Here are the two main items for the August General Membership Meeting.
Check them out and discuss them with Warriors in your district.
Sputnik
General Membership Meeting agenda for August 18th, 2007
At the May General Membership meeting a Special General Membership Meeting was approved to vote on changes to the Goals and Objectives for the association. It was also stated that we need to make changes to the Bylaws and to vote on a proposed increase in membership dues to $30 individual and $50 per couple annually.
Below are the old goals and objectives that has the ones marked that have been accomplished.
Following that is a copy of the Bylaws for your consideration. Think what changes you believe should be made in the Bylaws for the foreseeable future of the association. The Constitution was amended during the May meeting and is not on the agenda for this Special called meeting.
This is your association so please attend and have your say.
Sputnik
A mission statement is a broad and general philosophical statement that expresses the most basic purpose of the organization. It answers the question of who are we and why are we engaged in this enterprise.
A goal answers the question, "where are we going?" and is closely related to the mission statement. A goal is a long range statement of what is to be accomplished, reflecting the norms, values, and culture of the organization and engendering a common sense of purpose among the members of the organization. A goal is significant, specific, difficult to achieve, but it is attainable. A goal must be identifiable and have a time limit in order to know when it has been reached.
An objective is a specific statement of measured amounts of progress toward meeting a goal. An objective is an identifiable step that is taken toward reaching a goal. It answers the question, "How will we get there?"
An objective should involve a stretch, but must be achievable and measurable. An objective has three components: Quantity (how much), time (when), and outcome (what). Objectives provide the basis for evaluation of progress toward achievement of goals.
GOAL NUMBER ONE:
Working toward the repeal or revision of laws affecting freedom of choice, returning of freedoms, and the regaining of the form of government envisioned by the founding fathers - the vision being individual liberty, freedom, and self responsibility.
Objectives:
1. Repeal of the state mandatory helmet law. (Done in 1997 but not finished)
2. Enactment of a law precluding discrimination against those wearing any type of motorcycle attire. (Vetoed by Gov. Perry)
3. Rider education counting as drivers test. (Done)
4. Allowing handicapped and disabled veterans owning a motorcycle to acquire appropriate license plates. (Done)
5. Repeal of the portion of the federal mandate demanding that states have a mandatory helmet law. (Done)
6. Approach the aspect of a law whereby insurance companies must notify the Texas Department of Transportation Enforcement Division within the first 24 hours of lapsed vehicle liability. Also, law enforcement personnel confiscate the license plates of the car without adequate insurance within the first 48 hours of lapsed insurance and return of the plates cannot occur for 60 days at which time proof of insurance must be presented.
7. Establish a legislative office in the State Capitol/Austin area by the first month of 1997. Included in this is a sufficient amount of funds to maintain the office for the first six months of operation. It also includes; personnel (state director and secretary) adequate data processing equipment, and other administrative items. (Office established but not enough funds to run it)
GOAL NUMBER TWO
Individually and collectively assisting in the education of others relative to the use of motorcycles as transportation, safety, and pleasure.
Objectives:
1. Dispel the theory that a burden exists on the taxpayers money.
2. Assist motorcyclists in understanding the importance of motorcycle rider education. (Done)
3. Teaching other riders the importance of acquiring and maintaining appropriate insurance coverage. (Done)
4. Promoting the attendance at the Motorcycle Riders Safety Course by the majority of the members of the association. Also, promote the attendance of all members of the association attending the Experienced Riders Course.
5. Institute an alcohol awareness program within the association and a Dial-A-Ride campaign in the state.
6. Create a manual for association members that reflects safe-riding techniques.
GOAL NUMBER THREE
Educating ourselves and others and being involved in the legislative process.
Objectives:
1. Learn the rules and play by the rules. (Done)
2. Having five hundred motorcyclist delegates at state legislative conventions. (Done)
3. Recognized as a political influence in the state. (Done)
GOAL NUMBER FOUR
Better the image of the motorcyclist of today.
Objectives:
1. "Set the example" at motorcycle functions, and other gatherings. (Done)
2. Attend politically oriented rallies and meetings with conduct reflecting our mission. (Done)
GOAL NUMBER FIVE
As motorcyclists and leading citizens, peacefully co-exist with neighbors that reflects our heritege and purpose - Liberty.
Objectives:
1. Practice behavior that includes, integrity, orderliness, honesty, truthfulness, courage with consideration and commitment to being principle centered as were the country's founding fathers. (Done)
2. Help those without transportation to the voting polls to get there using a vehicle with four wheels. (Done)
GOAL NUMBER SIX
Effective communication with the media, elected officials and neighbors.
Objectives:
1. Seek and speak with media persons to allow truthful coverage of motorcycle events and activities. (Done)
2. Provide editorial material to newspapers reflecting our mission or in response to negative or unproven news articles. (Done)
GOAL NUMBER SEVEN
Increase the amount of members in the association with an ultimate level of 50% or more of licensed motorcycle operators in the state.
Objectives:
1. By the end of 1995, have 2500 total members (Done)
2. By mid 1996, reach a membership level of 5000 members.
3. By the end of 1996, have a District Advisor in each state senatorial district.
4. At the end of 1997, have at least one chapter established in each state senatorial district.
5. Acquire and maintain a process that allows those wanting to use a credit card for initial membership and or renewal of membership to do so by the second quarter of 1996. (Done Late)
6. Institute a optional membership renewal program allowing members to renew for one year at a time or a three year or five year renewal of membership by the third quarter of 1996.
