Code of Conduct & By-Laws

These By-Laws have been written with the intention of melding the simple act of riding motorcycles in the “world of Elkdom” with the sometimes unpredictable “world or community of motorcycling”. The Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 understands the differences and will co-exist peacefully with both worlds.

Actions that may appear to be innocent in the world of Elkdom may in fact be risky in the world of motorcycling. Because of this, The Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 carefully assembled these ByLaws, paying scrupulous attention to the accepted protocols of the motorcycling community. It is because of this, Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 are required to conform to these By-Laws as well as the Rules and Regulations. Anyone who wears the patch of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309, are respected and accepted within both worlds and must adhere to these principals or surrender their patch back to the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309.

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The purpose of this organization is to increase the popularity of our common interests, riding and enjoying our membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. By adding a chapter of Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 to Beverly/Salem Lodge #1309, we hope to add many new members. We want to have fun when we are together, whether it be riding or working side by side with other riders on projects that will benefit many different charities. By developing relationships and friendships, the organization will become even stronger.

We would like to try to further promote the interest of our organization and our members, not only to fellow Elks, but to the community as well. We will strive to make a difference.

We strive to become a successful association. Its success is generated by the hard work and time donated by our members towards a worthy cause. We would like to become recognized on a local level, state level and possibly national level as a successful association of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officers and members are responsible for maintaining the public image and perception of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309.

The Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 and/or the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks are not responsible for accidents, injuries, thefts, etc. Each individual rider is responsible for any violation of the law. Riders ride at their own risk.

Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 members will observe all State and Local traffic laws at all times.

Conduct unbecoming of an Elk Member, as specified in the Elks Grand Lodge Statutes and the ByLaws of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309, will not be tolerated.

Each member of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309, by accepting their patch, agrees to abide by the by-laws of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 and its code of conduct.

REMEMBER: as a member of the B.P.O.E., your membership card is in your wallet. As a Beverly/Salem Elks Rider #1309 member, your membership is on your back for everyone to see and judge you. Respect our organization and the members you are representing.

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1. Anyone wishing to become a Beverly/Salem Elks Rider #1309:

a. MUST be a member in good standing of Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge #1309

b. Be 21 years of age or older

c. Be sponsored by a current Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 member in good standing

d. Completion of member application

e. Be reviewed and approved for processing by the Elks Riders Interview Committee

f. Have been an Elk for a minimum of 2 months before you are allowed to become a Rider.

g. Members who have an associate membership with Beverly/Salem Lodge #1309 and are in good standing may join the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309, so long as their home lodge does not have an existing Elks Riders Association.

2. The Interview Committee will consist of a minimum of three members, no more than five - Riders. Upon receipt of the new Rider, application the committee will meet to review then will set a date to be communicated to the applicant for a meeting with the potential rider before moving forward with a vote.

3. If the applicant is moved forward in the interview process, they will be voted on by the Elks Riders membership present at the next scheduled Riders meeting which will require 2/3 approval of the membership present.

a. Applicant will be invited to attend the meeting and speak to the membership about himself or herself.

b. After being voted on and accepted by the membership new members will be placed in a new non-voting membership status. The new member will be presented with the following patches: American Flag, Elks Riders, Lodge 1309, and EFFE that are worn on the front of the vest or jacket. The To Our Absent Member patch will also be distributed and this is worn on the back lower left corner of the vest and the BPOE side rocker patch (refer to the patch placement template).

c. Newly approved members will be in this status for a period of no less than 3 months and no more than 6 months.

d. Individuals will be considered for full Elks Rider membership after the first 3 months if it has been determined by the full Riders membership that they have satisfied the following requisites:

3.d.i. The new member has displayed that they can maintain the Elks Riders and Lodge #1309 standards of conduct.

3.d.ii. New member has attended at least three Beverly/Salem Elks Riders meetings without incident.

3.d.iii. New member has, without prompting, demonstrated initiative and willingness to become involved and actively participate in or provided support to Elks Riders #1309 qualified events.

e. If these qualifications have not been met, the new member will be re-evaluated again at the 6-month mark. If at the 6 month the new member has still not satisfied the stated requisites, membership can be denied. If denied all patches must be returned by the member and no refund is owed.

f. Once elected to full membership the member will be presented with their Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 back patch for a vest or jacket.

g. All members are responsible for having their own patches sewn on their vest or jacket.

4. Anyone wishing to become a Beverly/Salem Elks Rider #1309 MUST SHOW PROOF of registration and insurance for the motorcycle they will be riding and you must have a valid driver’s license with motorcycle endorsement – no permits will be allowed. A copy will be kept on file with the Financial Secretary of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309.

5. Patches are not to be worn at regular Elk Lodge meetings or Grand Lodge ceremonies such as defined in the Grand Lodge Statutes.

6. Active Elks Riders membership requirements;

a. After missing five consecutive meetings, it may be addressed with the member about continuing in the association. Exceptions allowed; season members, medical issues, work conflicts.

b. Attend three Elks or Elks Riders sponsored events per year.

c. Officers are required to attend five Elks or Elks Riders sponsored events each year.

7. Once a person has received their patch they are representing the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 and Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge #1309 EVERY TIME and should be worn with PRIDE! There will be ZERO TOLERANCE for anyone having disregard for the patch and the lodge that you represent. You will be held responsible for your own actions. The Lodge will not be held responsible.

