BY-LAWS
OF
Coast Guard Riders
The following by-laws are set forth for the normal operation and administration of the
Coast Guard Riders and will be directed on, and utilized as a guide for, the CGR’s
officers and its members.
ARTICLE I
Name and Authority
The name of this organization shall be the Coast Guard Riders and hereafter referred to
as the Coast Guard Riders (CGR’s). They shall have the authority to operate on all
military installations with the consent of the installation commander. Operations of this
organization shall be in compliance with the requirements and conditions of its own by-
laws, U.S Coast Guard directives, installation directives, state laws and local laws.
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ARTICLE II
Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
MISSION STATEMENT: To establish and maintain a spirit of comradeship and esprit
de corps that will bring together like minded U.S. Coast Guard motorcycle riders,
encourage on-going motorcycle rider education and skills development, reduce the
potential of motorcycle mishaps through safety standards, set an example for all
personnel according to the traditions and customs of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast
Guard Riders are a non-territorial, nationwide group that is broken down into districts
and then units to reflect the U.S. Coast Guard structure. We shall operate and conduct
ourselves in a manner that provides equal opportunity and treatment for all motorcyclists.
We will support U.S. Coast Guard charities, other military related charities, local
community causes and local activities.
GOALS:
1. The Coast Guard Riders will seek to improve morale, promote rider
awareness and skills improvement. The Coast Guard Riders will seek to
enhance the installation and local community relationship through
community service efforts and events by unifying and combining the
unique and individual talents of the Coast Guard Riders members.
2. Each member is encouraged to actively participate, to support the
objectives of the Coast Guard Riders by setting a positive example, and to
promote the safety and welfare of all members.
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OBJECTIVES:
1. Provide each member with the collective knowledge, experience, and safety
skills needed for positively affecting motorcycle riding on and off any military
installation.
2. Improve rider skills through mentorship for new riders and continuing
education for all riders.
3. Establish an effective means of communication with all members to exchange
ideas and keep attuned to changes in attitudes and behaviors of installation
riders.
4. Promote the positive status of motorcycle riders in the U.S. Coast Guard.
5. Promote and support safety recognition programs.
6. Introduce new motorcyclists to the Coast Guard Riders and familiarize them
with the goals and objectives of the CGR’s.
7. Promote social gatherings on installations, as well as within the local
community.
8. Plan for and promote the use of designated drivers and other effective DUI
prevention programs with all Coast Guard Riders. Any sponsored, organized
or attended events where alcoholic beverages will be consumed there will be
transportation alternatives.
9. Assist in maintaining a high state of group moral and comradeship, while
encouraging the highest standards of safety, mentorship, respect and behavior.
10. Invite guest speakers to discuss topics of interest with the members,
emphasizing on safety, rider skills, community, and family enhancement.
Improve the morale and welfare of the Coast Guard Riders members and their
family members.
11. Promote, participate and donate to U.S. Coast Guard charities, other charitable
veteran organizations and local communities in need.
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ARTICLE III
Qualification of Members and Fees
SECTION A: Membership in the Coast Guard Riders shall be strictly voluntary and
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. Individuals
need not a motorcycle to become a member. Other existing active patch club members
are allowed to wear our small support patch, but only with their club or MC’s permission.
Active members must have a motorcycle endorsement on their state issued license and
maintain current insurance as required by law. All active duty military members who
ride motorcycles must have a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Rider Course SM
completion card per U.S. Coast Guard base policy and any military installation policy or
instruction. As per Commandant INST all will follow rules regulations and safety
policies. All members must be aware that they are jointly liable for the obligations of the
Coast Guard Riders. Membership shall consist of five categories as defined below:
1. Active Member: Any individual who is active duty, retired, reserve, prior
service, auxiliary, federal employee either civilian or military, or working
on any USCG installation and must provide identification with either a
CAC or DD214. To remain an active member in good standing all fees must
be paid to date. An active member is authorized to vote and discuss all
matters in which the member has interests.
