Some frequently asked questions about the American Legion Riders Program
Listed below are some questions that have come up pertaining to the American Legion Riders. I have answered these questions to the best of my ability. In many cases these answers are given from information based not only on what has happened in Michigan, but also at other chapters across the country. This in no way means that every answer will work for every Chapter situation, and since a local Post of the American Legion sponsors each Chapter, no Chapter can do anything that will conflict with rules of their Post, District or Department.
Bill (Polka Bill) Kaledas
Director
American Legion Riders Advisory Committee
Q. How do I start an ALR chapter at my Post?
A. Go to the American Legion Riders Program Information Center website and select the "Starting An ALR At Your Post" link, or contact a member of the ALR Advisory committee (see section below for contact info.). Then do the following:
1. If you have any questions please contact a member of the ALR advisory committee.
2. Get the approval of the sponsoring Post.
3. Use the chapter locator on the American Legion Riders Program Information Center website and see if there is another chapter in your state (or State Chapter if listed). If so, please inform them of your intention to start a chapter and get information on how their chapter is set up.
4. Get some eligible members together and set up your first meeting to discuss how your program will run and set up an election for chapter officers.
5. After Chapter officers are elected, submit a completed “Chapter Data Form” (this can be done on-line at the American Legion Riders Program Information Center website. There is a version there that can be submitted online, and another that can be completed online, printed, and mailed – your choice!).
6. That’s it!! You are on your way!!! Just remember - our purpose is NOT to be a motorcycle club, we are there to use our common interest in Motorcycles to support the aims and purposes of the American Legion through service to the Community, State and Nation. Ride Safe and have FUN!!
Q. Is the American Legion Riders program recognized, officially, by the National American Legion?
A. Yes, The National Executive Committee of the American Legion officially adopted the American Legion Riders as a National program by approving Resolution #35 in October of 2007. This resolution may be viewed on the American Legion Riders Program Information Center (NALRIC) site (http://www.americanlegionriders.net/ ). To get a better handle on the resolution I would strongly suggest you also read “Resolution 35 Frequently Asked Questions” (Also on the NALRIC site).
Q. Can we have members who do not own motorcycles or are not spouses of owners?
A. This question has been brought up many times and I can only say what other Chapters are doing. Some Chapters will allow “Supporting” memberships for those Legion family members who do not meet the regular ALR membership requirements. These members must still be members of the American Legion Family. The term “Supporting” does not constitute actual membership so these supporting members may not run for office or have voting power at the meetings. They are welcomed at the meetings and at any ALR events. Any clothing that contains the ALR emblem will also have the words “Supporting” or “I Support”. I am not saying that you should or should not allow “Supporting” members. I just let you know that some chapters do. I would give it some thought and, if you decide to allow supporting members, that you limit it to those that are really supporting your chapter, and not just to help a friend “get in”, as this defeats the true purpose of supporting members. If handled correctly a supporting membership can be quite an honor for those who receive it as it can be an official recognition of the efforts of a person who goes “above and beyond” to support the ALR chapter.
Q. Can we allow girlfriends, friends, cousins, mothers, fathers, etc. to join as a regular member even if they are not eligible under the by-laws?
A. I would only tell you that every Chapter who has tried to deviate from the requirements for membership that is stated in the original by-laws has opened a “can of worms” that they wished they would have never opened. What seemed harmless at the time came around to “bite” them later. It is clear to me that each new member must fully meet BOTH requirements as set forth in the by-laws under “requirements for membership”. These membership eligibility requirements are supported by the guidelines as stated in National American Legion Resolution #35.
Q. Where do we go to get our Patches for the American Legion Riders?
A. Patches are now available through the American Legion National Emblem Sales. To the best of my knowledge no other source is authorized to produce the patch. The patch contains the copyrighted/trademarked emblem of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders and therefore cannot be reproduced without the express written permission of the American Legion. American Legion National Resolution #35 also states “The only recognized American Legion Rider Logo is that which is copyrighted and sold through the American Legion National Emblem sales”. Patches can now be ordered through the American Legion National Emblem sales by calling: 1-888-453-4466 or online by going to the American Legion National website http://www.legion.org/ and click on the “Emblem Sales” button
Q. How about T-shirts etc.?
A. The American Legion National Emblem Sales has also come out with T-shirts, hats, pins and many other items for the ALR. These items may be viewed and purchased through the American Legion National Emblem Sales either on-line, by mail (catalog) or by phone.