7. Acquire and maintain a process providing a plastic (credit card type) membership card depicting the association emblem by mid 1997. (Done)
Dean Maltsberger
District 31 Advisor
BY-LAWS
These By-laws shall govern members and chapters of the Association. They will remain subject to change by a simple majority vote, of those members present at a general membership meeting, as such changes are deemed necessary.
Article 1
Meetings The order of business shall be :
(A) Invocation
(B) Pledge of Allegiance
(C) Reading of minutes
(D) Financial Report
(E) Old business
(F) New business
(G) Open floor discussion
(H) Adjournment
1. General meeting shall be held during the month of May. Advisory Board meetings shall be held during the months of February, May, August and November. When the Board meetings coincide with the general meeting, the Board meeting shall be conducted at 11:00am and the general meeting shall be held at 1:00pm. Date, time and location of state meetings will be published in the state newsletter. Special meetings may be called by the state chairman, or any four advisors. Written notice must be received by all parties involved at least 10 days prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE ll
MEMBERSHIP
Upon payment of proper dues, a new member shall receive a membership card and a member Patch. A renewal shall receive a new membership card and a rocker, denoting the number of years as a member. Dues will be set by the Advisory Board, published in the newsletter, and shall be voted on at the next general membership meeting. Any member, delinquent in their dues shall lose all privileges of membership until dues are paid.
Lapsed memberships may be renewed and keep the same number providing all back dues are paid and they have not been lapsed more than two years.
Honorary membership may be bestowed by the state chairman, with approval of the advisors. Any member may address the Advisory meeting, provided they are recognized by their Advisor. District and chapter meetings will be scheduled by those responsible for the meetings, but none may be scheduled to coincide with state meetings.
ARTICLE lll
ELECTIONS
Elections shall take place during odd numbered years. Nomination petitions shall be accepted at the state office. Petitions shall include a brief biography (75 words or less) and be signed by (3) three members in good standing. Petitions shall be placed in the state newsletter, along with a ballot, at least 30 days prior to the May meeting. Voting will be done by mail, prior to the May meeting (no ballots will be accepted at the meeting).
A committee, appointed by the Advisory Board, just prior to the May meeting will count the votes. Winners shall be determined by a simple majority vote. New officers will be seated at the beginning of new business, during the general membership meeting. Term of office will be two years. All members shall elect the state chairman and members shall elect Advisors from their district only.
Article lV
LOCAL CHAPTERS
Chapters may be formed anywhere in the state, but must coordinate with their district advisor, or with the state chairman if no district advisor exists for that district, so as not to interfere with an existing chapter.
Chapter officers should be - Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, Secretary/Treasurer, and Legislative Officer but are not limited to those positions. Only members in good standing may be members of a chapter. No member may be a voting member of more than one chapter. Chapter membership lists, denoting officers, shall be filed with the state office, and
updated routinely.
Duties of Chapter officers
The duties of the coordinator shall be :
To preside at all chapter meetings To have general supervision over the daily affairs of the chapter, and to represent the chapter at all public functions. To appoint any persons or committees, not appointed by the chapter.
The duties of the assistant coordinator shall be :
To perform the duties of the coordinator in his/her absence. To chair committees appointed by
the coordinator. To assist other officers in the performance of their duties.
The duties of the Secretary/Treasurer shall be :
To keep a record of all chapter meetings To send out notices of all Special meetings. To handle
all correspondence, relative to that office. To be in charge of all chapter funds and to make payments from those funds, when so ordered by the chapter. To keep a record of all financial transactions and produce a financial statement quarterly, or when called upon to do so. If these
offices are split, the secretary shall perform 1-3 and the treasurer shall perform 4-5.
The duties of the legislative officer shall be :
To be the primary contact between the district advisor and the chapter on legislative matters. To report on legislative matters at chapter meetings and to establish phone trees within the chapter. Meetings should be patterned after state guidelines
Article V
FINANCES
Annual dues and any donations, sent to the state office, will fall under the direct control of the state secretary/treasurer and shall be used for state business only. The May meeting shall be used to further Motorcycle Awareness and as our primary fundraiser. Chapters may raise funds locally to be used for chapter business dealing with legislative matters. The state shall have no claim on chapter funds. No money may be given to a political candidate in the name of the association. Members are encouraged to take part in political campaigns, both financially and personally. No money raised in the name of this association, may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. No chapter of this association shall sponsor a fundraiser for any reason, except to help a downed member or to further our legislative and educational agenda. State chairman and secretary shall be paid positions.
MISCELLANEOUS
Any member or chapter, acting in such a manner as to be detrimental to the association, may be called before the board. Such charges must be in writing, presented to the appropriate advisor, or to the state chairman if no advisor exists for that district. All parties involved shall be notified to appear before a special called board meeting at the earliest possible date. Board ruling could result in exoneration, reprimand, suspension or expulsion of charged party(s).
Any member may express his/her political opinion as long as it is made known they are personal opinions. Any statement of association policy must be cleared with the state chairman. These By-laws may be amended by a simple majority vote of members present at a general membership meeting.
