EventProgram/Manual

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TableofContents

Welcome 4Agenda 5FloridaALRLeadership 7National&FloridaHistory 9NationalALRProgramRecommendations&Resolutions 10 ALRPatch&TrademarkRules 10 ResolutionNo.35 13 ResolutionNo.32,AmendResolution35 15 ResolutionNo.37 16DepartmentofFloridaALRSOP 17FloridaALRToday/BenefitsofALRChapter 28ProcedureforStartinganALRChapter 29ALRStart-UpLetterSample 30ALRChapterSOPSample 31HowtoConductanALRMeeting 43ALROfficerInstallationScript 46Ride/Donation/VolunteerTrackingSheet 48 ALRMembershipApplication(Sample) 49RoadCaptainGuide 51

RidersCreed 52TimeManagement 66FundraisingandEvents 67Protocol 69Calendar 73

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Florida American

Legion Riders

Work for a cause,

not applause.

Live life to express,

not to impress.

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Leading the

way

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Welcometothe1stAnnualFloridaALRSummit

OverthepastfewyearsLegionRidershaveexpressedtoALRChairmanJimDayaneedforALRsessionsthatdonoconflictwithLegionFamilysessions.DepartmentCommanderJoeMageeagreedandthe1stFloridaALRSummitplanningbegan.Theagendaandformatareveryaggressiveandsessionsarerepeatedmultipletimestoallowtheopportunitytoattendmoresessions.TheSummitisinnowayintendedtoreplacetheALRmeetingsatConferenceorConvention,ratheritistoprovideLegionRiderswiththeopportunitytofocusonLegionFamilyatthe2annualmeetings.

WearefortunatetohavetheNationalALRChairmanattendandholdsessionsaswellasourNationalSouthernAreaCommitteememberMikeKirchoffaka“Goat”.WewillalsohaveDepartmentofFloridaCommanderJoeMagee,1stViceSteveShuga,3rdViceRickJohnsonandAdjutantMikeMcDaniel.

ThanksyoutoalltheDepartmentstaffandFloridaALRChairmenwhohaveworkedinvariousphasesoftheplanning,set-upandteaching.Withouttheirhelpthisendeavorwouldnotbepossible.

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Florida American Legion Riders 2107 Summit & Expo Schedule

Thursday,January19th,2017Time Location Event5pm–8pm ChairmanRoom MeetandGreetwithNationalALRChairmanBobSussan3pm–8pm ChairmanRoom RegistrationandCheck-In

Friday,January20th,2017Time Location Event7am–12pm ManateeC&D ExpoVendorSetUp8am–6pm Balcony Registration/Check-in/Merchandise9am–11am ManateeA&B AmericanLegionSubsidiaryRequirements NationalALRChairmanBobSussan11am–12:50pm LunchBreak1pm–6pm ManateeC&D ExpoOPEN Pelican ALRSOPQuestions/Answers/Help1pm–1:50pm Egret ALRAgendaandMeetingProtocols FloridaALRNorthernViceChairmanJimWineland

Heron UnityRideOrganizationandExecution FloridaALRWesternAreaChairmanJimBowers

Flamingo RoundRobin/Merry-Go-RoundPlanning/Reporting JenniferDayFloridaALRAdjutant ManateeA&B TheFourPillarsofTheAmericanLegion Florida1stViceCommanderSteveShuga FloridaALRChairmanJimDay2pm–4pm ManateeA&B ALRLEADSandLeadershipTraining NationalALRChairmanBobSussan4pm–5:30pm ManateeA&B FloridaALRArea/DistrictChairman’sMeeting FloridaALRChairmanJimDay

Saturday,January21st,2017MorningSessionsTime Location Event9:30am-6pm ManateeC&D ExpoOpen Balcony Registration/Check-in/Merchandise Pelican OpenALRSOPQuestions/Answers/Help8am-9:50am ManateeA&B WELCOMETOTHE1STFLORIDAALRSUMMIT

Opening/GuestsSpeakers/Introduction/Events ALRStructure&NationalRecommendation10am-10:50am Egret ALRAgendaandMeetingProtocols FloridaALRNorthernViceChairmanJimWineland

Heron UnityRideOrganizationandExecution FloridaALRWesternAreaChairmanJimBowers

Flamingo VolunteerTrackingForm BudBoyer

ManateeA TheFourPillarsofTheAmericanLegion Florida1stViceCommanderSteveShuga

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FloridaALRChairmanJimDay ManateeB RoadCaptain/GroupRiding/Safety NationalSouthernAreaChairmanMikeKirchoff 12thDistrictALRChairmanEdMilnor11am-12:50 LUNCH

Saturday,January21st,2017AFTERNOONSESSIONS

Time Location Event1pm-1:50pm Egret ALRAgendaandMeetingProtocols FloridaALRNorthernViceChairmanJimWineland

Heron UnityRideOrganizationandExecution FloridaALRWesternAreaChairmanJimBowers

Flamingo VolunteerTrackingForm BudBoyer

ManateeA FundraisingIdeas Openforum.BringyourfliersandeventideastoshareManateeB AmericanLegionSubsidiaryRequirements

NationalALRChairmanBobSussan2pm–2:50pm Egret ALRAgendaandMeetingProtocols FloridaALRNorthernViceChairmanJimWineland

Heron UnityRideOrganizationandExecution FloridaALRWesternAreaChairmanJimBowers

Flamingo RoundRobin/Merry-Go-RoundPlanning/Reporting JenniferDayALRAdjutantManateeA TheFourPillarsofTheAmericanLegion

Florida1stViceCommanderSteveShuga FloridaALRChairmanJimDay ManateeB RoadCaptain/GroupRiding/Safety NationalSouthernAreaChairmanMikeKirchoff 12thDistrictALRChairmanEdMilnor3pm–5pm ManateeA&B ALRLEADSandLeadershipTraining NationalALRChairmanBobSussan

Sunday,January22nd,2017Time Location Event9am–12pm ManateeC&D ExpoOpen Balcony MerchandiseOpen10am–10:55am ManateeA&B ALRChairman Feedback&Discussion11am–11:30am ManateeA&B ClosingAlltimesandsessionsaresubjecttochange.NotificationonchangeswillbepostedattheCheck-Intable.

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2016-2017AmericanLegionRidersLeadership

DepartmentChairmanJimDay(321)749-9866legionriders@legionmail.orgALRViceChairman(South)MannyAyala(954)815-5544alriders@mannster.com

DepartmentLeadershipALRAdjutantJennDay(321)480-0068alradjutant@legionmail.orgALRViceChairman(North)JimWineland(904)707-0733jimwineland@comcast.net

ALRAdvisor/LegacyRunMikeKirchoff(850)624-2503Goat392@gmail.comALRChaplainDianeTuckeralrchaplain@legionmail.org

CentralAreaJohnMakal(727)255-3729jmak40@msn.comALRCentral@legionmail.orgDistricts7,15&16EasternAreaEdMilnoremilnor@cfl.rr.comALREastern@legionmail.orgDistrict6&12

AreaLeadershipNorthernAreaJimWineland(904)707-0733jimwineland@comcast.netALRNorthern@legionmail.orgDistricts3,4,5&17SouthernAreaBill“Chuy”Chuqui-Conder(305)619-4641Chuqui.bc@gmail.comALRSouthern@legionmail.orgDistricts9,11&14

SouthwesternAreaGeorgeBecker(239)464-5060nukebecker@gmail.comALRSouthwestern@legionmail.orgDistricts8&13WesternAreaJimBowers(850)791-0535scootin1923@yahoo.comALRWestern@legionmail.orgDistricts1&2

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1stDistrictStephenDavidson(850)292-5029Davidson32533@yahoo.com4thDistrictTomVoelz(352)795-2882Tvoelz816@gmail.com7thDistrictDavidTucker(863)640-9010djt108@msn.comalr7thdistrict@legionmail.org11thDistrictFrankMaitland(772)215-1329alrfla399@gmail.comalr11thdistrict@legionmail.org14thDistrictGaryDecker(305)304-0767Garynavy61@att.net17thDistrictLorenKing(407)222-6625quiet_knights@yahoo.comalr17thdistrict@legionmail.org

DistrictLeadership

2ndDistrictTerryBrannonknightrider3937@yahoo.comalr2nddistrict@legionmail.org5thDistrictRustyCrowdus(904)504-3515directoralr283@gmail.comalr5thdistrict@legionmail.org8thDistrictJohnRobinsonIII(863)633-8674johnnyrabbit59@yahoo.comalr8thdistrict@legionmail.org12thDistrictEdParker(321)537-9282edwardparker7516@aol.comalr12thdistrict@legionmail.org15thDistrictTomCobb(813)299-3792misterman1251@hotmail.comalr15thdistrict@legionmail.org

3rdDistrictMikeHutto(352)490-1756diverhutto@yahoo.com6thDistrictEdFalkowski(407)791-8558wolfman1224@aol.comalr6thdistrict@legionmail.org9thDistrictJimDrinkwater(954)262-7669alriders162@gmail.comalr9thdistrict@legionmail.org13thDistrictRodneyHollingsworth(614)354-7611rodneydhalr@gmail.comalr13thdistrict@legionmail.org16thDistrictJohnSloat(727)642-3380Johns1584@aol.com

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HistoryoftheFloridaAmericanLegionRiders

NationalHistory

InGardenCity,Mich.,in1993,Chuck"Tramp"DareandBill"Polka"Kaledas,commanderofAmericanLegionPost396,sharedanideatostartamotorcycleenthusiasts’associationwithintheorganization.ThetwolongtimeriderswantedanenvironmentwhereLegionfamilymemberscouldcometogethertoshareacommonloveformotorcycles.

DareandKaledaswrotealettertoMichiganDepartmentAdjutantHubertHess,sharingtheiridea.Hessrepliedthathelikedtheconceptandwantedtopursueit.Later,hegaveKaledasandDareinstructionsformanagingtheprogramatthepostlevel.HealsoexplainedhowtheycouldbeapprovedtousetheAmericanLegionemblem,andhowtogainMembership'ssupportandrecognition.Ataregularmeeting,Post396memberspassedaresolutionforanewprogramtobeknownasthe"AmericanLegionRiders."

Joinedby19otherfoundingmembersfromtheirpost,DareandKaledaswerefloodedwithrequestsforinformationabouttheirorganization.TheyagreedtoestablishacentralsourcefortheRiderstoensurethatchaptersformednotasmotorcycleclubsorgangs,butasLegionnaires,AuxiliaryandSALmembersjoiningtorideasLegionfamily.

FloridaLegionRidersHistory

In2002therewastalkattheDepartmentofFloridaConventionofstartingaMotorcycleRidersOrganizationmadeupofLegion,AuxiliaryandSALmember.NothingreallytookshapeuntiltheFallConferencein2002whereDepartmentCommanderClarenceHillannouncedtheprocessofhowtostartaLegionRidersChapterforthosePoststhatwereinterested.SoonafterPost75inCrestviewwasthe1stChapteroftheFloridaALRtoform,followedquicklybymanynewChaptersintheareaandstate.The1stALRChairman(coordinatoratthattime)wasSteveLugenbeelfromChapter75.The1stmeetingwasheldattheConventioninJulyof2004.Afterafewyearsandgrowth,theneedwasgreatforChapterBy-Lawsandrulesgoverningpatchesandthedistinctionbetweenmotorcycleassociationandmotorcycleclub.ThenextALRChairmanwasBillDavisfromLehighAcres,heorganizedthe1stLegionRiderRunheldattheFallConferenceinTampa2006.In2007JimmyLeeMartinwouldtakeoverandfocusonacentralemailsystemandimprovingcommunicationwithalltheChaptersinFlorida.AlsoestablishedunderJimmyLeewasalinkforALRonDepartmentswebpage,DistrictChairman,andPostChapterDirectors.TheALRinFloridawasgrowingrapidlyandunderJimmyLeeMartinmuchneededguidanceandorganizationwascreated.DuringthatsametimeframetheNationalAmericanLegionmadeitofficialandtheALRbecamea“program”ofTheAmericanLegion.AfterthedustsettledtheFloridaALRregroupedandpressedforward.MikeAmigtookoverandcontinuedtobuildcomminationfrom2009-2011.HewasfollowedbyBillYabor2011-2012,ScottGrabnar2012-2013,Mike“Goat”Kirchoff2013-2014,JimBurke2014-2015,GeorgeGasparini2015-2016andJimDay2016topresent.

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THEAMERICANLEGIONNATIONALHEADQUARTERS INDIANAPOLIS,INDIANADATE: August5,2016MEMOTO: DepartmentCommanders,

DepartmentAdjutants,NationalExecutiveCommitteemenNationalViceCommanders

FROM: DanWheeler,NationalAdjutantSUBJECT:AMERICANLEGIONRIDERS©PROGRAMRECOMMENDATIONSRe: ResolutionNo.35:“AmericanLegionRidersasaNationalProgram”ResolutionNo.32:“AmendResolution35:“AmericanLegionRidersasaNationalProgram.”ResolutionNo.11,“RulesandRegulationsGoverningUseoftheNameandEmblemsofTheAmericanLegion,”TheNationalAmericanLegionRidersAdvisoryCommittee,meetinginIndianapolisMarch5-6,2015,recommended to thenational headquarters that additional programguidancebeprovided to thedepartmentsandpostsregardingthesubjectresolutions.1. PatchwearanduniformityofALRclothingandapparel.

TheAmericanLegionhaslongheldthepositionthatpatchwearisanintenselypersonalstatementbyourmembers,similarintraditiontotherightsideoftheLegionCapitself.Generally,weshouldnottellaRiderhowtoarrangehisorherpatches,orwhattheycanorcannotwear,unlesssucharrangementordisplaybringsdiscreditupontheALRprogram,impliesanimproperassociationwithanoutsideorganization,orinfringesonourtrademarks. IfALRchaptersordepartmentprogramswishtoadoptauniformdresscodeforvestsandpatches,thatistheirdecision. Nationalwillnotmandateadresscodeotherthantotaketheappropriateactiontoprotectthetrademarksoftheorganization.

2. CouncilsofClubs(CoC)affiliations.

AmericanLegionpostsandALRchaptersdonothaveauthoritytoenterintoanyformalassociationorclub/councilmembershipwithanyoutsideorganizationthatmayactorvoteinanymanneroutsidethecontrolofTheAmericanLegion. AcopyofthepertinentResolutionNo.37,May4-5,1988,isappendedtothismemoandavailableatwww.legion.org/riders/resources.

3. RockersandTrademarks.RockersmayseemtobediscouragedorunauthorizedbyResolution35forfearoftrademarkinfringement. Infact,rockersdonotviolatethetrademarkedALRlogoandareavailablefromFlagandEmblemSales. Emblemalsosellspatcheswithcustomembroideryonthefieldofthepatchoutsideofthetrademarkarea. Suchrockerpatchesandletteringisoutsidethetrademarkimage(below)anddoesnotinfringeonthemarkitself. RockerscannotencircleortouchtheemblemofTheAmericanLegionRiders©.

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Thisistheprotectedlogoartwork,availableatwww.legion.org/emblem/downloadforuseonwebsites,Facebookpages,andothersocialmediaunderthedirectcontrolofthepostordepartment. NootherdesignisauthorizedasalogoofTheAmericanLegionRidersunlessauthorizedbytheNationalAdjutant. Surroundingtextorletteringmaynotencircleortouchtheemblem.

Examplesoftrademarkinfringement,unapprovedlogos, orimproperdisplaybecausetheyaredifferentfromthetrademark. Thewords“AmericanLegionRiders”aretrademarkedprotectedasisTheAmericanLegionlogoitself. Thethirdimagehasanimproper(multicolored)backgroundbehindthemark.

Rockersandplacementofpatchesaresensitiveinsomepartsofthecountryandmayoftenbemisinterpreted. Thedecisiontowearrockers(additionalpatchesaboveand/orbelowthemainpatch)shouldbelefttothelocalchaptersand/ordepartmentALRprogramsconsistentwithlocalpreferenceandsubjecttofinalapprovalofthedepartmentexecutivecommittees. ManydepartmentshavedevelopedstandardizationsforpatchwearandrockersandhavecoordinatedwithEmblemSalestohelpcontrolpatchsaleswithintheirboundaries. Agrowingnumberofprogramshavealsodroppedrequirementsforrockersoradditionalembroideryonthemainpatch(largelybecauseofthehighcosttotheirmembers).