2. Associate Member: Any individual who rides as a passenger with an active
member and pays fees. An associate member is not authorized to vote nor
have input in club related business discussions. No active member can sponsor
more than two associate members. No associate member can be someone
eligible to become an active member. This level of membership does not
require a motorcycle for participation.
3. Mentoree: Any new mentoree who has less than one year riding experience
upon applying for active membership or is intending to purchase a motorcycle
in conjunction with joining the CGR’s, a mentor must be selected from the
general membership to observe and advise the new rider for a period of six
months. The mentor is selected by and agreed upon decision of a vote . After
completion of the six month period, with mentor concurrence, the individual
becomes an active member. If the mentor feels the members has not lived up
to the principles or rules of the Coast Guard Riders a majority vote at a
membership meeting is necessary for the individual to remain. New
mentoree’s pay no dues for the first six months and have no voting privileges.
4. Honorary Member: May be extended to any adult person with a simple
majority vote of the active members present at any membership meeting,
except as mentioned below. Such membership shall be restricted to
individuals who have taken positive actions that support the Coast Guard
Riders principles, purposes, and objectives. These members are not authorized
to vote.
5. Inactive Member: Any individual mentioned above, whose fees are 90 days
delinquent will be consider inactive. A 30 day delinquency notice will be
mailed to the member prior to being placed on the inactive member roster. An
inactive member is not authorized to vote nor make any motions but can
attend meetings.
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SECTION B: Active participation and support of projects, activities, and functions of
the Coast Guard Riders are encouraged and are the responsibility of every member.
SECTION C: Membership may be denied or withdrawn from active, associate,
honorary, Mentoree’s or inactive members under the conditions prescribed by the officers
of the Coast Guard Riders in accordance with Article III, sections A and D, of this
charter. Membership may terminate at the written request of the member.
SECTION D: Any member convicted of a DUI will be suspended from any membership
status they may hold in the Coast Guard Riders, and shall forfeit all fees paid to date.
Suspension of active membership will be based upon actual loss of installation privileges
as deemed appropriate by command authorities, based on legal authority. CGR’s will
retrieve any patches and or material from members.
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SECTION E: ALL MEMBERS MUST WEAR THE PATCHED VEST AND OR T-
SHIRT AT ALL TIMES TO ANY AND ALL RELATED FUNCTIONS.
FEES DUE ANNUALLY
1. Active Member: $50
2. Associate Member: $25
3. Prospect: No fee for first six months then convert to Active Member status
4. Honorary Member: No annual fee
ARTICLE IV
Officers, Their Duties, and Elections
SECTION A: (Elected Officers): The following CGR officers will be elected in
accordance with the by-laws of the CGR’s, to serve a period of one year. The positions
must be held by an active patch holder member. There are no restrictions for other
elected officers.
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Secretary
4. Treasurer
5. MAA (Master-at-Arms)
The CGR’s officer election, removal, powers, and responsibilities shall be governed
according to the rules contained in the by-laws.
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SECTION B: (Duties of Officers)
PRESIDENT
The duties are as follows:
1. Manage the CGR’s according to its organization, charter, by-laws.
2. Preside over all membership and special meetings.
3. Set dates for membership, special and executive committee meetings.
4. Appoint committee members on a voluntary basis.
5. Appoint members to fill elected officer positions if there are three months or
less remaining on present term when the elected officer is unable to complete
the current term. A special meeting will be scheduled for a temporary election
for the vacant position when more than three months are remaining on their
term.
6. Appoint points of contact (POCs).
7. Act as CGR spokesperson.
8. Chair Executive Committee.
9. Authorize expenditures, not to exceed $100 per purchase, between scheduled
meetings of the membership, with concurrence of the Treasurer.
10. Establish special committees and appoint committee chairpersons as required.
11. Distribute a tentative agenda for the next membership meeting.
12. Appoint officers to the following non-elected positions as he/she sees fit.
a. MENTOR(S):
(1) Will observe and assist new rider members.
