Association
By-Laws of the
Widows
Sons
Motorcycle Association of Missouri
Adopted on:___7/11/05____________________
Signed
By:
Bro. Greg Roades - Sergeant at Arms
By-Laws of
Widows Sons
Motorcycle
Association
Missouri Grand Chapter
(07/11/05)
DEDICATION
Commitment
to:
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter.
MEMBERSHIP:
It
is the pledge of the membership to support the welfare and general well
being of the Widows Sons Association.
It is the pledge of the membership to obey, without reservation, all
laws, edicts and orders imposed on the Widows Sons Association Missouri
Grand Chapter by the President of Widows Sons Association, Missouri
Grand Chapter.
It is the pledge of each member to conduct himself or his business, when
wearing the Widows Sons patch, in direct accordance to the bylaws of the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the
State of Missouri, the Blue Lodge in which he is a petitioner or member
thereof, and the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association, Missouri Grand
Chapter.
It is the pledge of the Chapter President and Officers to enhance the
welfare and general well being of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association, Missouri Grand Chapter.
It is the pledge of the President and his Officers to rule and guide the
organization with regularity, and to base all decisions on the
betterment or improvement of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association,
Missouri Grand Chapter.
MISSOURI
GRAND CHAPTER:
It
is ALSO the pledge of the Grand Chapter President and Officers to
enhance the welfare and general well being of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter. It is the pledge of the President
and his Officers to rule and guide his organization with due and equal
regularity in the best interest of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter and to base all decisions on the
betterment or improvement of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter, as well as the Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
Missouri and the blue lodge in which he is a member.
By-Laws of
Widows Sons
Motorcycle
Association
Missouri Grand Chapter
CONSTITUTION
Article
1:
NAME
Section
1
This
organization shall be known as the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter, a not for profit organization with the principle
mailing address of: Widows Sons, c/o Brotherhood Lodge #269, 2602 ½ St.
Joseph Avenue, St. Joseph, MO 64505.
Section 2
This
organization, The Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter shall be the parent chapter for all Missouri based Affiliated
Widows Sons Chapter Associations, and shall have jurisdiction over
membership of any and all Missouri based Chapters as described in this
constitution.
Section 3
The right to
reserve districts for chapter organization throughout the boundaries of
the State of Missouri are reserved for future consideration by the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter.
Section 4
The Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter reserves the right to
issue or deny any and all use of the copyrighted Widows Sons patch to
any chapter it has designated a chapter of Widows Sons in Missouri, and
also reserves the right to, without compensation, revoke the charter
and/or copyrighted patches of any chapter(s) and/or member(s), in which
a patch has been issued within the boundaries of the State of Missouri,
who violate the bylaws of the Grand Lodge AF&AM of the State of
Missouri, and/or the bylaws of the Widows Sons, and/or governs
themselves in an un-Masonic manner, and/or brings disgrace or
embarrassment to any chapter of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
and/or any Blue Lodge, Grand Lodge or other body of Masons.
Article
2
PURPOSE
Section 1
It shall be the goal and objective of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter to persuade and encourage all
chartered Widows Sons chapters under its parent chapter jurisdiction to
encourage their membership to remain in good standing in the records of
their blue lodge, to engage in proper conduct, and reasonable and legal
activities designed to persuade the public opinion of the desirability
of Widows Sons Motorcycle Association.
It shall be the objective of the Grand Chapter to obtain proper,
reasonable and legal means whereby we may protect the Widows Sons
Association from any threat caused by person(s) outside or within any
chapter. It shall be the objective of any and all chapters to file in
writing, within 5 business days; any potential action that may violate
this section of this constitution.
Section 2
This
organization shall not engage in political, religious or any activities
that promote separation rather than unity, or cause disharmony within
the chapter. It is the duty of the President to cease any activity
within his chapter that may cause disagreement or controversy in his
chapter.
No member shall wear support apparel for any 1% club or organization
while wearing the Widows Sons patch.
Any member who is proven to disregard or disobey a direct order by the
President to cease any activity determined by the president or any
officer to be injurious to the chapter will be expelled from the
chapter. Neglect or weak enforcing of this policy is grounds for the
Grand Chapter to remove a President and/or his officers from their
office and/or to revoke the charter or copyrighted patches of any
chapter as put forth in Article 1 Section 4 of this document.