4. “Support,”“Volunteer,”and/or “Honorary”Categories.

AmericanLegionRider“Supporter”statusisapostordepartmentdeterminationgrantedonlytothoseLegionFamilymemberswhogo"beyondthecall"tosupporttheALRprogram. Supporting,honorary,orvolunteercategoriesareallowable—butonlyforcurrentmembersofTheAmericanLegion,theTheAmericanLegionAuxiliary,orTheSonsofTheAmericanLegion. Atthediscretionofthedepartmentorpostthedecisiontoprovidethemwithlimitedvotingprivilegesorotherprivileges,oranidentifying“support”patch,isdiscretionary. Further,thedepartmentsand/orpostsmaydecidetorestrictanyassociationwiththeAmericanLegionRiderstomotorcycleownersandoperatorsonly. Undernocircumstanceswillnon-LegionFamilybeofferedthestatusofsupporter,honorarymember,orvolunteer,sinceallofthesetermsimplyaformofmembershipnotdefinedinTheAmericanLegionnationalconstitution.

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5. SpecialrulesthatapplytosubsidiaryprogramsofTheAmericanLegion.

TheAmericanLegionRidersprograms,likeTheSonsofTheAmericanLegiondetachmentsandsquadrons,AmericanLegionBaseballprogramsandallotherprogramsthatwearidentifyingmarksandnamesaresubjecttoResolutionNo.11,“RulesandRegulationsGoverningUseoftheNameandEmblemsofTheAmericanLegion,”adoptedbytheNationalExecutiveCommittee,May4-5,2005. TheAmericanLegionhasnochoiceorroomtomaneuverintheareaoftrademarklaw,whichrequires“constantandcontinuouscontrol”overallsubsidiaryprogramswearingourtrademarksandusingourname.Allprograms(subsidiaries)ofapostofTheAmericanLegionmustmeetthefollowingrequirements:

1. Allofficers,directors,trustees,etc.mustbenamedbythepost. ElectionsfortheSonsofTheAmericanLegionandTheAmericanLegionRiders,asexamples,serveonlytonominatethenewslateofofficers—whomarethennamedorinstalledbythepostcommanderand/orthepostexecutivecommittee. Thepostmayremoveandreplaceofficersofsubsidiaryprogramsatwill.

2. Allvacanciesinthesubsidiaryprogrammustbefilledbythepost.3. Thesubsidiaryprogrammustreporttothepostnolessfrequentlythanmonthly.

Thesereportsmustincludefinancialreports,ifappropriatetotheprogram.4. Theposttreasurerorfinanceofficermustbeasignatoryonallaccounts.5. Allamendmentstoarticlesofincorporationorbylaws(SOP)mustbeapprovedbythe

post. Ifthecurrenttextofsuchdocumentshasnotbeenapprovedbythepost,ittoomustbesoapproved.

Allreferencestopostsalsoapplytothevariousdepartmentsintheappropriatesituations.ForfurtherinformationregardingtherulesofsubsidiariesunderAmericantrademarklaw,refertoTheAmericanLegionNameandEmblemUseandProtectionGuide,availablefromthenationalheadquarters,orcontacttheNationalJudgeAdvocateat(317)630-1224

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THEAMERICANLEGION INDIANAPOLIS,I ND IANA

October17-18,2007ResolutionNo.35:AmericanLegionRidersasaNationalProgramWHEREAS,AmericanLegionRiders(ALR)wasestablishedin1993asaPostlevelactivityatGardenCityAmericanLegionPost396,DepartmentofMichigan;andWHEREAS,Todaytherearemorethan700TheALRgroupsatthePost,DistrictandDepartmentlevelswhosemembershipconsistsofmembersofTheAmericanLegion,TheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryorSons ofTheAmericanLegionwhoshareacommoninterestinmotorcycleownershipandpleasureridingforveterans’causes;andWHEREAS,TheALRgroupsexistinatleast48statesandthreeforeigncountriesandevidenceagrowthpatternoverthelastfiveyearsthatreflectsagenuineinterestinALRforbothcurrentandpotentialmembersofTheAmericanLegionFamily;andWHEREAS,ThepurposeofALRistousetheircommoninterestandassociationtopromotetheaimsandpurposesofTheAmericanLegionaswellasthepromotionofmotorcyclesafetyandawareness;andWHEREAS,Duringthe2006and2007calendaryears,ALRraisedmorethan$500,000forTheAmericanLegionLegacyScholarshipwhileatthelocallevelALRgroupscontributionswerevaluedatmorethan$75,000incontributionorvolunteerhourstosupporttheprogramsofTheAmericanLegion;andWHEREAS,MembershipgrowthinTheAmericanLegionhasincreasedinmanyPoststhathavesupportedALRandinsomecasesthesemembersnowserveinleadershippositionswithinTheAmericanLegion;andWHEREAS,ALRsupportthoseservinginuniformtodaythroughparticipationinsuchactivitiesasthePatriotGuard,whichwasfoundedbytheDepartmentofKansasALRtoprovideescortsforourfallenheroesreturningfromwarandtakingcareoftheneedsofthefamiliesleftbehind;andWHEREAS,ManyPostsandDepartmentsofTheAmericanLegionhavealreadyacknowledgedtheirALRgroupsasaprogramandhaveestablishedguidelinesforALRtofollow;andWHEREAS,InApril2007anAd-HocCommitteeappointedbytheNationalCommandermetinIndianapolis todiscussthefutureofALRasaprogrambasedonguidelinesdevelopedbytheInternalAffairs Commissionin2003;andWHEREAS,Theseguidelines,whichwerevalidatedwithminoradditionsbytheAd-HocCommittee,willserveasthestandardunderwhichallcurrentandfutureTheALRgroupswilloperate;andWHEREAS,AsTheALRgroupscontinuetoincreaseinnumberitwouldbebeneficialtobothTheAmericanLegionandALRtoestablishbasicguidelinesforconsistencyinallaspectsofTheALRgroups;andWHEREAS,TheALRstatushasbeenreviewedbytheInternalAffairsCommission,whichrecommendstheALRbecomeaNationalprogram;and

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WHEREAS,NationalFinanceCommissionhasreviewedALRandtheneedforfundingandinsurancefor theNationalorganizationforthisprogram,recommendsthisprogramtotheNationalExecutiveCommittee;now,therefore,beit

RESOLVED,ByTheNationalExecutiveCommitteeofTheAmericanLegioninregularmeetingassembledinIndianapolis,Indiana,onOctober17-18,2007,ThatTheAmericanLegionadoptAmericanLegionRiders(ALR)asanationalprogram;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatallTheAmericanLegionRidergroupsmustbeaprogramsupportedbyaPostorDepartmentofTheAmericanLegionandshallupholdthedeclaredprinciplesofTheAmericanLegionaswellasconformtoandabidebytheregulationsanddecisionsoftheDepartment,PostorotherdulyconstitutedDepartmentgoverningbody;and,beitfurtherRESOLVED,ThatthefollowingguidelinesarerecommendedforTheALRprogramofTheAmericanLegion:

1. AllmembersofTheAmericanLegionRidersshallbecurrentmembersofTheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliaryorSonsofTheAmericanLegion

2. EachALRmembershallownamotorcycle

3. EachALRmembershallbeproperlylicensedandinsuredasrequiredbystatelaw

4. AllALRmembersshallstrivetomaintaintheimageofTheAmericanLegion,atalltimesupholdingTheAmericanLegionnameandemblem,whichsymbolizestheintegrityandprinciplesofthisgreat organization.

5. AllTheALRgroupsshallavoidtheperceptionofbeinga“motorcycleclub”orbikerclub”.

6. TheonlyrecognizedTheAmericanLegionRiderlogoisthatwhichiscopyrightedandsoldthroughTheAmericanLegionNationalEmblemsales.

7. AllMemberswillobeythemotorcyclelawsoftheirstate.

8. NouseofrockerswiththeALRpatchbecausetouchingthepatchviolatestrademarklawsofthe ALRpatch.

9. Sponsoringorganization(PostandDepartment)willreviewliabilityinsurancecoveragetoensurethatadequatecoverageisavailabletocovertheorganizationtoincludecoverageforanyspecificspecialridingevents;and,beitfurther

RESOLVED,ThatAmericanLegionRidergroupsshallabidebyTheAmericanLegionConstitutionandBy-lawsaswellastheestablishedPostandDepartmentdirectives;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThatTheAmericanLegionNationalHeadquartersandtherespectiveDepartmentsshallmaintaingeneraloversightofALRProgramasregardstoproperuseofthenameandemblemofTheAmericanLegion,ALRandTheAmericanLegionLegacyRun,andcompliancewiththeNationalConstitutionandBy-LawsofTheAmericanLegion.

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TheAmericanLegion Indianapolis,IndianaOctober17-18,2007ResolutionNo.32:AmendResolution35:“AmericanLegionRidersasaNationalProgram”WHEREAS,AmericanLegionRiders(ALR)wasestablishedin1993asaPostlevel activityatGardenCityAmericanLegionPost396,DepartmentofMichigan;andWHEREAS,TheALRgroupshavesinceexpandedtomorethan1,200localchaptersin all50domesticdepartmentsandintwoforeigndepartments;andWHEREAS,MembershipintheALRhasgrowntoincludemorethan100,000members ofTheAmericanLegion,TheAmericanLegionAuxiliary,andtheSonsofTheAmerican Legion;andWHEREAS,Resolution35:“AmericanLegionRidersasaNationalProgram”,NEC,October17-18,2007hasbeenaguidingdocumentfortheformationofpostanddepartmentALRprogramsunderthesupportofthehostingpostsanddepartments;andWHEREAS,ThethirdresolveclauseinResolution35containsrecommendedguidelines forsuchprograms;andWHEREAS,TheNationalCommander’sALRcurrentAdHocCommitteetoTheInternalAffairsCommissionhasidentifiedambiguouscontentregardingeligibilitycriteriafor TheAmericanLegionRidersandmadespecificrecommendationsforimprovingsuchcontent; andWHEREAS,ItisinthebestinterestofTheAmericanLegiontoreviewandamend,from timetotime,suchguidelinesineffortstoprovidemoreeffectivedirectiontoTheAmerican LegionRidersprograms;now,therefore,beitRESOLVED,BytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeofTheAmericanLegionin regularmeetingassembledinIndianapolis,Indiana,onMay4-5,2011,Thatguidelinenumbers2and3ofthethirdresolvingclauseofResolution35:“AmericanLegionRiders asaNationalProgram”,NEC,October17-18,2007,whichstates:“2.EachALRmembershallownamotorcycle3.EachALRmembershallbeproperlylicensedandinsuredasrequiredbystatelaw”Shallbeamendedasfollows:“2.EachALRmembershallestablishandmaintainmembershipbyowning,individuallyorthroughmarriage,amotorcyclelicensedandinsuredasrequiredbystatelaw3.ALRprogramsmayallowforcontinuedmembershipforthosememberswhohavegivenup motorcycleownershipbecauseofage,illness,injury,orotherreasonsoutsidethemember’s control”

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THEAMERICANLEGION INDIANAPOLIS,I N D I A NA May4-5,1988ResolutionNo.37:ReaffirmationofTheAmericanLegionPolicyConcerningAffiliationWithOtherOrganizationsWHEREAS,TheAmericanLegionadoptedResolutionNo.6,NationalExecutiveCommittee,October10-11-12,1952,concerningtheaffiliationofTheAmericanLegionwithotherorganizations;andWHEREAS,Theadoptionofthatresolutionwasareaffirmationofalong-established policyofTheAmericanLegionwhichhasproveditswisdombyprohibitingTheAmericanLegionfromjoininganysuchorganization,committee,association,council,orgroupin whichTheAmericanLegionisnotpermittedafullvoiceandvoteindeterminingmattersofpolicyofsuchorganization,committee,association,councilorgroup;now,therefore,beitRESOLVED,BytheNationalExecutiveCommitteeofTheAmericanLegioninregularmeetingassembledinIndianapolis,Indiana,onMay4-5,1988,ThatTheAmericanLegionshallnotbeamemberof,oraffiliatedwith,anyorganization,committee,association,councilorgroupwherebyTheAmericanLegionmightbecommittedtoapolicycontrarytothatadoptedbyTheAmericanLegion;and,beitfinallyRESOLVED,ThattheNationalAdjutantisinstructedtocirculatethisresolutiontoallDepartmentsandNationalOfficersofTheAmericanLegiononayearlybasis.

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AmericanLegionDepartmentofFlorida

StandardOperatingProcedures

11/2016

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TheAmericanLegionRiders(ALR)aremembersofTheAmericanLegion,The AmericanLegionAuxiliary,andSonsofTheAmericanLegionwhoarealso motorcycleenthusiasts.Participatinginparades,partakinginmotorcyclingevents,andsupportingthePostsandcommunitiesinwhichtheylive,work andride.TheAmericanLegionRiderswereformed…• Topromotemotorcyclesafetyprogramsandtoprovideasocial

atmosphereformemberswhosharethesameinterest.• Toparticipateineventsandceremonieswhichareinkeeping withthe

aimsandpurposesofTheAmericanLegion.• Toorganizeandparticipateincharityeventshelpingourveterans,

theirfamilies,andthelocalcommunity.• TouseourassociationtopromoteandsupporttheprogramsofThe

American LegionTheALRisnotamotorcycleclub(M/C)anddoesnotpracticeM/Crulesor regulations.TheALRisfamily-orientedjustasitsparentorganization:The American Legion.

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DEPARTMENTALRCOMMITTEEPurpose:ToensuretheFloridaAmericanLegionRiders(ALR)operateinaccordancewiththeAmericanLegionDepartmentofFloridarulesandproceduresandoperatewithintheseguidelines.

A. Members1. TheCommitteeshallconsistofthefollowingmembers:DepartmentALRChairman,DepartmentALRViceChairman(s),ALRAdjutant,oneALRAreaChairmanforeachArea,oneALRDistrictChairmanforeachdistrict,andonepastDepartmentALRChairman.

2. Otherofficers(ifappointedbytheDepartmentALRChairman)suchasALRFinanceChairman,ALRChaplain,ALRJudgeAdvocate,ALRSgt-at-Arms,andALRRoadCaptain/SafetyOfficerwillhaveavoicebutnovoteatALRCommitteemeetings.

3. NomembermayholdmorethanonevotingpositionontheALRCommittee.B. Qualifications

1. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaAmericanLegion,FloridaAmericanLegionAuxiliary,orFloridaSonsofTheAmericanLegion.

2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingofaChapteroftheFloridaALR.3. Recommendedtohaveaminimumofthree(3)yearsasanAmericanLegionRider,minimumoffive(5)yearsmotorcycleridingexperience,currentALRChapterDirectororpastDirector

C. Selection1. Membersareappointedasfollows:

a. TheDepartmentCommanderappointstheALRDepartmentChairman.b. TheALRDepartmentChairmanappointstheALRDepartmentViceChairman(s).c. TheALRAreaChairmenareappointedbytheAreaCommanders.d. TheALRDistrictChairmenareappointedbytheDistrictCommanders.e. TheALRDepartmentAdjutantisappointedbytheALRDepartmentChairman.f. AllALRwhomeetthequalificationsandwouldliketobeconsideredfortheDepartmentChairmanshallturnintheirrequest/resumetotheDepartmentViceCommanderbyMarch15thofeachcalendaryear.

g. ALRViceChairman,ALRAreaChairman,ALRDistrictChairman,ALRDepartmentCommitteesChairmanandALRChaptersDirectorswillmaintaincommunicationsandforwardwrittenreportstotheALRDepartmentChairmanasrequested.

D. Meetings1. Thereshallbetwo(2)officialCommitteemeetingsasscheduledbytheDepartmentAdjutant.ThesemeetingsareattheDepartmentFallConferenceandtheDepartmentConvention.AdditionalmeetingsmaybecalledbytheCommitteeChairmanathis/herdiscretion.MinutesofmeetingsmustbepreparedbytheCommitteeAdjutantandsubmittedtotheDepartmentAdjutantinatimelymanner.

