participation of one sanctioned CVMA event per year, one being
a national conference. Cost for Life Membership is $200.00. If a Life Member quits for any reason or
the member is removed from the CVMA rolls for any reason, no refund will be made.
I. Life Member Annual Dues: Annual chapter dues for Life Members will be voluntarily $10.00 per year.
Section 2
Auxiliary Members:
a. Should be of Good, Moral Character. Good Moral Character is defined by the Chapter's BOD at the time of
Auxiliary Member Assessment. Should be a spouse, widow or widower of a Full or Support Member who is in
Good Standing with the CVMA. Auxiliary Members are governed by CVMA National Bylaws.
b. Shall support the efforts of all branches of the United States of Americas Armed forces and the Combat
Veterans Motorcycle Association.
c. Shall not have a vote in CVMA business.
d. Is not eligible to hold a position on the Board of Directors.
e. Annual dues for the CVMA Auxiliary Members is $10.00 per year and is payable to CVMA
National.
f. Auxiliary Life Membership requires three years active in the CVMA. Auxiliary 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 Auxiliary meeting. The Full member sponsor must already be a Life Member (or concurrently seeking Life Member status). Cost for Auxiliary Life Membership is $100. If an Auxiliary Life Member quits or is removed for any reason, is no longer qualified as an Auxiliary member (e.g. divorce), or the sponsor member quits or is removed from the CVMA rolls for any reason, no refund will be made.
SECTION 3
Support Members:
a. Should be of Good, Moral Character as defined by the Chapter's BOD at the time of
Member Assessment. Member should have served honorably in the Armed Services of the United
States.
b. Must own and operate a motorcycle of 500cc or greater.
c. Should read and abide by all CVMA Bylaws applicable to Support Members.
d. Should not have a vote in National CVMA business but can vote in 17-1 chapter business (IAW a chapter vote 17 June 2017).
e. Is not eligible to hold a position on the Board of Directors.
f. Maximum number of Support Members should not exceed 10 % of total state CVMA 17 Full
Member membership.
g. Only one (1) Support Member can be vouched on per year by an individual CVMA Full Member.
h. Support Members are required to submit their application with proof of military service through a
Full Member of the CVMA 17-1 who has held a membership for not less than one year. Support
Members are required to have either ridden a minimum of 3,000 miles with their sponsor,
attended three (3) CVMA events or be known by their sponsor for a minimum six (6) months. A Full
Member submitting an application for a Support Member shall verify that the sponsored Support
Member meets or exceeds the membership criteria described herein.
I. Annual dues for a CVMA Support Member is $10.00.
j. With payment of the annual dues, a CVMA Support Identification Card will be issued.
k. Support members in good standing may purchase and wear any and all CVMA Support Member
CVMA merchandise.
l. Support Life Membership requires three years active in the CVMA. Support member must be in
good standing for all three years and minimum participation of one sanctioned event per year is
required, one of which must be a National meeting. Cost of Support Life Membership is $100. If a
Support Life Member quits for any reason or is removed from the CVMA rolls for any reason, no
refund will be made.
m. Support 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. Members must submit medical documentation and a minimum of one
year as a member and/or NBOD approval is required.
n. Life members, if for health reasons can no longer ride can at their discretion, remain members in
good standing and can keep their patch.
Section 4
Each member must attend a minimum of at least one (1) event hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association per year. This requirement may be met by attending any one (1) of the following within the CVMA dues calendar year. Members not in compliance will have their status (via 201 file) annotated as “Not in Good Standing due to attendance”.
a) National, Regional or State sanctioned CVMA event.
b) Any Chapter CVMA function, that includes the sponsoring CEB participation.
Any member that was deployed at any time during the year is exempt from meeting this requirement. Life Members and Medically Retired members are exempt from meeting this requirement.
Chapter Officers are responsible for “looking after” their members and should make efforts to ensure all members are aware of this requirement and assist their membership attendance of one of these events.