Section 3
It
shall be the objective of each chapter of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association of Missouri to contribute to the relief of the widows
of Master Masons within the boundaries of their jurisdiction, and
to donate to the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter Charity Fund if requested.
Section
4
It
shall further be an object of this organization to receive, manage,
invest, expend or otherwise use the funds and property of this
organization to achieve the objectives set forth in this constitution
and for such additional purposes and objects not inconsistent therewith
as will further the interests of this organization, and its members
directly or indirectly.
Section
5
We
recognize that the interests and objects of our organization are not
limited solely to those things and objects which directly affect those
matters and things set out in this article, but extend to all types of
economic and social activities, including, but not limited to activities
of fraternal, charitable, welfare, and of a social nature which further
the interests of this organization and its members, directly or
indirectly. Therefore, participation of this organization in any such
activities of which are in pursuance of any of the objectives and
purposes set out in this article, to the extent of the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter may from time to time
determine, shall be considered as for the sole benefit of the Widows
Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter and its affiliate
chapters.
Article
3
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1
This
organization shall be composed of Master Masons recognized by the Grand
Lodge of Missouri AF & AM. As
of July 11, 2005, upon approval of the Widows Sons Missouri Grand
Chapter, petitions for membership in the Association can be accepted
from those who have successfully petitioned a blue lodge recognized by
the Grand Lodge of Missouri AF &AM upon the Lodge’s acceptance of
their petition. Such members accepted into the Widows Sons cannot be
considered for any office, or vote in any business matters until the
time they are advanced to the degree of Master Mason.
Members
accepted into the Widows Sons who are not yet Master Masons are required
to complete their unfinished work within 1 year of membership. Widows
Sons who are not Master Masons and have been unable to complete their
Master Mason degree within 1 year due to their Lodge being unable to
advance them in a timely manner, must provide their Chapter with a
written explanation signed by their Lodge Secretary and Worshipful
Master.
All Widows Sons Missouri Chapters, which have been chartered by the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter, and are in
the geographic jurisdiction of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter, which is inclusive of the State of Missouri,
shall affiliate with Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter and comply with its Constitution and or bylaws.
All
Missouri Widows Sons Chapters, including the Missouri Grand Chapter,
may, at their members discretion, have up to 3 total men, at any one
time, of good character and standing, as members of the Widows Sons
Organization who are not pursuing their Masonic degrees.
These men cannot hold office, have no voting rights, and are
subject a patch restriction of logo patch only.
Men accepted for membership under these conditions are restricted
to a maximum of 36 calendar months from their petitioning date after
which if they have not petitioned a blue lodge as stated above their
patch(s) are subject to revocation and expulsion from the organization.
Master Masons from a Lodge recognized by the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Missouri AF & AM who do not have a motorcycle can be accepted as Associate Members who may speak at meetings but do not have voting rights. They are subject to all rules and edicts as stated in this document.
No
Chapter shall include in their membership anyone who is not a Master
Mason in good standing in the records of his lodge, or any petitioner
whose petition has not been accepted by a recognized lodge of The Most
Worshipful Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of the State of
Missouri, nor shall they accept into any form of membership, anyone who
is a member of a clandestine lodge, or a lodge that is not recognized by
The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of
the State of Missouri unless otherwise stated above.
Section 2
Each affiliated
Chapter shall be entitled to three (3) delegates who shall consist of
its President, Vice-President, and Secretary or Treasurer.
Section
3
Each member of
this organization shall have equal rights and privileges in connection
with attending meetings and the participation in the deliberations of
such meetings unless otherwise stated in this document. All non-chapter
members and associate members without voting rights are allowed no
participation in debate unless called on specifically by the Chapter
President.
Each Affiliate
Chapter shall have three (3) delegates, of which at least one (1) shall
attend one (1) meeting per year of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter. The delegates attending the Widows
Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter meeting shall vote on
one special charitable organization that is to receive a one-time
donation from the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter and its affiliates. There shall be no proxy votes.
Article
4
OFFICERS
Section
1
All
prospective officers must be members of the chapter in which they are
running for office. The Officers of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter shall be the President, Vice
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two (2) appointed Trustees. The
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter shall have a
Guardian of Membership and a Sergeant at Arms. The Officers of the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter shall be the
Grand Board of Officers for all Chapters of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association of Missouri.