(2) A mentor is defined as, “a trusted counselor or guide.” Mentoring,
therefore, is a relationship in which a person with greater experience and
wisdom guides another person.
(3) The mentor will use available training and promotional resources
to encourage safe responsible riding techniques and skills.
b. Historian/Photographer maintains documentation of CGR events.
c. Chaplain opens prayers and encourages others to share faiths.
d. Road Captains will direct and ensure safety along any riding routes.
VICE PRESIDENT
The duties are as follows:
1. Assume duties of the President in his/her absence.
2. In charge of new membership for the organization.
3. Serve as member of Executive Committee.
SECRETARY
The duties are as follows:
1. Record the minutes of membership meetings and take attendance.
2. Distribution of minutes within five calendar days (via e-mail is acceptable).
3. Read and receive approval of previous month minutes at next regular
scheduled meeting.
4. Maintain a completed file of Coast Guard Riders correspondence.
5. Issue annual election ballots.
6. Chair Social Committee.
7. Serve as member of the Executive Committee.
8. Provide other administrative support required by the Coast Guard Riders.
9. Attest to the authentication of documents and any other actions requested by
the President in the name of the Coast Guard Riders.
10. Maintain the Coast Guard Riders e-mail folder and social media page for
their District and or Charter (if capability exists).
TREASURER
The duties are as follows:
1. Collect and issue receipt for membership fees.
2. Issue and accept membership applications/resignations.
3. Maintain point of contact roster and make available to the Coast Guard
Riders (via e-mail is acceptable).
4. Maintain Coast Guard Riders checking account(s).
5. Maintain membership roster and make available to the Coast Guard Riders.
6. Read monthly financial report at each membership meeting.
7. Provide financial reports upon request to the Coast Guard Riders.
8. Serve as member of the Executive Committee.
9. Responsible for any and all tax filing.
MAA (Master-at-Arms)
The duties are as follows:
1. The MAA will give riding instructions to all riders prior to the start of a ride
and coordinate with designated Road Captains.
2. Enforce all rules of group riding.
3. Shall have the unchallenged right to terminate a members participation in any
given ride or event for the Coast Guard Riders safety or image. Upon request
of an MAA, the President may suspend the member pending an official
complaint. All members have the right to appeal before the membership and
will abide by the decision of the membership where majority rules.
4. The MAA will appoint an active member that will always ride behind the
group to assure the safety of the Coast Guard Riders and assist members with
mechanical problems.
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SECTION C:
MEMBER DUTIES AND LAWS
1. Members will above all, uphold the basic Coast Guard Rider principles of
honor, truth, respect, support, loyalty and commitment.
2. When representing the Coast Guard Riders on and off an installation, all
members will conduct themselves appropriately. The CGR must not be
tarnished by unrestrained behavior, disrespect of fellow citizens, or acts that
generally reflect poorly on the image and reputation of this organization.
3. Members will not endanger the Coast Guard Riders or any member by an
illegal act or acts. If a member is arrested for illegal activities they are
automatically suspended from CGR activities and if found guilty of the
offense(s) they will be dismissed from the CGR’s.
4. Each member serves as a Safety Officer. Each member is responsible to
identify and correct any condition that threatens the welfare of the members or
the general public. Any willful act of unsafe riding witnessed by a fellow
member(s) could result in revoking or denial of any membership. Members
may plead their case at the next meeting.
5. Activities will be conducted to encourage participation by all members and no
laws will be enacted which favor or separate members by the type of
motorcycle or transportation they ride.
6. No member will ride under an impaired physical or mental condition.
7. A member will never angrily accost, assault, or slander any other fellow
member or member of the general public.
8. Members will embrace, foster and encourage an atmosphere of skill
improvement, riding responsibly, riding enjoyment and discourage aggressive,
competitive, and potentially self-destructive riding behaviors.
9. Members’ military rank will be respected, however; it will have no bearing
within the Coast Guard Riders. The elected officials will have the overall
saying for any activities, gatherings, and meetings.