This bylaw change will become effective starting July 1st, 2017 and be measured on the CVMA dues calendar year from July 1 through June 30th each year.
Section 5
All Members should conduct themselves in a manner that is not an embarrassment to themselves, the CVMA, or the United States of America.
a) Undesirable conduct is as determined by the CVMA 17-1 BOD. The CVMA 17-1 BOD maintains complete and sole authority to take disciplinary action to include a recommendation to the State Representative for Member termination.
b) In the event of misconduct by any member, under the By-laws of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association National, or the By-laws of CVMA Chapter 17-1, the Chapter 17-1 Board of Directors possesses the right to recommend revoking that Member’s 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, as determined solely by the CVMA 17-1 BOD.
ARTICLE 4
Membership Dues
Section 1
Membership dues should be at such a 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 governing body of the association should determine deadlines for payment of renewal membership dues.
Section 3
Annual Dues-National dues will be $20.00 dollars for Full Members and $10.00 for Military Support
Members. Dues for CVMA Members deployed in a war zone will be waived. Dues for all Members
will be due by June 30 of each year. Dues for new members will cover the balance of the remainder of the year. Dues for new members joining after January 1 will be considered as paid in full for the balance of current year and the following year. Chapter dues for chapter 17-1 is $10.00 dollars a year and will be due on January 1st of each year.
Section 4
Charter members will not be required to pay annual dues and may wear the “45 patch” designating that status.
Section 5
At the time of issuance to a Full Member, the cost for the primary CVMA Full Member back patch shall be $45.00, Support and Auxiliary Member’s back patches are $35.
ARTICLE 5
Chapter Officers
Section 1
a. Chapter officers should be Commander, Executive Officer (XO), Treasurer, Secretary, and Sergeant - at - Arms. (The offices of treasurer and secretary may be held by one person and count as one
vote.)
b. The powers and obligations of chapter officers should be commensurate with the powers and
obligation of national officers as outlined in the National By-laws with respect to Chapter
business.
c. Commander will preside over all meetings of Chapter 17-1, serve as chairperson of the Board
of Directors (hereafter known as the BOD), act as Executive Officer of all committees, issue
the call for regular and special BOD meetings, schedule regular elections and assure they are
held in accordance with Chapter 17-1 bylaws and carry out the directives of the BOD.
Treasurer and Secretary are accountable to the commander.
d. Executive Officer (XO) will perform all duties of the commander in his or her absence.
e. Treasurer will collect dues and other forms of income due to Chapter 17-1, maintain the
accounting books, make payments from Chapter 17-1 funds when so ordered by the
membership or in emergencies by the BOD, sign all association checks, and make regular
reports of Chapter 17-1financial status to the BOD, and the general membership.
f. Secretary should keep minutes of all BOD and General Membership Meetings, and assume all
duties of that office: newsletters, notifications to membership, update web page. etc.
g. Sergeant - at - Arms will maintain order as directed by the Commander or XO during chapter
meetings, check ID cards prior to start of meetings, and maintain a sign-in roster.
h. Public Relations Officer will maintain a file and have it ready to present at each meeting and
all chapter functions. He or she will be in charge of all chapter publicity in conjunction with
and approved by Chapter Commander or Executive Officer. The position of a Public Relations
Officer was affirmatively approved by the Full Membership on September 22, 2012. The Public
Relations Officer works directly for the BOD representing the chapter.
i. Chapter Historian will keep a historical record of all chapter functions and important historical
facts.
j. Board of Directors: the BOD for Chapter 17-1 is responsible for the control of business,
property and affairs of the chapter, should be a maximum of seven members, and should consist of
the following: The Commander, Executive Officer, Treasurer, Secretary, Sgt. At Arms,
immediate Past Commander, and one voted Director from full membership. (In the event the
Secretary and Treasurer positions are held by one person then an additional director should be
voted upon to hold the office of director.)
k. Committees may be formed as needed to research, plan reports, and/or otherwise conduct
matters on behalf of the chapter membership to further the purpose of CVMA. The BOD may
appoint or accept volunteers to said committees. The chairperson should be elected by that
committee or designated by the Commander.
l. Senior Ride Captain/ Safety Officer will be appointed by the BOD. Responsibilities include ensuring
rider safety, motorcycle safety, and communicating routes and emergency procedures to all riders.