The
President of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter shall be the General President of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Organization of Missouri. He shall enforce all provisions of the
constitution and bylaws. The President shall have the power to establish
such committees he may deem necessary, provided that there shall be an
auditing committee. The President may determine the order of business
and shall regulate all debates and the conduct of the members. The
President will be the Chairman of all committees.
The founding President of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall
preside for a period of five (5) years after which regular general
elections will be held.
The
Vice-President, in absence of the President, shall preside and perform
all duties pertaining to the office of the President, and render such
assistance as may be required. The
founding Vice-President of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall preside for
a period of five (5) years after which regular general elections will be
held.
Section 4
The
Secretary shall keep current records of the proceedings of the club and
shall keep a separate account and register for each member of the club.
He shall conduct all association correspondence under the direction of
the president. He shall issue all notices when directed. He shall
receive all monies paid into the club and shall record the amounts in
the monthly financial record which shall become part of the minutes of
each meeting and pay them over to the Treasurer, taking his receipt
thereof. The Secretary shall take over the duties of the President in
the absence of the President and Vice President. He shall present an
annual report at the annual meeting.
The founding Secretary of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall
preside for a period of five (5) years after which regular general
elections will be held.
The
Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the association and shall
keep regular and accurate accounts of all monies received by him. He
shall pay them out by the order of the President and with the consent of
the association. He shall keep them in deposit in a bank in the name of
the association and shall render a detailed report of the receipts and
duly established disbursements at the annual meeting and at other times
as requested by the President or by majority vote of the members present
at any stated meeting. The Treasurer shall take over the duties of the
President in the absence of the President, Vice President and Secretary.
The founding Treasurer of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall
preside for a period of five (5) years after which regular general
elections will be held.
Section
5
Two
(2) appointed Trustees shall be Road Captains and shall be responsible
for organizing runs.
Section 6
The
Guardian-Of-Membership shall ensure that the bylaws are respected,
members conduct themselves in a Masonic manner, and that the intentions
of the Organization are carried out in the best interest of the
membership. The founding
Guardian of Membership of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall preside for a
period of five (5) years after which regular general elections will be
held.
The
Sergeant-at-Arms shall be responsible for accommodating visiting
brethren, superintending the membership during meetings, and assisting
the Guardian-of-Membership in the performance of his duties.
The founding Sergeant-at-Arms of the Missouri Grand Chapter shall
preside for a period of five (5) years after which regular general
elections will be held.
Section 7
Each
Chapter shall have the same number of Officers as the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter with the same authority
over its Chapters as the Officers of the Grand Chapter. Each Chapter
shall have a Guardian-of-Membership.
Section 8
Each
Chapter shall submit to the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri
Grand Chapter a copy of their bylaws, which conform to the Constitution
of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter for
approval.
Section 9
In
order to become an affiliated Chapter, each officer of the Chapter must
be a member, and remain a member in good standing of the blue lodge of
which they are a member.
Section 10
Each
chapter, including the Grand Chapter of Missouri, shall be subject to an
annual audit by their finance committee to consist of four members.
Secretary and President are not allowed to sit on the committee.
Section 11
In order to
establish an affiliated Chapter, each founding officer of the Chapter
must be a member, and remain a member in good standing of Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter until the end of their
official duties as founding officers (aka the affiliate chapter charter
is granted by the Grand Chapter).
Article
5
ELECTIONS
An Annual Election
of Officers is to be conducted during the Missouri Grand Chapter or
Affiliate Chapters annual meeting. The annual meeting of the Missouri
Grand Chapter of Widows Sons is heretofore designated as the second
Sunday in October. Elected and appointed officers shall assume their
duties as of the second Sunday in November. The order of elections shall
be: President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
All prospective officers must be members of the chapter in which
they are running for office. For consistency purposes all founding Missouri Grand Chapter
Officers shall have a term of five (5) years before regular annual
elections shall be held.
Section 1
Any worshipful
brother in good standing who is a member of the chapter may be
considered for the office of Missouri Grand Chapter or Affiliate Chapter
President. Any brother in good standing who is a member of the chapter
may be considered for the office of Missouri Grand Chapter or Affiliate
Chapter Vice-President, Secretary, or Treasurer.