E. Committees1. ThefollowingcommitteesarerecommendedtobeestablishedasdirectedbytheChairman:

a. TrainingandSafetyb. NewChapterc. Financed. LegacyRidee. AnnualRallyf. SpecialEvents(RoundRobin,Merry-go-Round,andALRSummit)

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ALRDEPARTMENTCHAIRMAN

A. Qualifications1. MustbeaLegionnaireingoodstandingwiththeFloridaAmericanLegion.2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaALR.3. RecommendedtobeaDirector,pastDirectororAssistantDirectorofanALRChapter,ALRArea/DistrictChairmanorpastALRArea/DistrictChairman.

4. Recommendedtohaveaminimumof(3)yearscontinuous,activemembershipintheAmericanLegion.

5. Recommendedtohaveaminimumof(5)yearsmotorcycleridingexperience.6. Mustbeanowner/operatorandendorsedmotorcyclerider,orexemptunderthemedicalclause.

B. Duties1. RepresenttheDepartmentatthediscretionoftheDepartmentCommander2. Presideoverthe(2)annualmeetingstobeheldattheDepartmentConventionandDepartmentConference,and/oranyothermeetingsneeded.

3. VisiteachAreaatleast(1)timeperyear.VisiteachDistrictatleast(1)timeperyear.4. ProvidereportsoftheactivityoftheALRtotheDepartmentCommanderattherequestoftheDepartmentCommander

5. OverseethecollectionofdatathroughtheALROfficerandALRActivityforms.(theALRCommitteeAdjutantwillcompilereports).

6. DesignateaCommitteeCoordinatorforanyStandingCommittees.ALRDEPARTMENTVICECHAIRMAN(S)C. Qualifications

1. MustbeaLegionnaireingoodstandingwiththeFloridaAmericanLegion.2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaALR.3. RecommendedtobeaDirector,pastDirectororAssistantDirectorofanALRChapter,ALRArea/DistrictChairmanorpastALRArea/DistrictChairman.

4. Recommendedtohaveaminimumof(3)yearscontinuous,activemembershipintheAmericanLegion.

5. Recommendedtohaveaminimumof(5)yearsmotorcycleexperience.D. Duties

1. RepresenttheDepartmentatthediscretionoftheALRDepartmentChairman.2. ProvidereportsoftheactivityoftheALRtotheALRDepartmentChairman.3. PerformsuchdutiesasdirectedbytheALRDepartmentChairman.4. ExecutesthedutiesoftheALRDepartmentChairmanduringhis/herabsenceordisability.

COMMITTEEADJUTANTA. Qualifications

1. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaAmericanLegion,FloridaAmericanLegionAuxiliaryortheFloridaSonsoftheAmericanLegion.

2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaALR.B. Duties

1. TakeminutesandcompilereportsofallCommitteeactivities.

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2. HandlesalladministrativefunctionsandcorrespondenceoftheCommitteeatthedirectionoftheChairman.

3. MaintainthelistofactiveFloridaALRChapters.4. MaintainacurrentlistofallFloridaALRChapterOfficers.5. CollecttheEndofYear(EOY)datafromALRActivityReportsandcompileareportforthe

meetingsheldatConventionandConference.

ALRAREACHAIRMANA. Qualifications

1. MustbeamemberoftheFloridaAmericanLegion,FloridaAmericanLegionAuxiliary,orFloridaSonsofTheAmericanLegioningoodstanding.

2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaALR.3. RecommendedtobeaDirectororpastDirectorofanALRChapter.Intheeventoneisnotavailable,anAssistantDirectormaybechosen.

4. Recommendedtohaveaminimumoffive(5)yearsmotorcycleridingexperience.

B. Duties1. RepresentsthecommitteeasawholehavingtheresponsibilitytobepartoftheCommitteetoresolveDepartmentissues.Ifneeded,Departmentissueswillberesolvedby,atleast,atwo-thirds vote.ReportsofsuchissueswillbemadedirectlytotheDepartmentChairmanwhowillforwardreportstotheDepartmentCommanderandDepartmentAdjutantforadministrativereview.

2. RepresentAreaatstatefunctions.3. ReportstoTheAmericanLegionAreaCommanderonALRchapterswithinArea;membershipandactivitiesoftheALRchapters.

4. MaintaincommunicationwithALRchapterswithinhis/herArea.5. AssistPostsrequestingtostartanALRchapter6. EnsuresALRchapterreportsrequiredbytheALRChairmenaresubmitted.7. WillprovideanoverallreviewoftheAreaChapters.8. AttendAreaandDistrictmeetings&functions.9. WillsupportInternalAffairsonallALRissues.

DISTRICTALRCHAIRMANA. Qualifications

1. MustbeamemberoftheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,orSonsofTheAmericanLegioningoodstanding.

2. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheFloridaALR.3. RecommendedDirectororpastDirectorofanALRChapter.Intheeventoneisnot

available,anAssistantDirectormaybechosen.4. Recommendedtohaveaminimumoffive(5)yearsmotorcycleridingexperience.

B. Duties1. Representsthecommitteeasawholehavingtheresponsibilitytobepartofthe

CommitteetoresolveDepartmentissues.Ifneeded,Departmentissueswillberesolvedby,atleast,atwo-thirds vote.ReportsofsuchissueswillbemadedirectlytotheDepartmentChairmanwhowillforwardreportstotheDepartmentCommanderandDepartmentAdjutantforadministrativereview.

2. RepresentDistrictatstatefunctions.3. ReportstoTheAmericanLegionDistrictCommanderonALRchapterswithinthe

district;membershipandactivitiesoftheALRchapters.

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4. MaintaincommunicationwithALRchapterswithinhis/herDistrict.5. AssistPostsrequestingtostartanALRchapter6. EnsuresALRchapter’sreportsrequiredbytheALRChairmenaresubmitted.7. WillprovideanoverallreviewoftheDistrictChapters.8. Attenddistrictmeetings&functions.9. WillsupportInternalAffairsonallALRissues.

ALRFINANCECOMMITTEEThefollowingproceduresoutlinethehandlingoffundsonthebehalfoftheDepartmentofFloridaALR(FALR)fortheannualLegacyRide,ALRRally,RoundRobin,Merry-go-Round,ALRSummit&Expo,ALRSafetyandTrainingandallotherfundsrelatedtoFALRexpenditures.

A. AllfundswillbedepositedmaintainedandheldbytheAmericanLegionDepartmentof FloridaFinanceOfficer.B. TheALRDepartmentChairmanandALRFinanceCommitteeChairmanshallreceive,upon

request,astatementoffundsreceived,maintained,orexpended.C. TheALRFinanceCommitteeChairmanwillgiveareporttotheALRgeneralmembershipat theConventionandConference.D. Fundsshallnotbedepositedinanyprivateaccount.Fundscanbedepositedintoa PostorChapteraccountinexchangeforacheckmadeouttotheAmericanLegionDept.of Florida.Itisrecommendedthatallfunds,becountedandverifiedby(2)persons,anda statementsignedanddatedtothateffectanddeliveredtotheDepartmentFinanceOfficer inatimelymanner.E. Receipt.Athree-partreceiptisrecommendedtobeissuedonallfundsreceived.Thetop receiptwillbeturnedovertotheAmericanLegionDept.ofFlorida.Themiddlereceipt willbemaintainedbythecommitteeconductingtheeventtoberelinquishedtotheALR CommitteeFinanceChairmanwithin30daysoftheevent.Thethirdreceiptwillbe turnedovertotheperson,partyorestablishmentprovidingthefundsreceived.F. Nofundswillbeusedbyanypersonforfood,lodging,fueloranyotherexpenditureunlessthe expenditurehasbeenapprovedbytheAmericanLegionDepartmentAdjutant,ALRDepartment Chairmanand/orALRCommitteeChairmanofFinances.Allexpenditureswillbereimbursed bytheAmericanLegionDepartmentofFloridabyCheckwhenapprovedbytheALRDept. Chairman,AmericanLegionDepartmentFinanceCommittee.

DEPARTMENTFORMSGeneraluseofAmericanLegionRidersDepartmentofFloridaforms,applications,registrations,waivers, records,reports,minutesetc.,arethepropertyoftheAmericanLegionDepartmentofFlorida. Allrecordswillbesubmittedforstoragewithin30daysofaneventorsoonerifrequestedbytheDepartmentsAdjutantorALRChairman. NorecordswillbedestroyedunlesstheDepartmentAdjutantadvisestheALRChairmantodestroyadocument. AllDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionRidersWaiverscanbestoredbytheDepartmentforuptoTHREE(3)yearsorlongerifneeded.DEPARTMENTALRSOPAllamendmentstotheALRStandardOperatingProceduresmustbeapprovedbytheDepartmentAdjutant,DepartmentJudgeAdvocate,andDepartmentALRChairman.TheALRSOPmustbeupdatedatleasteveryTHREE(3)years.

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DEPARTMENTLIMITATIONOFLIABILITIES

A.TheALRshallincur,orcausetobeincurred,noliabilitynorobligationwhatsoeverwhich shallsubjecttoliabilityanyotherALR,subdivision,membersofTheAmericanLegion,Post, Departmentorotherindividuals,corporationsororganizations.B.ALRoperatingamotorcyclewillmaintainindividualmotorcycleinsuranceinaccordancewith thelawsoftheStateofFlorida.Failuretodosowillresultinexpulsionfromtherespective ALRchapter.C.AdjutantmustbenotifiedofanyDepartmentRidesoinsurancecanbepurchasedpriorto theride.PostlevelridesandactivityinsurancewillbetheresponsibilityoftheChapter DirectorandPostCommanderholdingtheeventorride.D.TheorganizingALRChapterwillinsurethatallriderspriortosanctionedridesfillout“The AmericanLegionDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionRidersWaiverandReleasefrom LiabilityForm”.E.TheALRChapterisaprogramofthePostsand,assuch,allfundsreceivedand/ordispersedby theALRChaptermustfallwithintheguidelinesofIRSLaw(seepublication557oftheIRS).

ThenamesAmericanLegionRiders,TheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,SonsofTheAmericanLegionandtheirassociatedlogosareregisteredtrademarksandprotectedbyFederalLaws.

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AMERICANLEGIONRIDERCHAPTERPurpose:• Topromotemotorcyclesafetyprogramsandprovideasocialatmosphereformembersofthe

AmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,andSonsofTheAmericanLegion.• Toparticipateinparadesandotherceremonieswhichareinkeepingwiththeaimsand

purposesof theAmericanLegion.• ToorganizeandparticipateincharityeventshelpingVeterans,theirfamilies,andthelocal

community.• TouseourassociationtopromoteandsupporttheprogramsoftheAmericanLegionFamily.

A. EstablishmentofChapter

1. ChaptermusthaveasponsoringPost.2. Chaptermusthaveaminimumoffive(5)membersinterestedstartinganALRChapter.3. Chaptermusttakethenameand/orPostnumberofthesponsoringPosts.4. ChaptermusthaveapprovedStandardOperatingProcedures(SOP’s).5. ChaptermustberegisteredandapprovedbytheDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionbeforeitisconsideredasofficially chartered.

B. QualificationsofMembers1. BeamemberingoodstandingoftheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,orSonsofTheAmericanLegion.

2. BeamemberingoodstandingofthesponsoringPost.a. IntheeventthePostofmembershipdoesnothaveanALRChaptertheLegionFamilymemberwillbeeligibletoapplyformembershiptoanotherPost’sALRChapter.

b. ContinuousmembershippriortoAugust2015canbeexemptedfromthisrequirement.3. Beanowner/operatorofamotorcyclewithminimum500cc.

a. Haveavalidstatemotorvehicleoperator’slicensewithamotorcycleendorsementasrequiredbythestateofresidence.

b. Beinsuredasrequiredbylawofstateofresidence.4. Bethespouseofowner/operatorofamotorcycle.5. Beapreviousowner/operatorofamotorcyclethatisunabletorideduetoageormedical/physicalrestrictions.

6. AtthediscretionoftheChapterapersonwhoisanon-owner/operatorcanbeconsideredformembershipasasupporterorvolunteermember.

a. MustbeamemberingoodstandingoftheLegionFamily.b. EligibilitytoholdanofficeoftheALRisatthediscretionoftheChapter.c. VotingprivilegesatthediscretionoftheChapter.

C. Organization1. ALRChapterisaPostlevelprogramofTheAmericanLegion.2. ALRChapterexistsatthediscretionofthesponsoringPost.3. MembersmaynotatanytimeholdmembershipinmorethanoneChapteroftheALR.

a. Intheeventofdualmembership,thePostofLegionmembershipwillbeconsideredsponsoringorhomePost.

b. DoesnotprecludeamemberfromholdingofficeinanygoverningDistrict,Department,orNationaloffice.

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D. ChapterOfficers

1. ItiscustomaryforthePosttoallowtheChaptertoholdnominationsandelectOfficers.DulyelectedOfficersmustbeconfirmedbythePostmembershipandinstalledbythePostorDepartmentatasuitableinstallationceremony.

2. AllvacancieswillbeconfirmedbythePost.3. AllofficersoftheALRmustbemembersofthesponsoringPost.

a. Dualmembers(Legion/SALorLegion/ALA)holdingmembershipinmorethanonePost,LegionmembershipwillbeconsideredsponsoringPost.

4. Requiredofficers:Director,AssistantDirector,Secretary,Treasurer,Sergeant-at-Arms.a. Director,AssistantDirector,Sergeant-at-ArmsandRoadCaptainmustbeowner/operatorormeetoneoftheexemptionsunderTheNationalAmericanLegionResolution#32.

5. OptionalOfficers:MembershipChairPerson,Chaplain,Historian,RoadCaptain6. Havingduecause,thePostCommander/PostE-Board/PostMembershipcanremove/replaceanyALRChapterOfficersforanyreason.

E. Duties1. Director

a. ServesasChiefAdministrativeOfficeroftheChapterandpresidesoverallmeetingsb. ServesasliaisontotheExecutiveCommitteeofthesponsoringPostc. SuperviseallaffairsoftheChapterd. CoordinateswithotherALRofficersattheChapter,District,AreaandDepartmentlevel.e. Submitsreports,nolessthanmonthly,tothesponsoringPost,District,AreaandDepartmentlevel.ThisreportwillincludethefinancialstatusoftheChapter.

2. AssistantDirectora. PerformsuchdutiesasdirectedbytheChapterDirectorb. ExecutesthedutiesoftheChapterDirectorduringhis/herabsenceordisability

3. Secretarya. Shallmaintainmembershiprecordssufficienttoestablish:

i. Membersingoodstandingii. Memberscontactinformation

b. Maintainsalogofalleventsandgroupridesi. Listofridersandpassengersii. Lengthofeventandrideinhoursandmiles

c. Maintainsafullandaccuraterecordofallproceedingsatmeetings.d. ResponsibleformaintainingChapterSOPandanyandallamendments.

i. ChapterSOP’sarerecommendedtobereviewedevery3years.4. Treasurer

a. MaintainsaccuraterecordsofallfinancialtransactionsinaccordancewiththesponsoringPost’sfinancialrequirements.

b. DepositsfundsinassignedbankaccountanddisbursesfundsapprovedforChapteroperations

c. IssignerofallChapterbankaccountsalongwiththePostFinanceOfficer.d. ResponsibleformaintainingthefinancialrecordsoftheALRChapter

5. Sergeant-at-Armsa. Preserveorderatmeetingsandgatheringsb. AssisttheroadCaptaininenforcingallrulesofsaferidingduringridesandrunsc. Performsuchotherdutiesorchairsuchcommitteeasmaybe,fromtimetotime,assignedbytheALRDirector

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F. OptionalOfficerDuties1. MembershipChairperson

a. PromotesChapterandProgramsofTheLegionFamilyb. AssistinretainingandgainingmembershipfortheChapterc. WorkswithTheLegionFamilymembershipteamatmembershipdrivesd. ProvideanaccurateanduptodatemembershiprostertoDepartmentALRChairmani. ALRmembershiprosterwillincludethemember’sLegionFamilymembershipnumber

2. Chaplaina. Shallperformsuchdivineandnon-sectarianservicesasmaybenecessary,adheringtosuchceremonialritualsasmayberecommendedbythePost.

3. Historiana. ShallcollectfromyeartoyearallrecordsanddataofvalueandinterestfortheChapter.

b. Shallcompileacompletehistoryoftheyear’sactivitiesc. PrepareahistorybookforsubmissionattheannualConvention.