Q. Is the American Legion Riders Program recognized as a non-profit organization?
A. I am not a lawyer, nor do I pretend to be an expert at non-profit organizations. I know that the American Legion is a non-profit organization under the rules of IRS code section 501C, and most Post (if not all) have a Federal Tax number. The American Legion Riders program does not currently have a Federal Tax number that is for use of all the Chapters to fall under. Remember that each ALR Chapter falls under the Sponsorship of a local Post. Details for opening up a checking account and other financial matters should be worked out with your Post, if you should so desire. As far as I am aware most chapters work to stay under the "umbrella" of the sponsoring Post since the ALR is really a program of the Post anyway. Again, this should be worked out with your own Post as to what will work best for your group.
Q. Do we need to incorporate our Chapter?
A. There is no requirement to incorporate and here again that may be left up to each Chapter to see what "Fits" in their own Post. It is now my understanding that the American Legion Riders name was copyrighted by the National American Legion, so I am not sure if there is any real benefit to incorporate. So, again, if this is something you really want to consider you may want to contact a local attorney and see if there is any benefit.
Q. Can our Local Chapter change the By-laws to fit our Post?
A. Yes. The By-laws that we started with were very loose and provided only a means to provide some uniform structure. You can change them to best fit the needs of your Post, District and Department. We only ask that you keep the basic structure intact and do not change your by-laws to anything that would be in direct conflict with the original ALR by-laws (except as noted herein for Honorary and Special Class Members) or with the rules or by-laws of your Post, District or Department. The original by-laws were intentionally written to help individual chapters retain a certain structure but still allow each chapter to be unique. In the American Legion each Post has it's own by-laws, they are similar in structure, but can vary from Post to Post. Basically the By-laws of any ALR chapter should contain all the wording in the original by-laws plus any other amendments the Chapter feels is of benefit to their program. Changes in the wording are permitted provided the intent remains the same. Requirements for regular membership should not be changed, nor should the section regarding the ALR back patch (these two items are consistent with National Resolution #35). The best advice I have is to keep your by-laws simple. By-laws are intended to be an outline of structure and purpose. One word of caution, the ALR program was intended to bring together various members of the Legion Family who share an interest in motorcycles and the American Legion. The program is supposed to be enjoyable for the members yet still operate to serve the aims and purposes of the American Legion. It has been my observation that the most successful chapters are those that keep their by-laws very simple.
Q. When was the American Legion Rider program started?
A. It was first started at Post 396 in Garden City Michigan in the fall of 1993.
Q. How many members do I need to start a chapter?
A. Just enough to fill the needs of the chapter offices. You do not need a large group to start a chapter. Many chapters have formed with the interest of one or two members. From there they got a few others involved and held a meeting. They got the permission of their local Post and then they were on their way. Most chapters have grown by bringing new members in to the American Legion. Word spreads pretty quickly.