Candidates must declare their intent to run for office no less
than one (1) month prior to the annual meeting. Each President-elect
must appoint a Guardian-of-Membership and Sergeant-at-Arms no later than
30 days after taking office. In cases where no members are available to
accept the positions of Guardian of Membership or Sergeant at Arms, any
elected officer may assume this duty upon request or appointment by the
president.
Section
2
In cases where
only one qualified candidate has been nominated for office, the
candidate shall be declared elected by acclamation. When more than one
candidate has been nominated for office, balloting shall be conducted by
paper ballot. A simple majority shall elect candidates. In the case of a
tie or deadlock, a ballot may occur up to three (3) times. In the event
a tie is not broken after three ballots, the president shall declare or
appoint a winner from the pool of candidates. All members present are
required to vote. A committee of three (3), none of which are candidates
for any current office, shall count ballots. No member may leave the
premises or communicate secretly or otherwise with any other member
while elections are in progress.
Section 3
Any chapter
offices vacated due to resignation, the forced removal of an officer, or
because an officer is unable to complete his term, shall be filled by
special election. The chapter president shall set the date for any
special elections. The chapter secretary no later than 2 weeks prior to
the special election must notify in writing, or in person, all chapter
members of the upcoming election.
Section
4
Elected officers
who are unable to attend annual meetings or special elections may vote
by write-in ballot. Write-in ballots must be delivered to the secretary
no later than 3 days prior to an election.
MEETINGS
Section 1
The Missouri Grand
Chapter monthly meeting shall be held on the second Sunday of each
month, with exception of the months of December, January and February.
The months of December, January and February shall be dark.
Special meetings may be called at the discretion of the
President. Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Roberts
Rules of Order
All members are encouraged to attend seven (7) of the nine (9) stated
meetings. Any Officer who cannot attend must notify the President,
Vice-President, or Secretary of his absence.
Affiliate Chapters
will have one (1) business meeting per month with an annual report sent
to the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter by the
annual meeting of said chapter.
Section 2
Regular or Special
Business Meetings may be attended by any member, or those who have
petitioned for membership. Spouses, significant others, family members
or guests may not attend any meeting or special meeting when business is
being conducted. Exceptions to this article can be made for Special
Event meetings, non-stated or special business meetings, where guests
may be invited to participate in or otherwise support the planning and
execution of an event.
Section 3
When a member is
traveling, he shall make contact and visit other Chapters in the area of
his travels if within his power to do so.
Section 4
Members must wear a Widows Sons logo at all meetings and events. Exceptions to this article can be made in the event that the sponsors of an event require that no organizational, association or club identification be worn (i.e. a “no color” rule).
Section
5
All
conversations and discussions about Widows Sons matters at meetings must
stay within the boundaries of this organization.
No
member of the Widows Sons may speak on behalf of the Widows Sons to any
member or representative of a 1% club, except to state that their
chapter is part of an International Masonic Motorcycle Riders
Association. Further comments, information or support questions must be
directed to the Chapter President or Vice President. An exception to
this article may be made when a Chapter President extends permission to
a member to speak on his behalf. In such a case, the member must report
all conversation, with accuracy, to his President or Vice President at
the earliest possible time.
Members
of the Widows Sons who violate this section or cause the Association to
experience negative or detrimental relations with any 1% club, will be
subject to immediate expulsion from the Widows Sons.
Article 6
BIKES
Section
1
All
bikes must be on the road by the first mandatory run, exceptions to be
made by the Road Captains. Members
participating in runs are required to have liability insurance, current
license plates, and ensure that their bikes are street legal or conform
to the State of Missouri vehicle standards.
All riding members
shall submit a copy of their motorcycle license to the chapter in which
they are a member. Subordinate
chapters will submit a copy of all members’ licenses to the Grand
Chapter for record keeping purposes.
The
Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter,
Affiliate Chapters, and all of their respective officers, directors,
employees, and agents are hereby relieved of any and all claims,
demands, rights and causes or action of any kind whatsoever, known or
unknown, which now have, or later may have in any way, resulting from,
or arising out of, participation in event sponsored by or endorsed by
the Organization. All
liabilities are hereby assumed by the vehicle owners and passengers.
All members agree to release, forever discharge, and hereby
hold harmless the Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter and its Affiliate Chapters of any and all claims
as stated above. This Rule also applies to any passenger of any vehicle
so participating.