4. RoadCaptaina. Organizeandpromotegroupridesb. EducatenewALRmembersongroupridinghandsignalsandrideretiquettec. Conductpre-ridesafetybriefingasneededd. Reviewroutesandassessesroadconditionsandweather,changerouteasneededbasedonroadconditions

e. Appointa“tailgunner”orSafetyOfficertorideattherearofthegroup

PATCHWEARANDUNIFORMITYOFALRCLOTHINGANDAPPAREL

TheAmericanLegionhaslongheldthepositionthatpatchwearisanintenselypersonalstatementbyitsmembers,similarintraditiontotherightsideoftheLegionCap.Generally,membersshouldnotbetoldwhereorwhatpatchescanbeonhis/herALRvestorapparel.

A. ArrangementofdisplaycannotbringdiscreditupontheALRProgram.B. Cannotimplyanimproperassociationwithanoutsideorganization.C. Cannotinfringeonthetrademark.D. UniformDressCode

1. CanbeadoptedatthediscretionoftheChapter.2. Recommendedtobeawhiteshirt,darkpants,ALRVest,ALRBeretorLegion/SAL/ALAofficial

headwear.E. TheALRVest

1. Onlytheprotectedlogoartworkavailableatwww.legion.org/emblem/downloadisauthorizedbytheAmericanLegionRiders.

2. PatchesandpinsmaybewornatthediscretionoftheridersaslongastheydonotbringdiscredittotheideasandprinciplesoftheLegionFamily.

3. RockersontheALRVesti. CanbewornatthediscretionoftheChapterandorthelocalareapreference.ii. CannotencircleortouchtheemblemoftheAmericanLegionRiders.

4. ThePOW/MIAandtheAmericanFlagcanbewornasoutlinedintheFloridaLegionRidersManual.

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CHAPTERFORMSGeneraluseofAmericanLegionRidersDepartmentofFloridaforms,applications,registrations,waivers, records,reports,minutesetc.,arethepropertyoftheAmericanLegionDepartmentofFlorida. Allrecordswillbesubmittedforstoragewithin30daysofaneventorsoonerifrequestedbytheDepartmentsAdjutantorALRChairman. NorecordswillbedestroyedunlesstheDepartmentAdjutantadvisestheALRChairmantodestroyadocument. AllDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionRidersWaiverscanbestoredbytheDepartmentforuptoTHREE(3)yearsorlongerifneeded.CHAPTERALRSOPAllamendmentstotheChapterALRStandardOperationProceduresmustbeapprovedbythePostmembershipandsentDepartmentforapproval.TheSOPmustbeupdatedatleasteveryTHREE(3)years.SUSPENSION/REVOCATIONOFACHAPTER/CHARTERA. WithduecausethehostPostCommanderhastheabilitytotemporarilysuspendtheChapter.The

PostCommandermustnotifyinwritingthePostE-BoardandALRChairmanwithin30days,thepurposeofsuspension.

B. IfthePostE-Boardfindsthesuspensionhasduecause,thehostPostwillhavetopresentacasebeforetheDepartmentExecutiveBoardorDepartmentFinanceCommitteeiftheDepartmentExecutiveBoardisnotinsession,forrevocationoftheCharter.

C. AlldecisionbyDepartmentarefinal.LIMITATIONOFLIABILITIES

A.TheALRshallincur,orcausetobeincurred,noliabilitynorobligationwhatsoeverwhich shallsubjecttoliabilityanyotherALR,subdivision,membersofTheAmericanLegion,Post, Departmentorotherindividuals,corporationsororganizations.B.ALRoperatingamotorcyclewillmaintainindividualmotorcycleinsuranceinaccordancewith thelawsoftheStateofFlorida.Failuretodosowillresultinexpulsionfromtherespective ALRchapter.C.AdjutantmustbenotifiedofanyDepartmentRidesoinsurancecanbepurchasedpriorto theride.PostlevelridesandactivityinsurancewillbetheresponsibilityoftheChapter DirectorandPostCommanderholdingtheeventorride.D.TheorganizingALRChapterwillinsurethatallriderspriortosanctionedridesfillout“The AmericanLegionDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionRidersWaiverandReleasefrom LiabilityForm”.E.TheALRChapterisaprogramofthePostsand,assuch,allfundsreceivedand/ordispersedby theALRChaptermustfallwithintheguidelinesofIRSLaw(seepublication557oftheIRS).

ThenamesAmericanLegionRiders,TheAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliary,SonsofTheAmericanLegionandtheirassociatedlogosareregisteredtrademarksandprotectedbyFederalLaws.

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AmericanLegionRidersTodayFloridaALRhasover100Chapterswithover4,500members.ThemembershipoftheAmericanLegionRidersisaverydiversegroup,withmembershipopentoallTheAmericanLegionFamily,theprogramisthebridgethatunifiesthefamily.ByallowingeachALRChaptertogivethememberstheabilitytomanagetheprogramatthePostlevel,theALRhasgrowntorecordnumber.TheFloridaALRhasgrowntoover100Chapters,4500+members,raisedover$600,000forLegionFamilyprogramsandcommunitiesandriddenover1.5millionmilesinthe2015-2016year.Someeventswetakepridein:• ParticipationintheannualRoundRobin,LegacyRun(NationalandState),Merry-go-Round,Rallyand

ALRSummit&Expo.• SponsoringorparticipatinginlocalCharityeventsandprovidingCommunityService.• Supporting and fundraising for all The American Legion Programs. Supporting The Four Pillars

throughmotorcyclerunsandevents.• Participationinmemorialceremoniesandcommunityparades.Motorcycleenthusiastareaverydedicatedgroupofpeople.WhenyoucombinethiswiththefactthattheyareLegionFamilyyoucreateawin/winsituation.

BenefitsofforminganALRChapterFundraising/PromotingLegionRidersareadedicatedandenthusiasticgroupwithintheLegionFamily.ProveninthepastyearstobeveryeffectiveandpromotingandcreatingfundraisingideasthataresuccessfulinsupportingLegionPrograms.ALRChaptersarecontinuingtoshowsupport forPost/District/Area/Departmentfunctionsthatrequireraisingfundsforacauseorprogram,throughanextensivecommunicationnetworkandadrivetosupporteachother.MembershipALRmembersarecontinuingtoprovetobeaverysuccessfulmembershipresource.TheALRismadeupofaverydiversifiedagegroupofVeterans,ALAandSAL,manyofwhomarestillactivemembersoftheworkforce.ThenatureoftheALRisactiveandvibrantanddrawsothersintotheprogramthathaveaneedtofulfilltheneedtoserveothersthroughriding.EnjoymentTheprogramwasdesignedtohavepeopleworktogetherandenjoythemselves.ItmaybebyworkingonafundraiserforalocalcharityoritmaybejustawarmsummereveningridetogetherorjustsittingatthePostsharingstories.It'sallaboutmembersworkingtogetherandplayingtogether-itisthereforthemtoenjoy.

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ProcedureforStartinganALRChapter

1. ThePostistoreviewtheDepartmentALRStandardOperatingProcedures(SOP)andbecomefamiliarwiththerequirementsandobligationsoftheALRProgram.YoumaycontacttheDepartmentAmericanLegionRidersChairmanorDepartmentJudgeAdvocatetheforassistancewithproceduralquestions.

2. ThePostistogaintheinterestandcommitmentofatleastfive(5)personswhoaremembersingoodstandingoftheAmericanLegion,TheSonsoftheAmericanLegion(SAL),ortheAuxiliary(ALA),tobecomemembersoftheAmericanLegionRiders.

• Verifythemembershipandholdameetingfortheinterestedparties• Determinewhowillfilltherolesoftheelectedofficersduringthestart-upprocess.

Director,AssistantDirector,Treasurer,Sgt-at-ArmsandRoadCaptain.3. ObtaintheapprovalofthemembershipofthePostandnotesuchapprovalintheminutesof

thatmeeting.4. PostCommanderistosignaStart-UpLetterofApprovalonPost’sletterheadandsubmittothe

DepartmentALRChairman.5. DevelopaChapterStandardOperatingProcedure(ALRSOP).TheALRSOPsuggestedtemplate

isavailableonlineatfloridalegion.orgundertheLegionRiderspage.• AcommitteeshouldbeappointedtocompiletheproposedChapter’sALRSOP.

6. TheStart-UpOfficersandothercommittedStart-UpMembersaretoadopttheALRSOP7. SendaCopyofthefollowingdocumentstotheDepartmentALRChairmanatDepartment

Headquarters(P.O.Box547859Orlando,FL32854)forChapterCharterapproval.• CopyofStart-UpLetteronthePost’sletterhead,signedbythePostCommander• CopyofthePostmeetingminuteswherethePostmembershipapprovedstartingand

ALRChapterattheirPost• CopyoftheChapter’sSOP• AlistofChaptermemberstobeplacedontheChapter’sCharterdocument

8. UponfinalapprovalandreceiptoftheDepartmentsignedCharter,havethePostCommanderandAdjutantsigntheCharter.Recruitmembersandfilloutmembershipapplications.

• Membershipapplicationsshouldincludealiabilitywaiver.Thecurrentwaivercanbefoundatfloridalegion.orgundertheLegionRiderspage.ThewaivercanbemodifiedtomeettheneedsoftheindividualPost/Chapterrecommendations.

9. RequestthatthePostgeneralmembershipapproveacheckingaccountforyourchapterundertheEINissuedtothePost.

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(PostLetterhead)InsertDateDepartmentALRChairmanDepartmentHeadquartersPOBox547859Orlando,FL32854-7859DearDepartmentChairman,Ataregularmeetingofthegeneralmembershipofthepost,heldon(insertdateofmeeting),amotionwasapprovedtoallowtheformationofachapterofTheAmericanLegionRiders.Thechapter,hereinaftertobecalledChapter(Postnumber),willholdregularmeetingsatthePosthomeandwillbeunderthegeneralgovernanceofthePostandtheDepartmentofFlorida.ThisletteristoserveasofficialnoticethatPost(number)approvesandsponsorstheformationofthischapterandthattheatourpostandthatallpostrequirementshavebeenmet.ThePostCommanderandorPostAdjutanthasverifiedeachALROfficerandChartermembertobein“GoodStanding”withtheirrespectiveLegionFamilyandaremotorcycleOwner/Operators,endorsedandinsuredasrequiredbytheirstateofrecord,orhavemettheexceptionsetforthbyTheNationalAmericanLegionALRCommittee.Sincerely,(name),CommanderPost(number)Cc:File,PostOfficers

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FloridaAmericanLegionRidersChapter[#]Address

City,State,ZipCodePhone#

STANDARDOPERATINGPROCEDURES(SOP)PurposeToensureTheAmericanLegionRiders(ALR)Chapter[#]operateswithintheestablishedguidelinesandinaccordancewithTheDepartmentofFloridarules,regulationsandprocedures.TheALRwasformedto:participateinparades,escorts,andotherceremonieswhichareinkeepingwiththeaimsandpurposesoftheAmericanLegion,participateinmotorcycleevents;provideasocialatmosphereformemberswhosharethesameinterest;promotemotorcyclesafetyprogramsandmotorcycleawareness;organizeandparticipateincharityeventshelpingveteransandtheirfamilies;promoteandsupporttheprogramsofTheAmericanLegionandsupportourcommunity.AmericanLegionRidersoftheDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionshallbeaprogramoftheAmericanLegionPost[#].WithPost[#]sponsoringthisridingChapter,itshallhenceforthbereferredtoasAmericanLegionRidersChapter[#]or(ALR#),[City],Florida.(WhereaconflictmayarisebetweenAmericanLegionPost[#]andALRChapter[#],theAmericanLegionPost[#]ConstitutionandBy-Lawswilltakeprecedence.)THISDOCUMENTISMEANTTOBEAGUIDELINEFORCHAPTERSTOUSE.PLEASECHANGEASNEEDEDTOFITEACHCHAPTERANDTHENEEDSOFTHEMEMBERSHIPTHEALRSOPCANNOTBEANYLESSRESTRICTIVETHANTHEAMERICANLEGIONNATIONRESOLUTIONSORTHEAMERICANLEGIONDEPARTMENTOFFLORIDAALRSOP

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TableofContents

Membership Page3

ElectedOfficers Page4

AppointedOfficers Page5

Elections Page5

DutiesoftheALRChapter[#]Officers Page6

Meetings Page9

Finances Page10

DisciplinaryAction Page10

AmericanLegionRiderInsigniaandVest Page11

Membership Page12

GoverningRules Page12

Rider-DownFund(OPTIONAL) Page13

Order Page13

Amendments Page13

RecordofRevisionsandAmendments Page14

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Membership

A. ALRChapter[#]shallbecomprisedofmembersingoodstandingwithTheAmericanLegionPost[insertPost#]Familytoinclude(TheAmericanLegion,TheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryandTheSonsOfTheAmericanLegion),andriderswhoweregrandfatheredinpriortothedateofthisrevisionduetothatmembershostpostnothavingachapter.Grandfatheredridersmustmaintaincontinuousmembership.

B. Uponsubmittinganapplicationforjoining,therequestingmembershallprovideproofofqualificationandattestthathe/sheisnotcurrentlyamemberofanyotherALR.

C. Membershipshallbeconfirmedbyasimplemajorityvoteofattendingmembersduringaregularlyscheduledmeeting.Furthermore,existingmembersuponrenewingyearlymembershipandlifetimemembersshallprovideproofofcurrenteligibilityduringrenewalperiod.ALRChapter[#]reservestherighttodenymembershiptoanyonenotmeetingthequalificationssetforthbytheDepartmentofFloridaALRSOP.

D. Anymemberwhofailstoprovideproofofeligibilitywillbedisqualifiedfrommembership

inALR[#].Uponbecominganeligiblemember,he/sheshallberequiredtoreapplyformembershipasanewmember.Memberswhohavefalleninarrearsformorethan30calendardaysandhavenotbecomemembersingoodstandingbytheregularlyscheduledFebruarymeetingwillberemovedfromtheALR[#]membership.

E. Individualswhomaintaineligibilitybutareworking,livingorstationedoutsideofthelocalareaandnotabletoattendregularlyscheduledmeetingsshallbepermittedtotransmittheireligibilityviaelectronicmedium.

F. EachALRmembershallestablishandmaintainmembershipbyowning,individuallyorthroughmarriage,amotorcyclelicensedandinsuredasrequiredbystatelaw.(PerNationalResolutionandNationalProgramRecommendations)

G. ALRprogramsmayallowforcontinuedmembershipforthosememberswhohavegivenupmotorcycleownershipbecauseofage,illness,injury,orotherreasonsoutsidethemember’scontrol.

H. Membershipisopentonon-riding/owner/operatormembersasSupportorVolunteer.a. MustbeamemberofTheAmericanLegion,TheAmericanLegionAuxiliaryorThe

SonsoftheAmericanLegion.b. MustdemonstrateadesiretovolunteeratandsupporttheAmericanLegionRiders

functionsandevents.

I. LifetimemembershipsareNon-Transferrable.(EachChaptercanmakedeterminationtoacceptordenylifetimemembertransfersfromotherALRChapters)

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ElectedOfficersofALRChapter[#]:

A. Director(REQUIRED)1. Musthaveaminimumoftwo(2)yearsasanAmericanLegionRider,aminimumof

three(3)yearsmotorcycleridingexperience,havebeenamemberofALR[#]forthepasttwo(2)yearsandcurrentlyownandoperateamotorcyclelicensedandinsuredasrequiredinthestateofFlorida.

2. Musthaveavaliddriver’slicensewithacurrentmotorcycleendorsement.

B. AssistantDirector(REQUIRED)1. Sameminimumrequirement1and2asDirector.

C. Sergeant-at-Arms(REQUIRED)

1. MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year,aminimumoftwo(2)yearsmotorcycleridingexperienceandmustcurrentlyownandoperateamotorcycle.

2. Musthaveavaliddriver’slicensewithacurrentmotorcycleendorsement.

D. RoadCaptain1. MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year,haveaminimumof

one(1)yearmotorcycleridingexperienceandmustcurrentlyownandoperateamotorcyclelicensedandinsuredasrequiredinthestateofFlorida.

