Purpose: The Semper Fi Riders is a Veteran run non-profit corporation that serves and supports our local community by advancing the awareness of the needs and contributions of America's veterans, their families, and children's organizations. This purpose is accomplished through participation in events open to the public, and providing non-monetary gifts (i.e., labor, event participation, and support as deemed appropriate) by the membership. While fundraising is not a core component of the organization, donations will be accepted as long as they satisfy all requirements under section 501(c) 3 of the IRS code.
Goal: To carry out our purpose as stated above while establishing and maintaining a spirit of camaraderie and esprit de corps for all our members, and to operate and conduct ourselves in a manner which is in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps, and the United States Naval Service.
The Semper Fi Riders is not a motorcycle club, nor a riding club, and therefore has no political or territorial interest. The Semper Fi Riders will acknowledge all Motorcycle Clubs (MC), Riding Clubs (RC), and other motorcycle groups and organizations with respect.
Membership: Any person desiring consideration for membership is required to submit a copy of their DD-214 (Blacked out SSN) and complete an application for Board of Directors (BoD) review and approval (BoD majority vote). Applicants applying for membership must have their own Motorcycle prior to joining the membership. Applicants not currently possessing a Motorcycle may be approved for temporary membership, with the requirement that they have ONE year to obtain a motorcycle, or their membership will be terminated. Exceptions may be granted/authorized by a majority vote of the BoD. The applicant will be required to attend the next scheduled General Membership meeting and pay their applicable dues.
Each member in good standing is expected to attend meetings and events, and consistently conduct themselves to the highest standards as required by the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.
A. Full Membership: Full membership is available only to those who are currently serving, or have served honorably as a United States Marine or FMF Corpsman. A Full Member may be nominated and elected to hold any one of the five (5) positions on the Board of Directors. Proof of ‘honorable’ service is required, and may be verified by presenting either a DD-214 or Retired Military ID card.
B. Associate Membership: An Associate member is typically related to a Full Member by blood or marriage. A person wanting to join the Semper Fi Riders that does not meet this definition will require a majority vote by ALL current full members. An Associate Member must be sponsored by a Full Member, and is authorized to wear Associate Member Patches only.
C. Life Membership: A Life Membership may be extended to any Full Member who has participated and donated time in support of the Semper Fi Riders. A Full Member makes nominations for lifetime memberships by providing the nominee's name and justification for the nomination during a monthly general membership meeting. After discussion and a second from any of the Full Members, a majority vote of the members in attendance during a general membership meeting is required for Life Membership approval.
Dues: Annual dues are to be paid in full no later than the last day of March of each year. If a member is unable to pay their dues by March 31st, and they wish to remain a member, they must discuss alternate arrangements with a member of the Board of Directors.
• Full Members and Spouses/Associate Members and Spouses: $40.00 • Life: None
Patches: Patches shall not be confused with "colors" and should be affixed appropriately, and in good taste on a vest or jacket. Proper care is expected.
1. The purchase of patches is optional for Associate Members/Spouses, and will not be required for membership. Full members will be required to purchase and affix patches to a riding vest of their choosing.
2. Each approved new member (Full or Associate) may purchase patches at their own expense during an organized event or scheduled meeting.
3. Damaged, unserviceable patches will be replaced by the responsible member at current patch pricing.
4. Any Full Member/Associate who leaves the organization will be required to return their patches to a member of the Board of Directors. Full members who have been designated a "Life Member" may retain their patches indefinitely.
5. Any Associate Member/Spouse who leaves the organization shall return their patches to their sponsor or to any member of the Board of Directors.
Board of Directors: • President • Vice President • Sergeant at Arms • Secretary • Treasurer
All Board of Directors responsibilities will be maintained in the documents section of the Semper Fi Riders website, and are subject to change without a formal review. • All leadership positions are 2-year positions. • Nominations for President, Sergeant at Arms and Treasurer will occur during even years. • Nominations for Vice President and Secretary will occur during odd years.
Nominations will be made during the general membership meeting in October. Elections will occur during the January General Membership Meeting, and those elected will assume responsibility of their elected position at the February General Membership Meeting.
The Board of Directors may: • Authorize disbursement of funds to pay for expenses and charitable expenses as approved. • Conduct an annual review of bylaws. • Mete out disciplinary action as necessary. • Act as a Budget Committee. • Determine the serviceability of patches.
Any actions of the Board of Directors must be reported at the next general membership meeting and will be subject to review by the membership.
Meetings: We will conduct business beginning at 1730 on the first Thursday of each month. Assembly may begin as early as 1700 to enjoy camaraderie, food, and beverage of choice prior to conducting business. Monthly notifications and reminders will be disseminated by a member of the Board of Directors.
Once a month, a Semper Fi Riders Group ride will be conducted (excluding wintertime season). President or Vice-President will report to the General Membership which upcoming ride(s) we will be supporting, or conducting.
Adoption/Amendments/Revisions/Review:The adoption of these bylaws and any amendment or revision will require a majority concurrence from all Full members, no later than the March General Membership meeting. All Full members are required to submit their concurrence or non-concurrence via electronic means to ensure everyone’s vote is taken into consideration. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to ensure ALL Full members respond. Should no comment be obtained within two weeks, that Full Members vote shall automatically be tallied as "Concurrence".
The Board of Directors will ensure that the bylaws are reviewed annually after which the President will report to the membership at the next general membership meeting, or specially called meeting as described above, and will open discussion to any member present for adoptions, amendments, or revisions.