Article 7
FUNERALS
Section 1
Each Chapter shall have a Funeral Committee made up of three (3) members, and it shall be mandatory for that Committee to attend the funeral of any member of that Chapter or his immediate family. Attending members shall wear the Widows Sons patch. When possible, three (3) Funeral Members will be sent to funerals of other affiliated chapters.
Section 2
Where possible,
the Chapter shall be responsible for assisting the family members with
all arrangements, parties, police, processions, etc.
Article
8
LOGOS
Section
1
The
Secretary of the Chapter will order, hold, and distribute patches and
all items with the Widows Sons logos for the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association Missouri Grand Chapter. Effective July 11, 2005 the cost of
the patch shall the
going rate from Stadri Emblems, 6 Hillcrest Avenue Woodstock, NY 12498,
phone 1-800-679-7909, fax 846-679-6649.
Each subordinate chapter secretary shall perform the same duties
for their respective chapter after instructed to do so by the Grand
Chapter Secretary.
Section 2
The
Chapter state, MISSOURI will appear above the Widows Sons logo, which is
positioned in the center, on the back of the jacket, vest, shirt,
t-shirt, etc. The name of the chapter shall be displayed under the logo.
All
Chapters Rockers are gold
embroidery. A Masonic
emblem must be displayed on the back left-hand shoulder of all Widows
Sons patched clothing unless otherwise restricted.
Section 3
The
Widows Sons Official Logo Patch may only be attached to a black leather
vest, black leather coat or black cloth vest or shirt as pursuant to the
logo guidelines in Section 2, Article 8 of this document.
Section 4
Polo style or
other shirts do not require a Masonic emblem on the back if the logo in
represented on the front and less than 25% the size of the Official Logo
Patch. These shirts may be
embroidered, screened, or dye sublimated as per the desire of the
Chapter. NO NON-MEMBER MAY
WEAR ANY ARTICLE CLOTHING DEPICTING THE OFFICIAL LOGO PATCH.
Article 9
FINANCES
Section
1
Initiation fees
for members shall be twenty dollars ($20). Each Affiliate Chapter shall
submit five dollars ($5) per capita tax per member annually by the last
day of June, to the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter at the above address. Any Chapter becoming three (3) months in
arrears will be suspended and their patches shall be forfeit until their
per capita taxes and dues are remitted.
Section 2
The
dues of the members of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri
Grand Chapter shall be twenty dollars ($20) per year due on July 1 of
each year.
Section 3
Each Affiliate
Chapter may be required to pay to the Secretary and Treasurer of the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter a maximum
monthly per capita tax of one (1) dollar per member for the Widows and
Orphans Fund. Said requests
for funds must be made by the Grand Chapter President in writing and if
requested shall be for all chapters equally under the jurisdiction of
the Missouri Grand Chapter.
Article 10
MANDATORY RUNS
Section
1
There shall be one
mandatory annual run or event, which shall be voted into acceptance by a
full member vote within a Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri
Grand Chapter meeting. The Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri
Grand Chapter may call additional runs or events as agreed upon by the
membership. It is a mandatory requirement for each member to participate
in at least one annual event or run. In cases where a member cannot
attend due to family or work conflicts, such members are required to
participate financially or by offering support services prior to the
event. All members will wear logos for runs and events in accordance
with Section 8 of this document.
Section 2
Other
runs or events shall be for the raising of funds for charities that the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter has selected.
Each chapter will have at least one (1) annual fundraising event per
year to raise funds for their charitable organization. All Chapters
shall make every attempt to attend other Chapters functions to assist in
raising funds for their charitable organization. All members are
expected to participate in organizing any events hosted by their
chapter.
Section 3
Prior
to participating in any Association run, every member
must be prepared and willing to show valid and current insurance
information. If carrying a passenger, must show coverage for the
passenger.
Article 11
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, CHARGES, AND DISPUTES
Section 1
An
Executive Council consisting of the President, Vice-President, Secretary
and Treasurer of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand
Chapter and each of the Affiliate Chapter Presidents or their Proxy
shall hear and rule on any charges or disputes between members,
officers, and/or Chapters. All
council members will have the right, if a member is found guilty, to
vote on disciplinary action.
(A)
Whenever charges are preferred against any member or officer of a
Chapter, the charges shall be filed in writing with the Secretary of the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter.