2. Musthaveavaliddriver’slicensewithacurrentmotorcycleendorsement.

E. Treasurer(REQUIRED) 1.MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year.

F. Secretary(REQUIRED)1. MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year.

G. MembershipOfficer[optional]

1. MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year.

IIIAppointedOfficers:(thesearenotrequiredandcanbeappointedorelectedbasedonChapter)

A. AssistantSgt-at-ArmsB. SafetyOfficer

a. MusthavebeenamemberofALR[#]foraminimumofone(1)year,haveaminimumofone(1)yearmotorcycleridingexperienceandcurrentlyownandoperateamotorcyclelicensedandinsuredasrequiredinthestateofFlorida.

b. Musthaveavaliddriver’slicensewithacurrentmotorcycleendorsementC. HistorianD. EventCoordinatorE. Chaplain

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Elections:A. AnelectionshallbeheldduringthesametimeperiodasthePostelectionsasstipulatedby

theDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionConstitutionandBylaws.B. Nominationswillberequestednolaterthaneachofthetwo(2)monthspriortothe

election.C. Allnomineeswillacknowledgebeforetheassemblythattheyarequalifiedandwillingto

acceptthepositionandresponsibilitiesofthepositionforwhichtheyarenominated.D. AqualifiedALR[#]membershallbepermittedtonominatehim/herselfforapositionthey

desiretohold.E. Write-incandidateswillbeacceptedthedayoftheelection.However,theymustmeetthe

qualifications.F. Priortocastingaballot,allvotingmembersmustpresentavalidAmericanLegionFamily

andALR[#]membershipcardtotheSergeant-at-Arms.G. TheElectionCommittee,whichwillbeappointedbyALR[#]Directorfromthegeneral

membership,shalltallytheballots.Resultsshallbereadtothemembershippriortotheconclusionofthemeeting.TheDirectorshallprovidetheresultsoftheelectiontoallmembersoftheChapterviathenewsletter[optional]andshallalsoprovidetheresultstotheAmericanLegionPost[#]Commander,[#]DistrictALRChairandDepartmentALRAdjutant.

H. Membersmustbepresenttovoteandeveryattemptshallbemadetoensurethatballotssubmittedduringtheregularlyscheduledmeetingareanonymous,withthefollowingexception:1. AbsenteeballotswillbeacceptedbyElectionCommittee.

a. Theymustbesealedinanenvelopecontainingacopyofthemember’scurrentAL,ALAorSALandALR[#]membershipcardandtheactualballot.

b. Absenteeballotswillnotreflectawrite-incandidateforanyofficeI. Oncetheballotsaretalliedandresultsread,nofurtherballotsshallbeconsidered.The

candidateforeachofficewhohasreceivedthemostvoteswillbeconsideredtohavewontheirrespectiveofficeandshallassumethedutiesofthatofficeimmediatelyafterbeinginstalledatanInstallationCeremony.Intheeventtwoormorecandidatesforthesameofficereceivethesamenumberofvotes,theyshallberequiredtoaddressthegeneralassemblytomaketheircaseastowhytheyshouldbeelectedtothatposition.Immediatelyafterward,are-voteofthegeneralassemblyshalltakeplaceandwhencombinedwiththepreviouslyreceivedabsenteeballots,theelectioncommitteeshallrecounttheballots.Ifafterthesecondseriesofvotingthereisstillatievote,theelectionofthatofficewillbesuspendeduntilthenextregularlyscheduledmeeting.Theresultsofthetievotewillbecommunicatedtothemembershipviatheemail/newsletteralongwiththenecessityofre-votinginpersonorabsenteeasauthorizedatthenextregularlyscheduledmeeting.

J. Ifduringtheyear,anelectedofficerisunabletocontinuefillingtheiroffice,thevacancyandneedforareplacementshallbeannouncedbyemail/newsletter.Nominationsandanelectionshallbecalledforateachmeetinguntilareplacementiselected.Intheeventthereisonlyone(1)personincontentiontofillsaidvacancy,theyshallbevotedinduringthenextregularlyscheduledALRmeeting.Theymaybepermittedtoactastheinterimofficerofsaidpositionuntilsuchtimethattheycanbevotedintoofficebyasimpleshowingofhandsatthetimeoftheirnomination.

38

K. Theappointmentofnon-electedofficerswillbemadebytheDirectorandratifiedbyasimplemajorityvotebythememberspresentattheALRGeneralMembership.Ifduringtheyear,anappointedofficerisunabletocontinuefillingtheiroffice,theDirectorshallappointareplacementwhowillberatifiedbyasimplemajorityvotebythememberpresentattheALRGeneralMembership

L. AnyonefoundguiltyofvoterfraudoralteringtheoutcomeoftheelectionswillbeexpelledfromALR[#].

DUTIESOFTHEALRCHAPTER[#]OFFICERSA. Director:

1. ServeasChiefAdministrativeOfficeroftheChapterandpresideoverALRmembershipmeetings

2. ServeasliaisontotheExecutiveCommitteeofPost[#]3. Serveasanex-officiomemberofallcommittees4. SuperviseallaffairsoftheChapter5. CoordinatewithotherALRofficersattheDistrict,DepartmentandNationallevels6. SubmitreportsasrequiredbyPost,DistrictandDepartment7. AttendDistrictandStateALRmeetingsandfunctions8. Keepmembershipinformedoflocal,stateandnationalALRactivitiesbyregularweekly

correspondenceviaelectronicmediumandnewsletter

B. AssistantDirector:1.Willingtoassumedutiesofdirectorifneeded.

2.PerformsuchdutiesasdirectedbytheDirector.3.ExecutethedutiesoftheDirectorduringhis/herabsenceordisability.

C. Sergeant-at-Arms:

1. Preserveorderatmeetingsandgatherings.2. AssisttheRoadCaptaininenforcingallrulesofsaferidingduringrides,runsand

events.3. EnsuremembersattendingALR[#]meetingsarecurrentmembersingoodstanding,

identifyanyguest(s)andtheirbusinesswithALR[#]andmakeintroductionswhencalledupon.

4. BeresponsibleforthelogisticsandproperstagingofflagsandmeetingroomforallmeetingsandtheproperstagingofFlagBikesandmotorcyclesduringparadesandescorts.

D. AssistantSergeant-at-Arms: 1.ExecutethedutiesoftheSergeant-of-Armsduringhis/herabsenceordisability.

E. RoadCaptain:1. Organizeandparticipateinaftermonthlymeetingfunrunsandothergrouprides,

(exclusiveofEventRuns)determiningdates,timesroutesandmeeting/stoppinglocationsforthosetakingpartintherun.

2. AppointtemporaryAssistantRoadCaptainsasrequiredtosafelymanagerunsorgrouprides.

39

3. Ensurethatallnon-memberguestridershavesignedaRelease/WaiverFormpriortodepartureonallruns,groupridesorevents.

4. MaintainasupplyofblankguestALRRelease/WaiverForms.5. Providetrainingforsafegroupriding.

F. SafetyOfficer:

1. AssisttheRoadCaptainwhenandasrequiredforthesafetyofthegroup.2. ExecutethedutiesoftheRoadCaptainintheeventofhis/herabsenceordisability.3. Keepthegroupinformedofsafetyrelateditemsandprovidemotorcyclerelated

trainingasrequired.

G. Treasurer:1. MaintainaccuraterecordsofallfinancialtransactionsinaccordancewithPost[#]

financialrequirement.2. Provideadetailedfinancialreporttothemembershipduringregularmonthlymeetings.3. SubmitrequiredfinancialreportstothePostCommanderandthePostExecutiveBoard

asrequired.4. Depositfundsinassignedbankaccountasexpeditiouslyaspossibleanddisbursefunds

approvedforChapteroperation.5. SignallChapterbankaccountsalongwiththeDirectorand1otherelectedPostofficer,

mustbethePostCFOorPostCommander.6. Strivetoensurethatanegativebalanceisneverachievedregardlessofcircumstances

bycommunicationwhateffectaproposedexpenditurewouldhaveonthestatusofthebalancesheetpriortothemembershipauthorizingsaidexpenditure.

H. Quartermaster/Merchandise(optional):

1. MaintainanaccurateinventoryofallALRmerchandise,salesreceiptsandinvoices,provideadetailedreporttothemembershipduringregularmonthlymeetings.

2. Allmoniescollectedabove$50.00changefundshallbepromptlyturnedovertotreasurerfordeposit.

3. EnsureanadequatesupplyofauthorizedALRmerchandiseisonhandforsale.

I. Secretary:1. Maintainafullandaccuraterecordofallproceedingsatmeetings.2. MaintainthePostConstitution,By-LawsandAmendments.

J. Membership:

1. MaintainmembershiprecordsofmemberswhoarecurrentandingoodstandingandprovideanaccuraterostertotheDirector,District/Area/DepartmentALRChairmanandDepartmentALRAdjutantasrequired.

2. Maintainmembers’contactinformationandcurrentreleaseforms.3. Informallmembersoftheinformationrequiredtomaintaincurrentmembershipin

ALR[#]nolaterthan30dayspriortotheirduedate.4. SendadelinquentnoticetomemberswhosedueshavelapsedandtothoseLife

Memberswhohavenotprovidedproofofeligibilityby1January.

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5. ProvidetheDirectoralistofmemberswhoaredelinquentgreaterthan30daysfrom1January,thusmakingthemnotcurrentandtherefore“membersnotingoodstanding”.

6. Maintainasupplyofblankmembershipcardsandapplications.7. Collectyearlyduesandissuemembershipcardstoeligibleandapprovedmembers

uponverificationofcurrentmembership.8. Provideadetailedreportofcurrentmembershipduringmonthlymeetings.9. Allmoniescollectedabove$25.00changefundshallbepromptlyturnedovertothe

treasurerfordeposit.10. [MembershipChairwillsendoutacurrentrostertoallmembersevery6months.

Memberswhodonotwanttheirinformationpublishedwillnotifythemembershipchairman].OPTIONAL

K. Historian:1. Recordeventsofinterestforfuturereviewwhichshouldincludephotos,RideFlyers

andabriefnarrativeoftheride/event.2. MaintainarecordofalleventsandridesincludingthenumberofALR[#]members,

sisterALRChaptermembersandnonALRguestspresent,lengthofeventandmilesridden.

L. EventCoordinator:1. Organizealleventswiththeexceptionoftheaftermeetingfunruns,escorts,parades

andspontaneousfunrunsorganizedbytheRoadCaptain.

M. Chaplain:1. Offertheinvocationatthebeginningandthebenedictionattheendofallmeetingsand

Chapterfunctions.2. Visitsickanddistressedmembers,theirimmediatefamilyandfellowveterans,

reportingtothemembershiptheirstatusandneeds.3. ReportthedeathofanyChaptermemberstotheDirector,theDistrictandDepartment

Chairman.

N. WebMaster:1. ShallestablishandmaintainChapterWebSites,Facebook,Tweeterorothersuch

electronicorsocialMediaaccountsasauthorized

MEETINGSMeetingswillconsistoftwo(2)types:

1. RegularlyscheduledGeneralMembershipMeetings.2. SpecialEventmeetings.

A. GeneralMembership:

1. Generalmembershipmeetingswillbeheldmonthlyonthe[dayofmonth]at[time].ThemeetingmaybemovedasneededduetoholidaysorasdeemedneededbytheALRgeneralmembership.

2. Ten(10)membersshallconstituteaquorum.[notethiscanbechangedtosuittheChaptersneedsormembership]

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B.SpecialEvent:1. SpecialEventmeetingswillbecalledatthediscretionoftheEventChairman.2. AquorumshallconsistoftheEventChairmanandthree(3)Officers,plusanyother

membersdesignatedbytheEventChairman.3. Thedate,length,locationanddurationshallbedeterminedbytheEventChairmanand

approvedbytheDirector.

FINANCESA. Financeswillbederivedfrommembershipdues,saleofmerchandiseand/orsuchother

revenuesourcesasareapprovedbythegeneralmembership.B. ThePostCommanderorFinanceOfficermustbeonallfinancialaccounts.ThePostOfficer

doesnothavetohavetobeasignorontheaccount.C. AdetailedfinancialreportwillbeprovidedtothePostCommander,FinanceOfficer,and

CPA{ifneeded}.D. Disbursementoffundswillbeonlythoseauthorizedby¾oftheALROfficersand/orthe

generalmembership(presentatameeting).E. Underextenuatingcircumstances,theALRDirectorhastheauthoritytodisburseupto

$500permonthathis/herdiscretionforthegoodoftheRiders.F. ALRChapter[#]isanon-profitorganizationwhichfallsunderthetaxexemptstatusof

AmericanLegionPost[#],andshallcollect,retain,anddisbursefundsinamannerthatisinkeepingwithalllocal,stateandnationallawsregardinganonprofitorganization.

G. FundsshallremainthepropertyofALR[#]untilsuchtimethattheALRChapter[#]votestodisbandorsuchtimeastheDepartmentExecutiveCommittee(DEC)ortheDepartmentFinanceCommitteewhentheDECisnotinsession,suspendsorrevokestheCharter.

H. ShouldtheALRChapter[#]bedissolved,suspendedorrevoked,alloutstandingdebtsshallbeexpedientlydischargedandtheremainderofallmoniesandpropertywillbeturnedovertoPost[#].IfALR[#]isdissolved,nomoniesshallbedistributedamongChaptermembers.

DISCIPLINARYACTION

A. AnymembermaysustaindisciplinaryactionfromthePostorChapterforthefollowingreasons:1. Member’sfailuretomaintainstatusasamemberingoodstandingwiththemember’s

sponsoringAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliaryorSonsoftheAmericanLegion.

2. Member’sfailuretoremainingoodstandingbybecomingdelinquentinChapterduesand/orfailuretoprovideMembershipOfficerproofofremainingamemberingoodstandingwithsponsoringAmericanLegion,AmericanLegionAuxiliaryorSonsoftheAmericanLegion.

3. TheftofPost[#]orALR[#]propertyormonies.

B. Suspensionistobeconsideredasatemporarydisciplinaryactionforminorinfractionsandshallnotbeforaperiodgreaterthanone(1)calendaryear.Amembershallbeallowedtoparticipateinallchapteractivitiesuponthecompletionoftheassignedsuspensionperiod.

C. AnysuspensionfrompostfamilywillresultinsuspensionfromALR.

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AMERICANLEGIONRIDERINSIGNIAANDVESTA. TheofficialinsigniaoftheAmericanLegion,DepartmentofFlorida,andAmericanLegion

RiderswornbyallALRChapter[#]membersshallbeasapprovedbyNationalEmblemSales.

B. BackPatchshallbecentered,lefttorightandattachedtothebackofthevest.

C. Lifemembersshallbeentitledtoweartwo(2)goldstarsoneoneithersideofthewordAmerican.

D. CharterMembersshallbeentitledtowearagoldborderaroundtheirPatch.

E. ScrollsaboveorbelowtheALRPatchmaybepermittedprovidingtheyconformtoNationalandorDepartmentALRstandards.

F. U.S.Flagmaybeattachedtotheupperleftsideofthefrontofthevestwithnothingaboveit.

G. IfworntheALRNationalshoulderpatchshallbeattachedtolowersideofthefrontofthe

vest.

H. Individualpatchesandpinswillnotberestricted;however,theyshouldpresentapositiveimagebynotbeingdegradingorderogatorytohumanityorcountry.

I. IntheeventanALRmemberissuspended,membershiprevokedorstatuschangestoa“membernotingoodstanding”,saidmembermustimmediatelyceasewearingtheALR[#]Patchuntilsuchtimeassaidmemberisonceagainconsidereda“memberingoodstanding”.

MEMBERSHIP

A. Annual1. Annualmembershiprequiresthemembertorenewannuallyinaccordancewith

NationalandDepartmentmembershipguidelines.(thisisrequiredby2018dues)

B. Lifetimemembership.1. Lifetimemembershipshallbeaffordedtoanyqualifiedmembers.2. Lifetimemembershipdueswillbebased[eachChaptershoulddecideamountandor

agerequirementsforlifetimemembership]3. LifetimemembershipifforfeitedifLegionFamilyduesarenotinGoodStanding.

C. CharterMembership

1. CharterMembersareanyonewhojoinedpriorto[insertdateofcharter].2. AllCharterMembersshallbeentitledtowearagoldborderaroundtheirpatch

signifyingthattheyareCharterMembers.3. DuesandcontinuedeligibilityforCharterMembersremainthesameasAandB.