Q. Motorcycle clubs have rules for what type of items can be worn on a vest with the Emblem, what are our rules?
A. In the first place the American Legion Riders program was never intended to act as a motorcycle club. We are not an M/C and should never consider ourselves as such! As far as what can be worn on the vest, along with the ALR emblem can be left up to each Chapter. Here in Michigan, our chapter members are allowed to wear anything they want on their own vest. To this day I have no knowledge of anyone from the Michigan Chapter putting anything on his or her vest that could be considered offensive or disrespectful to the American Legion, Our Country or the ALR program. Their Vest is as unique as the individuals who wear them. Any member who adds something to his/her vest that in any way shows disrespect to our Flag, our Country or the American Legion would be looked at to see if they should even be part of the ALR program. Resolution #35 has set some guidelines for the wearing of rockers but, at the time of this writing, this guideline it very broad an open to interpretation and we are waiting for further clarification. Some are of the opinion that rockers are permissible if they do not touch the patch. Regardless, until we receive clarification on the intent of this guideline we are suggesting that it be left up to each chapter to make this decision. Some chapters do allow members to wear rockers and some do not. In Michigan we do give members the option to wear bottom rockers that say "Veteran" for Post members, "Auxiliary" for Auxiliary members and "Squadron" for S.A.L. Members. Some other chapters allow members to wear their Post Number as a rocker. Like I stated, it is up to the individual Chapters or States. As a viable option the American Legion National emblem sales has come out with a larger patch that allows more lettering on the patch. This may be an option to consider as extra lettering for your post number, or other lettering may be placed right on the patch instead of using a separate rocker. If you think you may have a problem with local M/Cs then you might try to work them out prior to starting to wear the emblem, or any rockers, on your vest. It has been my experience that most problems with the Patch were “perceived” problems and never really became an issue. If you have a concern then contact the M/Cs in your area and let them know you are serving a Veterans organization and that you are not an M/C.
Q. Is Michigan the National Chapter? Is there some sort of “ALR National Committee”?
A. Contrary to what is stated in the ALR FAQ on legion.org, there is a National American Legion Riders Advisory Committee, duly voted into existence by those Chapters represented at the 2003 Romp. Since that time there has been one additional appointment made to the board by unanimous vote of the sitting board members. When legion.org states that The American Legion Riders never authorized such a committe they mean to say that they did not authorize such a committee. Of course, they never authorized the ALR back then, either. Take it as you wish: the NALRAC is here to provide guidance to you as you form and operate your Chapter. Not sure why legion.org feels so threatened by that...
From the original FAQ: As the ALR program started to grow there became the need to have a "National" entity. We contacted all the Chapters in existence, at that time, to have their membership vote on a resolution to declare Michigan the "Acting National Chapter" until such time as we were able to have a convention, or other means, to elect a National Board of Officers or National Committee. All the Chapters voted to approve the resolution, (except one that never returned a vote). More recently a vote was taken by all the Chapter officers attending the National ALR event in southern Indiana (Rolling Hills Romp) this past July 2003 to elect an ALR National Advisory Committee. The purpose of this Advisory Committee is to assist new chapters that are forming, provide information to existing chapters and to use their experience in answering general questions that arise from any of the Chapters across the country. This ALR National Advisory Committee is a non-governing entity and will not rule over any individual chapter nor is it’s intent to solve disputes at the local chapter level or between chapters. The committee may advise chapters using historical information and by-law interpretation. It may give advice to a chapter but has no method to enforce its opinion. This Advisory Committee will now serve as the hub to collect and disseminate information for the ALR Chapters throughout the country, and therefore assist to provide continuity between all the Chapters. Four members were elected to serve on that committee. They are as follows:
Director: Bill (PolkaBill) Kaledas (Michigan) bkaledas@hotmail.com
Ass’t Director: Keith (Dawg) Jones (Indiana) dawgj@psci.net
Secretary: Bernie (Stonz) Dare: (Texas) cbdare@embarqmail.com
Member at Large: Chuck (Tramp) Dare (Texas) cbdare@embarqmail.com
Due to the importance the National ALR Information Center has attained in promoting the program and disseminating information across the country, we recently created a fifth position on the Advisory committee and appointed our National Webmaster to fill it:
Communications Officer: Pat (Bobcat) Babcock (Michigan) bobcat@AmericanLegionRiders.net
Q. Now that National is selling the patch, what stops non-members from buying it?
A. I think it may serve to enhance the growth of the ALR program. I have received from National some information on Legionnaires who inquired about the ALR after seeing it in the National Emblem Sales Catalog. There is no resource or manpower to verify ALR membership at the National Emblem sales order desk. This is not only a problem for the ALR but the Legion in general (i.e. you could order a past commanders pin without ever being a Post commander etc.).