ARTICLE 6
Elections & Terms
Section 1
a. Elections will be held during the general meeting in November on odd numbered years. Newly
elected officers will take office in January following the election.
b. Nominations for officers should be submitted by the September Meeting. Consecutive terms are permitted for all offices.
Section 2
Terms of Office:
a. Commander 2 years
b. Executive Officer 2 years
c. Secretary 2 years
d. Treasurer 2 years
e. Sgt At Arms 2 years
f. Directors 2 years
SECTION 3
All nominees for any office must be active and in good standing in the association with a minimum of one (1) full year of CVMA membership, or a minimum of six months of CVMA membership if a member of one year or more does not elect to run for office.
Section 4
Should an elected officer leave office for any reason the BOD will appoint a replacement to fulfill the term of office until the next election.
ARTICLE 7
Meetings:
SECTION 1
a. Roberts Rules of Order should govern the conduct of all meetings.
b. Regular business meetings should be held on the third Saturday of the month. The time, location,
and sometimes the date should be voted on before the close of the previous month's meeting.
c. The Annual Meeting Chapter 17-1 will be held in the month of November. Its date, time, and
location will be submitted to the BOD by the social committee no later than the September
meeting.
d. Special Meetings may be called from time to time by any member of the BOD when an
emergency or other immediate business dictates. An attempt to notify all members should be
carried out at the direction of the Commander or the BOD.
e. All full members in good standing should have the right to vote on any and all business brought
before the chapter. The presence of eight members in good standing should constitute a quorum.
A 2/3 majority on any matter should control. In the absence of a quorum, no business that
constitutes a vote can be conducted and all business will be continued until the next scheduled
meeting or a special meeting with advance notice to the membership given.
ARTICLE 8
Charities and Special Functions
Section 1
a. Participation in all charities, special functions, and fund raisers will be approved by the BOD
then voted on by the membership.
b. All expenses accrued for hosting a charity or fund raiser will be obtained from event earnings.
c. Up to 30% of monies raised can go to the treasury of Chapter 17-1 to keep the Chapter solvent with 70% going to the charity. If the BOD decides that it does not need 30% of the funds raised to keep the Chapter solvent, the BOD can recommend anything from 70% to 100% of money raised to be given to the charity. This will be decided by a vote of the General Membership of CVMA Chapter 17-1.
DISSOLUTION If for any reason the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Chapter 17-1, Maine resolves or disbands, all remaining funds of the Chapter shall go to the Beals House at the Togus, VA Hospital.
BY-LAW AMENDMENTS BY FULL MEMBERSHIP VOTE
Original By-Laws were voted on and approved on the 17th day of June 2007.
Article 8 was amended on October 13, 2012 by a majority vote to have the official, primary Chapter Charity to be any Veteran and/or Veteran organization that provides direct support and assistance to needy Veterans of all branches of service.
On Sept 21, 2008, by a majority vote of the General Membership, it was passed to keep two thousand five hundred ($2,500.00) in the CVMA financial account for 17-1 operating expenses.
Article 6 was amended on April 19, 2009 by a majority vote of the membership.
Article 1, Section 2 was amended by a majority vote of the full Membership on November 21, 2010.
Article 8, Paragraph “C” was amended by a majority vote of the full Membership on November 21, 2010.
Article 3, Section 1, (d) and Article 4, Section 3 were amended in accordance with the National's Membership meeting in June, 2010.