43

GOVERNINGRULESA. ThisSOPalongwiththeDepartmentofFloridaAmericanLegionALRSOP(Standard

OperatingProcedure)andNationalAmericanLegionALRProgramGuidelineswillbeadoptedasgoverningrules.

B. ThisSOPshallbenolessstringent,norcantheybeinconflictwiththeNational/DepartmentConstitutionandBy-LawsoftheAmericanLegion,theBy-LawsofAmericanLegionPost[#],NationalAmericanLegionALRProgramGuidelinesortheDepartmentofFloridaALRSOP.

C. ALRChapter[#]isaprogramoftheAmericanLegionPost[#].TheDirectorand/orhis/herdesignatedrepresentativeshallattendmonthlyAmericanLegionPost[#]ExecutiveBoardmeetingsatthediscretionofthePostCommander.

RIDERASSISTANCEFUND(OPTIONAL)

A. Permissiontograntassistancecanbemadebyamajorityvoteofthesittingofficers.1. Eachincidentwillhaveasuggestedcapof$500.00,butcouldbeelevatedto

$1500.00dependingoncircumstances.Thisincreasewouldalsobesubjecttoapprovalofthesittingboardofofficers.

2. Noincidentwouldeversurpassthemaximumamountof$1500.00.3. Thefunditselfwouldhaveatotalcapof$5000.00.4. Anymoniesreceivedthatwouldputthefundabovethe$5000.00capwillberolled

overintotheGeneralOperatingaccount.5. Theaccountwouldbefundedwithmoniesdonatedatthemonthlymeetingsofthe

ALRChapter[#],50/50sandanyotherfundraiserintendedforthisfund. ORDER

ChaptermeetingswillbeconductedunderinaccordancewithPost[#]ConstitutionandBy-laws.

AMENDMENTS

A. ThisSOPreplacestheoriginalBy-Lawsintotal.

B. ThisSOPmaybeamendedforminorchangesbyamajorityvoteofALRChapter[#]membershippresentatameeting.

C. MajorchangesorcompleterevisionswillbepresentedtotheChapteratthegeneralmeetingandthenvotedonatthenextgeneralmeeting.

D. Athree-fourths(3/4)voteofattendingmembersshallberequiredtoapproveamajorchangeorrevision.

E. ThisSOPshallbereviewedbyeveryneworre-electedOfficerorevery3years.

F. ThisSOPshallbeamendedorrevisedwhennecessaryasrecommendedbytheE-Board.

44

G. TheacceptanceofthisSOP,aswritten,shallbevotedonbytheGeneralMembershipataperiodnottoexceedthree(3)yearsorafteranymajorchangesorrevisionsaremade.

RECORDOFREVISIONSANDAMENDMENTS

ThisSOPwereoriginallyvotedonandadoptedon[insertdate]bytheALRChapterMembersataregularGeneralMembershipmeeting.

45

MeetingoftheAmericanLegionRidersAllOfficersshouldbeinAmericanLegionRiderAttire,wearinganofficialAmericanLegionCover,SonsofTheAmericanLegionCoverorLegionRiderheadgear.ALRMeetingAgendaDirector-Themeetingisabouttoopen.Officersshalltaketheirstations.Director-(1rapofthegavel)TheSergeant-at-Armsshallclosethedoorsofthemeetinghall.Director-(3rapsofthegavel),WithColorsofourCountryinplace(orPostColors),HandSalute;Two.Director-PleaseUNCOVERtheChaplainwillofferPrayerChaplain-LetUsPray..........................................AMEN.Director-Resolution288,adoptedatthe67thNationalConvention,callsfordesignatingaPOW/MIA“EmptyChair”atallofficialmeetingsofTheAmericanLegionasaphysicalsymbolofthethousandsofAmericanPOW/MIAsstillunaccountedforfromallthewarsandconflictsinvolvingtheUnitedStatesofAmerica.Accordingly,atthistimetheSGT@ARMS(orwhotheDirectordesignates)willplacethePOW/MIAflagonthe“EmptyChair”asareminderforallofustosparenoefforttosecurethereleaseofanyAmericanPrisonersfromcaptivity,therepatriationoftheremainsofthosewhodiedbravelyindefenseofliberty,andafullaccountingofthosemissing.Letusdedicateourselvesforthisvitalendeavor.(PlacethePOW/MIAflagontheEmptyChair).PleaseobserveamomentofSilenceforthosewhoareservingandwhoservedindefendingourcountryfromallwarsandconflicts(60secondsshouldbeobserved).Director-TheSGT@ARMS(OrastheDirectorappoints)willleadusinthePledgeofAllegiance.”SGT@ARMS)-“IpledgeallegiancetotheFlagoftheUnitedStatesofAmericaandtotheRepublicforwhichitstands,oneNationunderGod,indivisible,withlibertyandjusticeforall.”

46

Director-“Inowdeclare__________ALRChapter#_____AmericanLegionRiders,DepartmentofFlorida,regularlyconvened.”(1rapofthegavel)Director-SecretaryRollCallofOfficers,readingofminutesandcorrespondence.Secretary

a.RollCall:QuorumYes/Nob.Readingofpreviousmeetingminutes.

AdditionsorCorrections.Motiontoacceptby: Secondedby:PassorFail.

c.CorrespondenceDirector-Introductionofguestsandnewprospective(ALR)members.Treasurer-ReadingoftheFinancialReport.MotiontoacceptthereadingoftheTreasurerreport,subjecttoAudit.Secondedby:AnyCorrections.Voteonthemotion,PassorFail.CommitteeReports:-

1)Director2)AssistantDirector3)Membership4)RoadCaptain5)Standingandspecialcommittees.

Unfinishedbusiness-

VotingonALRCandidates-InitiationofnewALRmember.Newbusinessandcorrespondence-ForthegoodoftheAmericanLegion,LegionRiders-(funeraltoattend,membersillnesses,membersinneed,anyinformationmembermightneed.)Director-“Isthereanyfurtherbusinesstocomebeforethemeeting?Director-(3rapsofthegavel)Pleaseuncover,TheSGT@ARMS(orwhotheDirectordesignates)willretrievethePOW/MIACoverfromtheemptyChair.Director-TheChaplainwillleadusinaclosingprayer.Chaplain-LetusPray..........................................................AMEN

47

Director-Pleaserecover,handsalute(OrRetrieveColors),TWO.Director-“Inowdeclare___________ALRChapternumber_________AmericanLegionRiders,DepartmentofFlorida,regularlyadjourned.”(1rapofthegavel)Whenconductingameeting,makingmotionsandproperproceduresarecoveredbytheAmericanLegionConstitution&BylawsorLegionRiders(SOP).Whenanissueisinquestionornotfullycovered,pleasecontactDepartmentHeadquartersinOrlandoFlorida.TheAmericanLegionRidersRegularmeetinginstructionswereestablishedtohelpALRchaptersinprocedures.TheseprocedurescanbeobtainedbyusingtheOfficer’sGuideandManualofCeremonies,AmericanLegionNationalHeadquarters.

48

AMERICANLEGIONRIDERSINSTALLATION

INSTALLINGOFFICER:“YouhavebeenchosentofillthevariousOfficesofthisPost’sAmericanLegionRidersgroup.Youwill,know,andvindicatethetrustthathasbeenreposedinyou,andfulfillineverywaytheobligationsthattrustentails.YouwillrememberthatwearethetruefamilyoftheAmericanLegion,becauseweembraceallmembersoftheAmericanLegionFamily,withoutregardtotheiraffiliationtotheAmericanLegion.YouwillatoncefamiliarizeyourselveswiththeDutiesofyourparticularofficesandyouwillproceeduponthosedutiesinthesamespiritofdevotionandendeavorthatcharacterizedthoseofyouraffiliationtotheAmericanLegion.YoumustknowthatthewelfareandsuccessofthisRidergroupdependslargelyonyou:AndYoumustalsoknowthatuponyourshouldersequallyreststheburdenofpreservingtheintegrityoftheAmericanLegion.BywearingofthatpatchyouarethemostobviousparticipantsoftheAmericanLegionFamily.You,therefore,mustensurethattheconductofthisAmericanLegionRidersGroupisabovereproach.Whatyouandyourgroupdoandhowthepublicviewsyou,reflectsupontheentireAmericanLegionFamily.Youmustprotectandadvanceitsgoodnamebeforethepeopleofthiscommunity,stateandNation.Youmustexultitintheireyes.

49

Youmustmakethemknow,asweknow,itspurposesanditspolicy.Thereisnorankamongusforeachservesastheequalofourcomrade:andYoumuststrivetowardthesamegoalsastheAmericanLegion,bysupportingtheprinciplesandprogramsoftheAmericanLegionFamily,Postandcommunity.”Youwillraiseyourrighthandandrepeatafterme,Givingyournames:“I_____________,dosolemnlypledgemyselftoperformfaithfullyandimpartially,thedutiesoftheofficeintheAmericanLegionRidersChapter_____thatIamabouttoassume,AndIFurtherpledge,IwillsupportthegoalsandprincipalsofTheAmericanLegion,IattestthatIamnotamemberof,anddonotsubscribeto,theprinciplesofanymotorcyclecluborgroupopposedtoourformofgovernment.”Turnandfacetheaudience,IpresenttoyoutheOfficersofyourchoice.Icongratulateyouontheselectionsyouhavemade.NowthatyouhavechosenthemtoguidethedestiniesofthisChapter____,itisyourdutytoaidthemineveryway.RemembertheyrepresenttheentirefamilyoftheAmericanLegion.HelpthemkeeptheAmericanLegionRidersafreeorganizationofFreeMenandWomen,faithfultoitsprincipalsandideas.

50

Track Sheet For the purposes of keeping track of your yearly events

This will make it easier to complete your End of Year Report

Date of Event

Charity Name Amount Raised Miles Traveled # of Riders

Chapter Director ________________________________________________

51

AmericanLegionRidersChapter(###)City,State

MemberInformationForm/ApplicationforALRMembershipAboutYou:

LastName_________________________________FirstName_______________________________Nickname/RiderName:_______________________________________________________________HomeAddress:______________________________________________________________________City:_______________________________State:______________________ZipCode:___________CellPhone:()-EmailAddress:___________________________Birthday:____/____/_____SpouseName:_____________________________________EmergencyContact:_______________________CellPhone:()_-_

(this is the person that will be contacted in the event something shouldhappentoyou)

Memberof:__AmericanLegion__AmericanLegionAux__SALMember#:________________ (Legion,ALA,SAL)

Aboutyourbike:completethissectionifyouwillberidingamotorcyclewiththeALR.Donotfilloutifyouareapassenger

Make:_________________________Model:______________________Displacement:____________Checktheboxalongsidetheappropriatestatementbelow,drawalargeXthroughthestatementthatdoesnotapplytoyou.Signanddatebothsections.☐Itheundersigned,certifythatthemotorcyclelistedaboveisregisteredinmynameandin

accordancewithstate,city,and/orlocallicensingandregistrationrequirements.IfurthercertifythatIcarrypropertyandliabilityinsuranceformyself,mypassengers,andmymotorcyclewhichmeetsatleasttheminimumstate,city,and/orlocalinsurancerequirements.IalsocertifythatIcarryavaliddriver'slicensewithaMotorcycleendorsementinaccordancewithstate,city,and/orlocallaws.Ifmystatuschanges,Iwillrequest,complete,andsubmitanewMemberInformationForm."

☐IamjoiningasapassengerofthefollowingRider:Iwillnotbeoperatingamotorcycleasan

AmericanLegionRider,butmaybeparticipatinginAmericanLegionRidereventsasapassenger.Ifmystatuschanges,Iwillrequest,complete,andsubmitanewMemberInformationForm.

MemberSignature______________________________Date______________________

New____Renew_____Card#_____________________Exp.Date_______________

Amt.Rcvd$___________________Cash___________Check#_________________Toberenewedannuallyandkeptonfile.

52

53

FloridaAmericanLegionRidersRoadCaptainGuide

54

TheRidersCreed

RIDERSLEADTHEWAY

RIDERS

IDERSDEDICATETHEMSELVESTOTHESUCCESSOFTHEAMERICANLEGIONFAMILY,IKNOWTHROUGHMYEFFORTSICANMAKEADIFFERENCE.ALONEAMRESPONSIBLEFORMYSELFANDMYFELLOWRIDERS.IWILLCONDUCTMYSELFWITHTHEHIGHESTDEGREEOFINTEGRETITYANDHONOR.EEDSNOWORDSCREATECHANGE.IWILLPRESEVEREAGAINSEANYANDALLTHINGSTHATPREVENTMYSUCCESS.MYRELSOVEANDSTRENGTHWILLOEVERCOMEALLOSTACLES.EACHRIDERISFRISTAMEMBEROFTHEAMERICANLEGIONFAMILY.IWILLACTIVELYPARTIVIPATEINANDSUPPORTTHEIRENDEAVORS.EADILYWILLIJOINOTHERRIDERSINACTIVITIESANDEVENTSWHICHSUPPORTOURMISSIONS.IWILLDOSOGLADLYKNOWINGIVOLUTEEREDTOBEANAMERICANLEGIONRIDER.UCCESSISTHEONLYACCEPTABLECONCLUSION.IWILALLOWNOTHINGTODSSUADEMEORIMPEDEMEFRIMSERVICETOMYFAMILY,COMMUNITYANDCOUNTRY,ESPECIALLYTOURVETERANS

55

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………..4Participation….………………………………,…………………………………………...……....4RidePositions………………………………………………………………………………………...5

RoadCaptainMidCaptainRoadSafetyOfficer

IndividualResponsibilities….….………………………………………………………….…..6HandSignals…………………………………………………………………………………………..7RidingTogether……………………………………………………………………………………..8

FormationsLaneChanges/PassingGroupSeparationsBreakdown/AccidentsParking

TimetoRide…………………………………………………………………………………………10MeetingPlace/TimeOvernight/Out-of-TownRidesPre-RideBriefingGettingyourHeadintheRide

RideTypes……………………………………………………………………………………………13SundayRidesSponsorRidesPokerRunsHotzeeRuns

Equipment……………………………………………………………………………………………14SafetyEquipmentFirstAidKitToolKit

Mentors……………………………………………………………………………..…………………15WaiverandLiabilityRelease.…………………………………………………..……………16

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INTRODUCTION:Congratulations!!!YouhavejoinedAmericanLegionRiders,oneofthegreatestridingorganizationsintheworld.OurnumberonegoalistoridesafeandhavefunwhilerepresentingtheAmericanLegioninapublicvenue.Inordertohavefunridinginagroup,wehavetobesafeandthatmeansallridersknowandunderstandtheimportanceofsafety.Thismanualisdesignedtohelpyouunderstandourridingprogramandwhatyoucanexpectwhenparticipatingingrouprides.Themostimportantthingtorememberis,“Youandyoualoneareresponsibleforyoursafety.“Therefore,rideyourownrideandneverexceedyourridingcapabilitiesorrideoutsideyourcomfortzone.ThePRIMEDIRECTIVE,don’thitthebikeinfrontofyou…oranyotherbike.Yoursafetyandyourlifearemoreimportantthanarrivingtogetherasagroup;afterall,wearealloutforfunandenjoyment.Enjoyparticipatingingrouprides;weneedyourinputsandideas.

PARTICIPATION:Participationisthekeyforthisorganizationtoaccomplishallofourgoals.Ifitweren’tforthevolunteers,wehavethatmakethingshappenthisorganizationwouldn’tbehere.FromvolunteeringtocookforBikeNightordinnernights,topreppingforarunorsponsoringanothervenueatthepost;wearetheindividualswhomakeourpostshine.WehavethebestAmericanLegionRidersProgramandweareproudofthatfact.Socomeonoutandmeettherestofthegreatpeoplewhoyouwillberidingwithatyourpost!Thanksforallthatyoudo…Much of the information in this manual is derived from a variety of valued sources.

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RidePositions

1.ROADCAPTAIN:TheRoadCaptainisafundamentalpartofanyrideplanningandhe/sheisinchargeofgrouprides.TheRoadCaptaindealswiththepoliceandotherunexpectedsurprisesmakingsureeverybodyhasafunandsaferide.

He/shewillinstructanyridertorideinaspecificpositionwithinthegroup,ortoleavethegroupentirely,forreasonsofmisconduct,disorderlyorunsaferiding,orforobservedfaulty/unsafeequipment.Watchforhis/herdirectionsandsignals.