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SECTION D: (Elections, Voting, and Officer Removal)
ELECTIONS
Election of the Coast Guard Riders officers shall be done annually during the
October general membership meeting. First nominations for officers will take
place at the September general membership meeting. Second nominations for
officers will take place just prior to the general membership meeting in October.
Floor nominations will not be accepted unless the candidate is present and
verbally accepts. Nominees must complete a year term for the position in which
they were nominated. Positions of the elected officials are: President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer and Master-at-Arms (MAA).
VOTING
Voting for the election of officers will be by majority ruling. Voting on all other
Coast Guard Riders business will be by a show of hands with the majority ruling
as well, or as stated below. Ballots for the annual election will be provided to all
members in good standing. Any member with outstanding dues may obtain a
ballot prior to the election by paying their outstanding fees. For those active
members unable to attend the October general membership meeting, absentee
ballots may be obtained from the Coast Guard Riders secretary any time from
September to October until the date of the general membership meeting. The
absentee ballot must be returned by the date of the official election. The Secretary
will tabulate all ballots. The candidate for each position with the most votes wins.
OFFICER REMOVAL
Coast Guard Riders officers may be removed from office for cause with due
process, as necessary, by request of the two-thirds of the active membership in the
form of a signed petition.
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ARTICLE V
Meetings of the Coast Guard Riders
SECTION A: (General Membership Meeting) District Meetings shall be held once a
year in October for the purpose of electing new district officers, disseminating other
business, and inviting new riders to join. To convene a general membership meeting, a
quorum of one-fourth or more of the active membership is necessary. Motions, solutions,
revisions and amendments will carry a simple majority of positive votes except when the
issue involves a request for complete written financial reports. In this exceptional case, a
two-thirds majority of positive votes is required.
SECTION B: (Regular Membership Meeting) Unit/Chapter Meetings shall be held
monthly as so stated in the by-laws for the purpose of conducting business that may be
brought before the Coast Guard Riders. To convene a regular membership meeting, a
quorum of one-fourth or more of the active membership is necessary. Motions,
resolutions, revisions and amendments will carry a simple majority of positive votes
except when the issue involves a request for complete written financial reports. In this
exceptional case, a two-thirds majority of positive votes is required.
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ARTICLE VI
Revisions, Adoptions, Amendments, and Review
SECTION A: (Revisions/Adoptions) The adoption and/or revision of the District and
associated by-laws require the approval of a majority of positive votes of the active
members present at any meeting, provided a two-week oral or written notice is given the
CGR Headquarters. Any revision to this charter and associated by-laws will not
conflict with any installation or higher headquarters directives. This charter and
associated by-laws will not take effect until reviewed by the first acting and or
subsequent elected positions of the President, Vice President, Secretary, and Master-at-
Arms (MAA).
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SECTION B: (Amendments) This District and associated by-laws may be amended or
in part by a two-thirds majority of positive votes of the active members present at any
meeting, provided a two-week oral or written notice is given to CGR Headquarters.
This District and Unit associated by-laws shall be automatically amended to conform to
all directives from the installation or higher headquarters. All amendments will not take
effect until reviewed by the first acting and/or subsequent elected positions of the
President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Master-at-Arms (MAA).
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SECTION C: (Review) CGR Headquarters shall review this charter and associated by-
laws annually to ensure completeness, applicability, and compliance with current USCG
directives, and policies.
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COPYRIGHT / TRADEMARK STATEMENT
The names, “Coast Guard Riders” and “CGR’s”; and its logos (“if any”) are the sole
property of the "Coast Guard Riders”, and may not be changed, duplicated, reproduced
or copied without the express written consent of the CGR Headquarters.
Electronic officer signatures/names accepted this one time on: 11/1/2014
Approval recommended by the following CGR Headquarters officers:
Colin Eckert – President/ Treasury
Heidi Tansey – Vice President/ Secretary
George W. Wilson - MAA