Q. Should our program become a program of our Department?
A. If the American Legion Riders program is already a program of your Department then you should check with your Department officers to let them know you are starting a chapter and to see if they have any Department rules or guidelines you need to be aware of. If the program is not a Department Program you may want to consider getting with other chapters in your state to develop the ALR in to a Department program. When considering a Department program make sure it is discussed with all existing chapters within the Department to insure it will be a true benefit to the overall program. Remember the ALR was started as a “Grass roots” program of the local American Legion Post. The more successful department programs seem to be those that recognize this and support that principle.
Q. Are there any forms that I need to keep updated as I form a new chapter or my chapter changes officers?
A. Yes, we ask that each time a new Chapter is formed or when there is a change in Officers that a new Chapter Data Form is filled out. A copy of this form can be obtained by going to the following website: American Legion Riders Program Information Center (http://www.AmericanLegionRiders.net).
Q. Does our Chapter need special insurance since we ride motorcycles?
A. This is a question that would have to be decided at your own chapter. As of the day of this writing I know of no other chapters who carry any special insurance for the sole operation of an American Legion Riders Chapter. I have heard, however, of chapters obtaining insurance for "Special Events" such as Poker runs where they got special Liquor Liability insurance for functions where beer and/or liquor was served. Again the insurance laws vary greatly from state to state, so it is up to your chapter to decide what is best for you. Most chapters have their members sign a waiver form when they join. This waiver form can be part of their membership application. We have these forms in a two part carbon-less form. We keep the original for our chapter records and give the copy to the member. A template for such a form can be downloaded from the American Legion Riders Program Information Center (http://www.AmericanLegionRiders.net) website if you feel this would suit your chapter.
Q. Do members of our Post Sponsored ALR Chapter have to be members of the sponsoring Post?
A. All Chapters have the option to allow members from other American Legion Post to join their ALR Chapter. At this time I know of no other Chapter that requires ALR members to be members of the sponsoring Post. Another suggestion may be that when there are not enough riders at any one post then you can involve 2 or 3 different post. Have one of the post sponsor the Chapter but take turns having meetings at all the different Post. As the program grows and you get enough members you may then consider splitting the Chapter back to their own Post (forming 2 or 3 chapters). This, of course, would be by agreement of the membership involved to allow the program to grow closer to home.
Q. Can we charge our Chapter members annual dues?
A. That would be at the discretion of each chapter, provided it was voted on at a regular membership meeting of the ALR Chapter. Most chapters that do charge membership dues keep it to a minimum amount ($10.00 - $15.00 Annually). At this time there are no National Dues paid to the American Legion or any other national entity.
Q. Can a member, who was a fully qualified ALR member, continue his membership if he becomes injured or disabled?
A. A few chapters have rules that allow members who become injured or disabled to continue their membership even though they had to sell their motorcycle due to the injury or disability. This may also apply to a spouse – even in the event of the death of his/her spouse. These are commonly referred to as “Special Class Members” under the following guidelines:
1. The member must have been a member who met the original eligibility requirements for a set number of years.
2. The “Special Class Member” must still keep current their membership in the American Legion.
3. The disability or injury must be significant enough in nature to prevent the member from operating a Motorcycle.
4. Each case is carefully considered and voted on by the Chapter membership before continued membership is granted as a “Special Class member”.
This is a common sense approach to allowing a member to retain active participation in the ALR program in the event he/she becomes permanently disabled, or injured through no fault of their own.
F.Y.I. We have two great sites for members to exchange information.
(1) American Legion Riders Program Information Center (http://www.AmericanLegionRiders.net)
(2) http://communities.msn.com/AmericanLegionRidersInc
Both of these sites are a great way to find out what is going on in the ALR and have links to individual chapter web sites.
If you have any other questions, please contact me or any member of the Advisory Board. If they are of General interest I will add them to this page.
Bill Kaledas
Email: bkaledas@hotmail.com
Keith (Dawg) Jones
Email: dawgj@psci.net
Tramp or Bernie Dare
Email: cbdare@embarqmail.com
Pat (Bobcat) Babcock
Email: bobcat@AmericanLegionRiders.net
A Word 2000 version of this document is available by CLICKING HERE