He/shehelpseducatenewridersinhandsignalsandotherridingetiquette.YoucanfeelcomfortableaskingtheRoadCaptainquestionsonallaspectsofmotorcycleridingandsafety.

Ateachridehe/shetypically,butnotalways,doesthefollowing:-Conductpre-ridebriefsasnecessaryandansweranyquestionsyoumayhave.-Reviewtheriderouteandchangetherouteasactualroadconditions/weatherdictates.-Appointatrailrider(SafetyOfficer/Sweep)torideattherearofthegroup.-Adviseridersaboutthepaceoftherideandtherideformation.2.MIDCAPTAIN:AMidCaptainsresponsibilityismuchthesameastheRoadCaptain.Inalargegroup,MidCaptainsareusedfor"breakingup"themaingroupintosmallermorecontrollablesizes.Mostoftenthisisusedwhiletravelinginheavytrafficorinareasofmultiplestopsignsorlights.Smallergroupshelptheridetobecompletedmoresafely.Smallgroupswillblendbackintothemaingroupatalaterpointin.MidCaptainshelppreventridersfromspeedingorotherwiseusingpoorjudgmentintheattemptto"keepup"withthemaingroup.

3.RIDESAFETYOFFICER/SWEEP:Thisveryimportantpositionisoftenoverlooked,butcanbeacriticalpartofthesuccessfulandsafegroupride.TheSafetyOfficerseesall...becausetheytakethe"last"positioninthegroup.And,theresponsibilitiesofthispositioncanbevariedandmultiple.TheSafetyOfficercommunicatestotheRideCaptain,throughhandsignals,thestatusofthegroup.ThemostusedsignalisafisthighintheairsignalingtotheRideCaptainthateveryoneistogetherandmadeitthroughthattrafficlightoraturn.TheRideCaptainwill"acknowledge"thisbysignalingbackthesameway.Thisalsohelpstoremovetheanxietyoftheridersinthegroup,wonderinghoweveryoneisdoing.OthersignalsareusedanddiscusseddirectlybetweentheRoadCaptainandSafetyOfficertoinsurepropercommunication.Ifthegroupbecomesseparated,theSafetyOfficermovestoaleadpositionandbecomesaMidCaptain.Ifthereisaproblem,itbecomestheSafetyOfficer'sresponsibilitytooversee,andcommunicateappropriatelysothatemergencyhelpcanbenotifiedasnecessary.Obviously,theSafetyOfficerisequippedwithacellphone,radioordevicecapableofdoingso.

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IndividualResponsibilities

RIDEWITHINYOUROWNKNOWNSAFECAPABILITIES-PERIOD

Participantsinagroupridemustbewillingtofollowbasicandsensiblerulestoinsurethesafetyofeveryoneinvolved.Ifyouareunwillingtofollowtherules,thendonotparticipateinthegroupride.Ridebehindorseparate,butnotbetweentheRideCaptainandtheSafetyOfficeroryouwillbeaskedtoleavethegroup.

Ridersshouldknowthebasichandsignalsofgroupridingand"usethem".

Everyriderinthegrouphasthecapabilityandresponsibilitytousehandsignalsatanytimenecessary.TheRideCaptainmaymissaroadobstacle,ornotsignalforavarietyofreasons,includingthefactthathe/shejustdidn'tseeit.Itbecomesyourindividualresponsibilitytosignaltotheridersaroundyouandbehindyouthatthereisanobstacleintheroad.Otherridersdependheavilyonthesesignals;ridingasagroupreducesyourviewoftheroad.

Anyriderthatisuncomfortablewiththespeedoftheride,shouldmotiontheridersbehindtopassandtakeaforwardposition.TheRideSafetyOfficerwilltaketheresponsibilitytoridewiththispersonseparatelyorstoptoassistifthereisaproblem.

Iftheriderinfrontofyou,includingtheRideCaptain,signalsanobstacleintheroad,youare"obligated"topassthatinformationontotheridersbehindyouusinghandsignals.Ifyoudonot-andthepersonbehindyouhitstheobstacle-youmightbefacingaseriousdiscussion...

AllsignalsfromtheRideCaptainshouldberelayedthroughthegroupbyrepeatingthesamesignalbacktotheSafetyOfficer.Itisimportantthatallsignalsgetpassedthroughtheentiregroupatalltimes.

Lessexperiencedridersshouldridenearthefrontofthegrouptominimizetherubberbandeffect.ThishelpsaidtheRoadCaptaininadjustingthepaceoftheride.Moreexperiencedridersshouldridetowardsthebackofthegroup.Allridersareexpectedtobereadytodeparttheassemblypointwithafulltankoffuel,fullstomach,emptybladder,andappropriatelyclothed.Bepreparedtorideforatleastonehourbeforestopping.Safetyiseveryone’sresponsibility.Donotconsumealcoholoruseanydrugsormedicationthatcouldimpairyourjudgmentandabilitytoride.Neverblocktrafficyourself.It’sdangerousanditisagainstthelaw.CanyouspellLIABILITY?Ifyouhaveanyconcernsabouttheride,talktotheRoadCaptainandhe/shewilltrytoaddressyourconcern.

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Hand Signals

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RidingTogether/GroupRides

1.Formations:

• Ifatanytimeyoufeeltheridingintensityisbeyondyourcurrentskilllevelyoushoulddropoutofthegroupride.Tryingtokeepupwiththegroupmaybehazardoustoyouandotherridersinthegroup.

• WatchforsignalsfromtheRoadCaptain.Turning,staggered/singlefile,slowingandhazard

signalsaretobepassedbackthroughthegroup.

• Thegroupwillstopforalltrafficsignalsandobeyalltrafficlaws.Donotrunstopsigns.Onlyofficialpoliceescortsmayblockintersections.

• Watchfortrafficsignalchangesandbeprepared.Safelybunchupatapproaching

intersectionstoshortenthegrouplength.Donotruncautionorredlights.

• Staggeredformationisthenormonmostroads.Instaggeredformationyoushouldfollowthebikedirectlyaheadby2secondsandthebikeintheotherleftorrightlanepositionby1second.Thisisnotalwayspossible.Singlefileformationisnormalfortwistyroads,Interstateentranceandexitrampsandconstructionareas.WatchforRoadCaptainsignals.

• Theentirewidthofthelanebelongstoyouortheotherrider;sodonotridebesideanother

rider.Allowroomtoswerveincaseofanemergencyorroadhazard.

• Maintainyourlocationwithinthegroupanddonotpass.Ifyouneedtochangelocationinthegroupwaituntilthenextstopthenchangeyourpositionwhentheridestartsagain.Itiscommoncourtesyfortheriderwhoisfollowing,intheotherpositionofthelane,tosignaltothenextriderinthelanewiththevacancytomoveuponeposition.Iftheriderdoesnotsignal,slowlybegintomoveintothevacantposition.

2.LaneChangesandPassing:

• WatchforandpassbacktotheSafetyOfficerallturningsignalsfromtheRoadCaptain.

• Multi-lanehighwaylanechange;allriderswillholdtheirposition.TheSafetyOfficerwillrepositionintothenewlanetoopenagapfortherestofthegrouptoenter.Again,riders,holdyourpositionuntiltheriderinfrontofyouchangeslanes.

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• Twolanehighway;nomorethanoneortwobikesshouldenterthepassinglaneatanyonetime.Whenthosebikeshavepassedandpulledintothelane,thenext1or2ridersmaybegintopass.TheRoadCaptainwillstayinthepassinglaneafterpassing,aslongastheroadaheadisclear,tocreatealargegapaheadofthepassedvehicle.Followingbikespassasindividualridersandreturntostaggeredformationafterpassingifappropriate.

• Vehiclesintheformation:Othervehiclesmayenterthegroupforashortperiod.Respect

theirrighttousetheroad.Theyusuallyleavethegroupatthefirstopportunity.Ifyougetintoadisputewiththedriverofavehicle,thevehicledriverwillalwayscomeoutahead.

3.GroupSeparations/DroppingOut:

• Ifyoumustleavethegroup,exitfromthesideofthegroup,preferablyatalocationthatdoesnotdisturbtheotherriders.SignaltoanotherriderthatyouareleavingsotheymayinformtheRoadCaptainatthenextstop.

• TheSafetyOfficerwillfollowatthebackofthegroupandwillstoptohelpanyriderwhohas

todropoutofthegroup.WhentheSafetyOfficerriderstopstohelpsomeone,thelastriderinthegroupbecomestheSafetyOfficerriderandwillinformtheRoadCaptainatthenextstopthatridershavebeenleftbehind.

• Ifthegroupgetsseparatedatatrafficlight/stopthelastrideroftheforwardgroupbecomes

theSafetyOfficerofthatgroup.TheRoadCaptainwillstoporleavearidertowaitforanddirectthefollowinggroupatanyintersectionwherethegroupmakesaturn.Ifyoubecometheleadofthetrailinggroupanddonotknowthegrouprideroute,thenstopyourgroupatthenearestsafepulloffpointandgetariderwhoknowstheroutetoleadthegrouptothenextscheduledstop.TheRoadCaptainmaysendtworidersbacktocheckonthemissingridersand/oropttocontinuetheride.

4.Breakdowns:Onlongrides,pairupwitharidingpartner.Ifyourridingpartnerdropsout,youaretodropoutandassistifpossible.Inthisinstance,theSafetyOfficerwillcontinuewiththegrouptothenextstopwheretheRoadCaptainwillbeinformedofthemissingriders.Iftheriderbreakingdowndoesnothaveapartner,theSafetyOfficerwillstaybehindandcalltheRoadCaptaintoadvisehimofthesituation.5.ACCIDENT:IfamishapoccurswithariderinthegrouptheSafetyOfficerandriderpartnerwillstoptorenderassistance.Otherridersshouldcontinuewiththegroup.Thegroupwillpullofftheroadatthefirstsafeplaceandrespondtotheincident.Donotcreatecongestionontheroadwayintheareaofthemishap.USEEXTREMECAUTION.

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6.Parking:WatchwheretheleadRoadCaptainpositionshim/herselfintheparkingarea.Slowlyridebehindhim/herandgeton-line.Aftereveryoneison-linethegroupbacksintotheparkingslots.WhentheRoadCaptainpullsintoasmallparkingspace;that’syourcuetofindyourownspottopark.TimetoRide

1. MeetingPlaceandtime:Ridersshouldstrivetoarriveontimeatthemeetingplace.Thisgives

ridersanopportunityforafinalgearcheck.Localrideswillnormallymeet,departandreturntotheAmericanLegionParkinglot.TheRoadCaptainwillnormallyarriveatthedeparturelocationaminimumof30minutespriortothePre-RideBrief.Ifyouhavequestionsabouttheride,theroute,orevenabouttheAmericanLegionRidersprogram,thiswouldbeagoodtimetoapproachtheRoadCaptain.

2. Overnight/Out-of-TownTrips:TheseridesusuallyhavemorethanonerideplaninvolvingmultipleRoadCaptains.Themeetinglocationswillbepre-determinedbytheRoadCaptainleadingeachgroup.EachGroupRoadCaptainwillleadtheirrideandtheyareresponsibleforalltheplanninginformation.

3. Pre-RideBriefing:TheRoadCaptainwillconductabriefingfortheentiregroup–BETHERE.He/Shewillreviewtheroutetothefinaldestination,plannedstops,procedureforthereturnride(i.e.onyourown,organizedgroups,andplannedroutes).TheRoadCaptain(s)andSafetyOfficer(s)willbeidentifiedshoulditbenecessarytobreaktheridersintogroupsforsafety.Thebriefinggenerallycontainsthefollowing:

a. StaggeredRiding–1secintervalminimum,alternatinglanepositions.

b. StopSigns-doubleup,proceedthroughaspairsandthenreturntonormalstaggered

formation.AuthorizedbyFloridaStateStatue316.209.

c. StopLights–stopifthelightturnsred,regardlessofyourpositioninthegroup.Proceedongreenwhenthewayisclear.TheRoadCaptainwillslow-upsothatyoumaysafelyrejointhegroup.

d. LaneChanges–passthesignalback.Eachriderisultimatelyresponsiblefortheirown

safety.Onmultiplelanehighways,holdyourlaneuntilthemotorcycleinfrontofyouchangeslanes.TheRoadCaptainwaitsontheSafetyOfficertosecurethelane.OncetheSafetyOfficerhassecuredthelane,theRoadCaptainwillinitiatethelanechangefollowedbyeachoftheriders.

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e. PassingTraffic–singleupwhilepassing,useyourownjudgment.TheRoadCaptaininthepassinglaneindicatesnooncomingtraffic.Returntoyourlaneandproperformationwhenit’ssafeandassoonaspossible.Onlypasswhenlegal.

f. HandSignals–Passsignalsbacktotheriderbehindyou.Donotmaintainorperformany

handsignalifsafetyrequirestwohandsonyourhandlebars.4. GettingYourHeadintheRide:Therearealotoftrapsoutontheroads,allroadshavehazards

thatweneedtonegotiate.Thisthoughtprovokingsectionhighlightsonlyafewroadhazardsyoumayencounter.Whileeveryhazardmayappearthesame;allhazardsaredifferentandthereisnosinglesolution.Theridermustdecidetheirowncourseofactiontosuccessfullycopewiththeobstacle.Fromonepatchofsurfacetothenext,onedaytoanother,it’snotrealistictoassumetheroadsurfacewillbeconsistentlygood.Lookforchangesincolorortextureoftheroadahead.Avoidingcommonhazardsmeansobservingthehazardintimetodosomethingaboutthesituation.Sourceofthefollowinginformationisfrom“ProficientMotorcycling”byDavidL.Hough–“MasteringtheRide”.Remember,practiceistrainingandwhenyou’reexcited,youarereliantonyourtraining.

a. RoadConfigurations–Twistingandcurvingroadsincreasestheenjoymentofridingon

backroadsformostriders.Familiarroadsfreeofsurfacehazardsmaystilltakeariderbysurpriseasariderdoesn’trecalleverycurveexactly.Smallerrorscanhavemagnifiedconsequenceswhenridinginagrouporformation.Alwaysoperateyourmotorcycleatasafespeednottoexceedyourvision.

• UnexpectedObjects–Alwaysbepreparedforanabruptstoporalteredcourseas

younegotiateeachcurve.Prepareforwhatevercombinationsofdipsandturnsintheroadsthatmaybejustbeyondoroutofyoursight.

• Apexes/CorneringLines–The“TailoftheDragon”isagreatexampleasmanyriderssharpentheirfloorboardsacceleratingthroughcurves.Almostall318curvesinthe11mileruncamber(slant)nicelyintotheturnthusincreasingtractionandleanoverclearance.However,thereareafewcurvesthatslantthewrongdirectiondecreasingleanoverclearanceandavailabletraction.Animproperlygradedroadcanbeadisasterinthemaking.Usethe“slow,look,lean,androll”technique.

b. RoadwayContaminants–Spendtimelearninghowtoreadtheroadaheadandadjustyour

speedandlinetokeepalotofreservetractionavailable.Thekeyistolookforchangesintheappearanceofthesurfacethatindicateapossiblechangeintheroadcondition.Avoidingcommonhazardsmeansobservingthehazardintimetodosomethingaboutit.

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• Sand–WeliveinFlorida,expectsandtobuildinthecornersand/orbeblownacrosstheroad.Loosesandnormallydecreasestractiononadryroadbutmightactuallyimprovetractionintherain.

• Edgetraps–Workzonewarningsignsmaybeyourfirstindicationandshouldn’tbe

ignored.Keepyourtiresawayfromraisedpavementedges.Ifyoumustcrossoveranedge,dosoatmaximumangle.Treatitlikeacurb,swerveawayfromtheedgeandcrossata45-degreeangle.Rollthethrottletobouncethefrontwheelovertheedgethenstraightenthebike.

• LooseGravel–Stayoutofthedeepstuffandawayfromthecenterlineonatwo

laneroad.Ridingtooslowcausesmorewobblesthanmovingalongalittlefaster.Nothingexcitesariderlikethefrontwheelplowingintoloosegravel.Thedeepgravelneartheentrancetoourpostcantakedownanunsuspectingrider.