(B)
No member or officer of a Chapter shall be tried unless he shall
be served by the Secretary, or the Guardian-of-Membership of the Widows
Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter in person, or by
Certified Mail, with a written copy of such charges specifying the
nature of the offense of which he is accused. Thereon, the accused shall
be required to appear before the Executive Council for a hearing, at the
time and place designated by the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter. The accused may select only one member, in good
standing with his chapter, to assist him in his defense; and the
charging party may select only one member, in good standing with his
chapter, to assist him in the presentation of evidence in support of the
charges.
(C)
A member of one chapter shall have the right to file charges
against a member of another chapter. Such charges must be filed with the
Board of Officers of the Grand Chapter of Missouri.
The Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter
will set a date for a hearing.
(D)
If charges filed against any member, officer, or Chapter are
sustained by the Grand Chapter, the members of the Chapter in
question shall render judgment and impose disciplinary action.
A written copy of findings shall be forwarded by the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter to the affiliate chapter.
(E)
Upon filing of charges that are of such magnitude and seriousness
as to jeopardize the interests of the Chapter, The Grand
Board of Officers of The Widows Sons Motorcycle Association
Missouri Grand Chapter may suspend such member, officer or Chapter,
pending hearing.
Section 2
The
Executive Council shall meet annually on the official communication, as
stated in Article 5 of this document, of the Missouri Grand Chapter and
has the authority to hear, debate, and vote on all Grand Chapter
business pertaining to: 1) Grand Chapter By-Laws changes, 2) Disputes,
3) Discipline, 4) Jurisdictional Issues, 5) New Chapter Formations.
Executive
Council meetings are to be governed pro-tem by the Grand Chapter
Guardian of Membership whose roll is to assure all action is for the
betterment of the organization and membership.
While
Voting all members of the council present at the meeting are allowed one
(1) vote. Tie breaking vote
is cast by the Presiding Grand Chapter Guardian of Membership.
All votes are final and write in voting is not allowed.
Article
12
PROPERTY
Section
1
The
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter has the
authority to suspend, trustee, or revoke any Chapter. In the event the
Chapter is suspended, trustee, or revoked, all of its funds, books,
papers, patches and other properties shall be forwarded to the Secretary
of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter, who
shall hold them for approved reorganization. If no approved
reorganization occurs within a period of two (2) years, such properties
shall be transferred to the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri
Grand Chapter.
Section 2
The
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter is not
responsible for the indebtedness of any affiliate chapter or its
members. Nor is the Grand
Chapter, its members, or any non-involved affiliate chapter, responsible
for any personal or legal dispute brought against any member or chapter
within the jurisdiction of the Missouri Grand Chapter.
Article 13
Amendments
Section 1
Amendments to the
by-laws of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter
may be made by any member or delegate to the Grand Chapter.
Each amendment must be in proper form and non-conflictional to
other sections or articles contained in this document.
Each amendment shall be in writing and presented to the Grand
Secretary of the Missouri Grand Chapter no later than 3 days prior to
the annual meeting.
Upon
reception of any proposed written amendments to these by-laws the Grand
Chapter Secretary must by the close of the Annual Meeting read in its
entirety the proposal and pass it over to the Missouri Grand Chapter
President.
The
Missouri Grand Chapter President must appoint a by-laws committee to
review the proposals impact upon the Organization and report in writing
no later than the next Annual Meeting.
After
the official report by the appointed by-laws committee a debate and
question may be called by a member or delegate present at the Missouri
Grand Chapter Annual Meeting.
All
report findings are final and shall be recorded in the official minutes
of the Missouri Grand Chapter. All
votes are final and results shall be recorded in the official minutes of
the Missouri Grand Chapter.
If
an amendment is accepted it shall be included in the by-laws of the
Widows Sons Motorcycle Association Missouri Grand Chapter.
Corrected copies of which shall be forwarded to all Affiliate
Chapters within the Jurisdiction of the Missouri Grand Chapter.
Article
14
MEMBERSHIP PLEDGE
We pledge that as
members of the Widows Sons Motorcycle Association, we above all others,
shall set a good example and never bring dishonor to the Widows Sons
Motorcycle Association, Freemasonry, or ourselves.
We
pledge that we will support our brethren in the Widows Sons regardless
of race, creed, color, or national origin, and will never knowingly
bring reproach upon a fellow brother of the Widows Sons Motorcycle
Association.
We
pledge to combat any forces, which wou
(Revised
as amended 3/19/06)