CVMA 17-1 Board of Directors ratified By-laws and recommended By-laws for approval by the full Membership on January 8, 2011.
BY-LAWS APPROVAL: By vote of the Full Membership at its meeting: January 16, 2011.
BY-LAWS RE-APPROVED: The words “shall” and “must” were replaced with the word “should” as directed by CVMA National. Section 2 Paragraphs (a) and (e) concerning Auxiliary Members was changed to reflect Auxiliary Members paying dues and being governed by CVMA National. Chapter 17-1 By-Laws were approved at the regularly scheduled meeting on August 20, 2011.
ARTICLE 8, SECTION 1, PARAGRAPH “C”: Revised by the Membership October 22, 2011.
Article 5, Section 1, Paragraph (h): The position of a Public Relations Officer was affirmatively approved by the Full Membership on September 22, 2012. This position will serve as a Chapter 17-1 BOD Member.
Article 4, Section 5: Was added to the By-Laws on October 13, 2012 to read as follows: At the time of issuance to a Full Member, the cost for the primary CVMA National Back Patch shall be $55.00, in total. This Member cost represents (1) the $45.00 dollar cost for the back patch, (2) the $5.00 cost for the CVMA 17-1 front vest patch and, (3) a $5.00 cost for a “Welcome Packet” in which multiple CVMA materials to include a complete set of By-Laws, CVMA 17-1 Life Insurance application, Protocol 1 document rider safety documents, Membership List documents and any other material as seen appropriate by the CVMA 17-1 BOD.
Article 4, Section 5: Was amended on January 18, 2014 to read as follows due to the cost of back patches being raised by NBOD from $45 to $50: At the time of issuance to a Full Member, the cost for the primary CVMA National Back Patch shall be $60.00, in total. This Member cost represents (1) the $50.00 dollar cost for the back patch, (2) the $5.00 cost for the CVMA 17-1 front vest patch and, (3) a $5.00 cost for a “Welcome Packet” in which multiple CVMA materials to include a complete set of By-Laws, CVMA 17-1 Life Insurance application, Protocol 1 document rider safety documents, Membership List documents and any other material as seen appropriate by the CVMA 17-1 BOD.
Article 4, Section 5: Was modified on 17 May 2015 to reflect the new costs of back patches.
The following sections were adjusted on 2 July 2017 to align the Chapter Bylaws with the updated National Bylaws version O.
Removed all reference to State Rep requirements. They are listed in the national bylaws. When 17-1’s bylaws were originally written it was the only chapter in Maine and SR requirements needed to be mentioned, they are no longer necessary. (Art 5 sect 1 m&n, Art 6 sect 2g)
Article 1, Section 2
Article 3, Section 3d
Added Article 3, Section 3 l-n
Article 3, Section 4
Article 6, Section 3
The following sections were adjusted on 7 April 2020 to align the Chapter Bylaws with the updated National Bylaws version P and changes voted on by the chapter since the last revision.
Article 1 section 1a Added the Crossroads Chapter to the chapter name
Article 1 section 1b Changed the chapter address to the new PO Box
Article 2 section 4 Changed to match the National Bylaws
Article 3 section 1c Added “or Official Military Personnel File or officer/enlisted record brief or ERB” to match the National Bylaws
Article 3 section 2f Added the requirements for Aux life membership requirements to be in compliance with the National Bylaws
Article 3 section 6 Deleted This paragraph mentioned the requirement to own and operate a motorcycle. This requirement in mentioned in Articles 3 section 1e and 3b
Article 3 section 7 Paragraph about misconduct moved to section 5b section 7 deleted
Article 4 section 3 Changed national dues payment date to 30 June from 1 June to be in compliance with the National Bylaws
The following section was amended by a chapter vote on 19 Sep 2020
Article 5, Section 1, Paragraph (h): The position of a Public Relations Officer was redesignated to “The Public Relations Officer works directly for the BOD representing the chapter.”