8. Expulsion of a member;

a. Any member may be expelled from the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 for behavior considered detrimental to the best interest of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders/Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge #1309 upon:

8.a.i. A written report by the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officers specifying the basis for the expulsion.

8.a.ii. Written notice to the member being considered for expulsion

8.a.iii. A majority vote by the Members present at a regular Riders meeting following the presentation of the report by the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officers.

8.a.iv. Copy of written notice to be given to the Lodge Secretary and Board of Directors.

b. If a member quits or is expelled from the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 and wants to return, they must follow the reinstatement procedure stated in item #10 of these by-laws.

c. Any member of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 that has dropped out, or has been expelled from membership in the BPOE will immediately forfeit their membership in the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 and return their patch.

9. Suspension of a member;

a. A Beverly/Salem Elks Rider can be suspended for behavior considered detrimental to the best interest of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 while wearing either their vest or soft colors or for conduct considered unbecoming of an Elk.

b. If any member is suspended as an Elk, they will also be suspended from the Riders and are required to turn in their patches for the duration of the Elks suspension.

9.b.i. Meeting of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 officers/disciplinary committee consisting of President, Vice President, Sergeant at Arms, Financial Secretary, will convene to discuss any incident involving a member that has been brought to their attention.

9.b.ii. Based on information gathered it will be determined if the event warrants a suspension or reprimand.

9.b.iii. Rider involved will be notified of the results of the charges within three business days from the meeting.

9.b.iv. If suspension is required, the Rider will be notified in writing by the Financial Secretary of the charge against them and what the result was from the Officers/Disciplinary Committee.

9.b.v. Suspension of a member will require the member to turn in their vest for the duration of the suspension within 3 days of receipt of the notice to the Sergeant at Arms, either President or Vice President, which will be returned to them upon completion of the suspension.

9.b.vi. Copy of written notice to be given to the Lodge Secretary and Board of Directors.

9.b.vii. Should a member be suspended from the Elks Lodge for reasons not related to the riders, the riders and the member must uphold the suspension for the amount of time determined by the Lodge.

10. Reinstatement back into the association;

a. Voluntary resignations:

10.a.i. There must be a minimum 2-month waiting period prior to asking for reinstatement back into the association after you have resigned.

10.a.ii. $35 reinstatement fee will apply

10.a.iii. Attend next schedule meeting, explain why you resigned, and wish to rejoin the association.

10.a.iv. Reinstatements will be voted on by the members present at the Riders meeting requiring 2/3 approval for the reinstatement to pass.

b. Involuntary resignations:

10.b.i. If a member is dismissed from the Elks Riders – the officers will meet to determine if the member can apply for reinstatement. (This will be determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the reason for dismissal).

11. The Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 officers elected by membership vote shall be:

a) President

b) Vice President

c) Financial Secretary

The following officers are optional to each association and will be appointed by the President elect for the foregoing year with approval of the membership:

a) Sergeant-At-Arms

b) Chaplin

c) Road Captain (s) more than one (1) is allowed if needed

d) Activities Chairman

12. In the event that the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 President steps down or is no longer available to fill his/her obligations, the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Vice President will move into the position of the President and will nominate a member to fill his/her vacant position. That member must be approved by the majority vote of the Beverly/Salem Elks Rider #1309 Officers and Membership. They both shall hold these positions until the regular term expires.

13. All Officers are to be nominated and voted on by the Elks Riders membership present at the Riders meetings on the day that the nominations and elections are held.

a) There are no limits to how many terms, consecutive or otherwise, an Officer may hold. All Officers are automatically candidates for the following elections unless they choose to abstain.

b) A member may only hold one (1) Officer position at any one (1) time.

c) No Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officer shall receive compensation for their position in the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Association.

d) Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officers terms are one (1) calendar year.

e) Beverly/Salem Elks Lodge officers are eligible to hold any Elks Riders office position with the exception of the Exalted Ruler.

14. All Officers of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders will be nominated for Office at the regularly scheduled Riders meeting in November and all Officers will be voted on at the regularly scheduled Riders meeting in December. All members in good standing of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 are eligible to vote at the selected Riders meeting.

15. Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 has a one (1) time Association fee of $100.00, which will be due upon submission of the application.

16. Meetings will be held once a month. Meeting dates may be changed in any month to accommodate the availability of the facility to host meetings.

17. The Lodge Treasurer shall maintain an account for the safekeeping and accounting of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 funds. All requests for withdrawals from the account must be made by at least one approved member of the Beverly/Salem Elks Riders #1309 Officers. These approved members are: Riders President, Vice President and Financial Secretary.

18. Motorcycle Requirements: All bikes must be at least 650cc due to safety requirements to keep pace during rides or events.

19. All Riders must sign the Elks Riders Liability Agreement.

20. Elks Riders Patches are to be sewn on vest or jacket per patch placement template. a. Additional patches & placement of those patches require approval by the President, Vice President or Sergeant at Arms of the Elks Riders.

21. ALWAYS REMEMBER you are an Elk first. You are here to promote Elkdom and represent the Beverly/Salem Elks #1309. Please respect your fellow Elks and your fellow riders.

THIS IS AN ASSOCIATION…NOT A MOTORCYCLE CLUB!

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