• TarSnakes,potholes,andslipperystuff–It’simportanttodevotepartofyour

attentiontoroadconditions.Evenwhenridinginagroup,youaloneareresponsibleforyourcoursedirection.Ariderinfrontofyoumaynotbeawareormaynotbeabletopointoutahazardintheroad.

• Dirt–Dirtblownacrosstheroadmightdecreasetractiontosomeextentbutwill

quicklyturntoslipperymudwithrain.

• Oil–Whenstopping,lookatthepavementwhereyouputyourfeetdown.Vehiclesleakoilandoilbuildupsarecommonatintersections.Beawareofthetemperatureandcurrentweatherconditions.Iftheweatherishotanddrybesuspiciousofdarkpuddles.Itmaybewaterthatwillquicklyevaporateoffyourtiresoritmaybeoilthatwilllubricateyourtiresforseveralmiles.

• Bridges–AssuredencounterinFlorida.Beawareofsmoothconcreteorthehated

steelgrates.Steelgrateswillcauseyourtirestowigglearoundandchangetheavailabletraction.

• Agriculturalareas–Weallenjoythecountrysiderides.Scrutinizetheroadfor

coloredareasindicatingfarmequipmenthastrackeddirtormudontothepavement.Whilethespeedsaregenerallythesame,usuallythebackroadsarenotmaintainedaswellasamajorhighway.

• Objects–Evenflatobjectsarereasonforconcern.Flattenedsodapopcanshave

beenknowntobecomeaskiwhenthetirescrossoverthecanatthesametime

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thebreaksareapplied.Alwaysattempttoputyourtiresoverthebestsurfaceoftheroad.Letoffthebreaksandallowyourtiretorollovertheobjectifitbecomeslodgedunderyourtire.

• Loggingtrucks–OnofFlorida’sfavoritevehicles.Ridersshouldincreasetheir

followingdistancesignificantlywhenstuckbehindaloggingtruck.Loggingtrucksareknownforfallingdebrisaswithanyvehiclehaulinganopenload.Becarefulwhenpassingasdriversofthesetruckshaveturnedleftwithlittletononoticewhereyouleastexpectaturn.Logtrucksmusttraveldirtroadstobeloadedwithtimber.

RideTypes

1. Meet&DecideRides:RidesoccuronSundaybutanydaymayserveasasuitablesubstitute.

Thisisnotanorganizedride;rather,membersmeetatthepostatadesignatedtime(presently10:00a.m.)andchoosethedestinationandroute.IftheRoadCaptainisparticipating,hemaychoosetoleadtherideorallowanyoneinterestedtoleadtheride.Usually,therewillbeastopforluncheitherduringtherideorattheconclusion.Thegoalistodragmorepeopleoutforridesandgettingtoknowyourfellowridersonamorepersonablelevel.

2. SponsorRides:RideoccursanydayoftheweekandusuallyatnightMonday–Friday.Thisisnotanorganizedride.It’sdesignedtogetmaximumparticipationfromourriderstoshowappreciationtoabusinessthatsponsoredtheHotzeeRun.Agoodshow-of-forceisexpectedandwillhelpensurethatwereceivequalitysponsorshippackagesfrombusinessesforfutureHotzeeRuns.

3. PokerRuns:Anorganizedeventwhereriders(sometimesothervehicles)visitfivetoseven

checkpointsdrawingaplaycardateachcheckpoint.Theeventhasatimelimit,however,theparticipantsarenottimedandwinningispurelyamatterofchance.Usually,asmallpartofthefeemaygotofundingtheevent,includingtheprizeswhiletherestgoestotheevent’scharityrecipient.ThereareseveralvariationssuchastheWestCoastrules(eachcardhasanassignedvalue)anddiceruns(participantsrolldiceateachstop).

4. HotzeeRun:TheHotzeeRunisadiceeventwhereparticipantswillrolldiceatthedesignated

stops.TheAmericanLegion,PaulW.AireyPost392isthehostforthisannualevent.Maximumparticipationfromallridersisexpectedtowork,ratherthanride.Thiseventhasbeenahugesuccessinthepastanditisalsohowourpostbecameknowntothelocalcommunity.PastcharityrecipienthasbeentheCovenantHospice,whichprovidescareformorethan6,000patientsandfamilieseachyearthroughoutnorthwestFloridaandSouthAlabama.

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Equipment

1. SafetyEquipment

• ADOTapprovedhelmetgoesalongwaytowardssavingyourskullincaseofanaccident.Evenifyou’vedecidedyoudon’twanttoprotectyourbrain,helmetsoffershelterfromwindnoiseandrain.ItmaybeprudenttobringaDOTapprovedhelmetwhentravelingonovernighttripsorwhentravelingthroughastateoronamilitarybasewithahelmetrequirement.Allmilitaryinstallationsrequirehelmets,longsleeveshirts,eyeprotection,boots,andgloves.

• Eyeprotectionisrequiredbylawforboththeriderandpassenger.Eyeprotectionnot

onlykeepswindfrommakingtearsstreakdownyourface,theyalsokeepallmannerofdebrisandbugsfromflyingintoyoureyes.Floridahasalotofbugsranginginvarioussizes.

• Earplugscutthewindnoiseonamotorcycleathighwayspeedsandhelpspreserveyour

hearing.Niceitemtohaveoncrosscountrytrips.

• Glovescanprotectyourpalms,knuckles,andfingers.It’sabasichumanreflextobrakeyourfallbyacat-likeextensionofthearmswhenarideristhrownoffhis/herbike.

• Bootsnotonlyprotectyourfeet,bootshelpkeepyourfeetfirmlyplantedonthefloor

boardsandthepavement,whenstopped.Anyshoeovertheanklewillhelpprotectyourskinfromcomingincontactwiththeblisteringhottailpipes.

2. ToolKits:MostRoadCaptainsandSafetyOfficerscarryanextensivetoolkit.It’srecommended

thatyoubringyourowntoolkit.Ifyouarewithouttoolsandfindthatyouneedtomakeadjustmentstocontinuetheride,checkwithanyALRofficerorsomeofthemoreexperiencedriders.Toolkitsareinvaluablewhenneeded.Atoolkitchecklistofthemostcommonlyusedtoolscanbefoundbysearchingoftheinternet.

3. FirstAidKits:Thereisanoldsayingthat,“Therearetwotypesofbikers,theonesthathavegonedown,andtheonesthatwillgodown.”Akitcanbeaslargeorassmallasyoudesire.Anordinaryfirstaidkitjustwon’tcutit,mainlybecauseofthesizebutalsobecauseofthetypeinjuriesbikerssuffer.Youprobablywon’thavemuchtimetoreadinstructionssoknowwhat’sinyourkitandhowtouseit.It’salwaysbeneficialtotakeacourseinCPR,learninghowtostopbleeding,treatingburnsandeyeinjuriesandhowtostabilizeafracturedlimb.Aquickresponsetosomeone’smedicalneedscanmakeadefinitedifferenceandhelpensurethemostpositiveoutcomepossible.

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MentorProgram

Purpose:Simple,decreaseaccidents.Anynewriderormemberswithquestions--contacttheRider’sDirectortobeteamedupwithavolunteermentorthatwillhelpteachtheropes.Ourmentorshipprogramistohelpmaterializeournumberonegoal,“ToridesafeandhavefunwhilerepresentingtheAmericanLegion.”Thebeautyofthismentorshipprogramisthatriderscanaskanyquestionandreceivequalitycounselwithoutthefearofbeingridiculed.Wehaveallbeenthere,thenewAmericanLegionRiderwithcountlessquestionsaboutmotorcyclesandmotorcyclecustoms.AnewRidercanreallybenefitfromgettinggreatadvicefromexperiencedriders.Mentorsenhancearidersexperiencebyservingasrolemodelsandadvisors.Asuccessfulridersprogramrequiresthesupportofitsmembers.Post392’sinformalmentoringprogrammatchesexperiencedseasonedriderswithnewriderstoprovidesupportinsafety,helpunderstandmotorcycledynamics,andtoprovideknowledgeabouttheAmericanLegionRidersandothermotorcycleclubetiquette.GETINVOLVED:OneofthemostexcitingandrewardingwaysyoucanvolunteerwiththeAmericanLegionRidersistobecomeamentor.It’ssimple,contacttheAmericanLegionRider’sDirectorandwhenanewriderrequestassistance,you’llbetheretohelp.

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TimeManagementandPlanning(Commander&AdjutantSALPlanBook2016-2017)Introduction

Timemanageistheabilitytoplanandcontrolhowyouspendthehoursinyourdaytoeffectivelyaccomplishyourgoals.Anyoneinleadershiprolesshouldkeeptheideafirmlyathandthatyouarenotmerelymanagingyourtime,butthoseyoulead.Volunteersneedeffectiveleadershipthatvaluesthetimetheydonate.Toquote:“timeismoney”,attributedtoBenjaminFranklin,itisimportanttonotethatmoneycanbereplace,buttimecannot.

Ifyouareleadingateamorareakeymemberoftheteamtryingtoaccomplishaworthygoal,howyoumangeryourowntimewillaffecttheteamsoverallperformance.Remember:agoodleaderpullsotherstothecause…theyaredrawntothepossiblesuccess.Poorleadershiporlackofleadershipcanleadtopushingtheprojectandthepeople,oftenthisleadstovolunteersleavingaltogether.TimeManagementSkills Thefollowingisssimplelistoftypesoftimemanagementthatmaybeemployedtoimproveeffectiveness.Thebestfitforanyleaderwillbeablendofseveralmethods.

• KeeptheGOALSinmindatalltimes.Wherecanyoudelegate?• Donotwastetime.Procrastinationkillsprojectsandlosesvolunteerthatdonotwant

towaitforyoutogetorganized.Startnow.Don’twait.• KIS!Keepitsimple.Don’twastetoomuchtimeplanning.

Keepeverythinginbalance:family,work,health,volunteering,R&R.Thereisonlysomuchtimeintheday.Makethemostofit.The80/20Rule ThePeretoAnalysisusestheconceptthat80%oftaskscanbedonein20%ofthetime.Theremaining20%oftaskswilltakeup80%ofyourtime.Mapoutandlistwhichtaskswilltakeupthemosttimeanddelegatevolunteerstoaccomplishthosefirst.Focusonthelesscomplicated20%after.

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The10StepstoaSuccessfulFundraisingEvent

Fundraisingeventsareapopularformoffundraising.Whiletheycanbegreatmoneymakersforanorganization,theycanalsobetimeconsumingandexpensive.Thesuccessofeventsdependsoncarefulplanning.(Yes,youshouldhaveawritteneventplanforeveryeventyouhold!)Tohelpyouensurethatyourfundraisingeventisawinner,herearetenmajorcomponentsthatyoumustincorporateintoyoureventplan:

1. Purpose:Beforedoinganythingelse,youmustdecidewhatthepurposeofyoureventis.Isthistrulyafundraisingevent?Ordoesithaveothergoals?Perhapsyourorganizationmaybehopingtoraisemoneyattheevent,butthemainfunctionoftheeventistogainpublicity,orreachouttoanewnetwork.Manycharitableeventshavemorethanonegoal.Figuringoutthedetailsforyoureventwilldependonknowingwhatgoalsyouaretryingtoachieve.

2. FundraisingGoal:Inconjunctionwiththeeventhostcommittee,organizationstaff,andkeyfundraisers,youmustdecidewhatamountofmoneyyouplantoraiseattheevent.Ifthisistrulyafundraisingevent,theneverythingintheeventplanwillbegearedtoraisingthisspecificamountofmoney.Theamountyouchooseshouldbewhatyouhopetonet,thatis,theamountyouplantoraiseafterexpensesarededucted.

3. Budget:Everyfundraisingeventplanshouldcontainacompletebudgetlistingalloftheexpensesthatwillberequiredtoholdtheevent.Yourbudgetshouldincludestaff,invitations,spacerental,catering,entertainment,transportation,security,utilities,andanythingelsethatwillberequiredtomaketheeventasuccess.Yourbudgetshouldtakeintoaccountyourfundraisinggoal,ensuringthatyouraisethatamountaboveandbeyondallexpenses.Besuretoleavealittleextraroominyourbudgetforunforeseencosts.

4. Leadership:Aspartofyourfundraisingefforts,youreventwillmostlikelyhavea“hostcommittee”andoneormore“hostcommitteechairpersons.”Thesepeopleareresponsibleforcontributingsubstantialamountstotheeventandencouragingotherstodothesame.Thehostcommitteeisgenerallycomposedofwealthydonors,businessleaders,orlocalcelebrities.Thehostcommitteeandchairpersonsarenotresponsibleforactuallyrunningtheevent,butareintegraltoensuringthatyoureachyourfundraisinggoals.

5. TargetAudience:Whoisthetargetaudienceforyourevent?Isthisageneralfundraiserwhereeveryonewillbeinvited?Oristhiseventgearedtowardsaspecificgrouplikebusinesspeople,parents,oryoungprofessionals?Inshort,youmustdecidewhomyouwillinvitetoyourevent.

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6. Set–Up:Youreventstaffshouldplantheeventset-upwellinadvance.Theset-upincludesalloftheparticularsoftheactualevent:Wherewillitbe?Willfoodbeserved?Willtherebeentertainment?Whatkindofdresswillberequired?Whatistheitineraryfortheevent?

7. Marketing:Justlikeanewproduct,youreventneedstobeaggressivelymarketedtoyourtargetaudience.Youneedtoconvinceyoursupportersthatyourorganizationandeventareworthyoftheirtimeandmoney.Drawupanentiremarketingplanfortheevent.Possiblemethodsof“gettingthewordout”include:usingyournon-profit’sfundraisingnetwork,mailedinvitations,directmail,phonebanks,wordofmouthandtheeventhostcommittee.

8. Sales:Onceyoumarketyourevent,theremustbeaprocedureinplaceformakingtheactualticketsales,oracceptingdonationsfortheevent.Youmustdecidewhethertherewillbedifferentcontributionlevelsfortheevent(suchasaflatticketcharge,anextrachargetobeinvitedtoaV.I.P.receptioninadditiontotheevent,etc.).Youmustdecidewhowillsellthetickets,howtheywillbeshippedordelivered,andwhowillberesponsiblefororganizingtheincominginformation.

9. Practice:Whileyouprobablywon’tneedafullrun-throughofyourevent,itisessentialthateveryonewhoisworkingtheeventknow,aheadoftime,whattheirresponsibilitiesare,wheretheyshouldbeduringtheevent,andhowtheeventisgoingto“flow.”Ifyouarehavingalargeorunusualevent,thekeyeventstaffmaywanttohaveapracticeruntomakesurethatyouroperationisrunningsmoothly.

10. Thank–You:Oneofthemostoftheardcomplaintsfromcontributorstocharitablefundraisingeventsis,“Theyneverevensaid‘thank-you.’”Dittoforyoureventvolunteers.Makesurethattheorganizationtakesthetimetosendthank-younotestoeveryonewhoisinvolvedinyourevent,includingcontributors,volunteers,staffandvendors.Keepyourdonorshappy…you’reprobablygoingtobeaskingthemforanotherdonationsometimedowntheroad.

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Protocol

ThisProtocolguideisintendedtoassistthoseresponsibleforplanningandconductingAmericanLegionFunctionstoachievesuccessfuloutcomesfortheseevents.FollowingestablishedprotocolsenablesfunctionstoproceedsmoothlyandpredictablyandservestoenhancetheimageofboththehostorganizationandtheAmericanLegion.Thisiscritical,especiallywhenAmericanLegionvisitorsfromoutsidetheDepartmentandwhentheGeneralPublicarepresent.

ThisguidecoversbothplanningandconductofAmericanLegionfunctions,includingvisitationsbyAmericanLegiondignitaries.ItdoesnotcoverpubliceventssuchasMemorialDayandVeteran’sDayceremonies.(Seethe―OfficersGuideforprotocolatthesefunctions)ProtocolGuidelinesAlthough―protocolisatermusedprimarilyinsettingtherulesofetiquette,whichgoverndiplomaticfunctions,thereisacertainamountofprotocol,whichappliestoAmericanLegionmeetingsandsocialfunctions,especiallythosetowhichdignitarieshavebeeninvited.ProtocolforthoseeventsistheresponsibilityofthePostCommanderwhoshouldbeawareofcertainguidelines,whichbeginwiththeplanningoftheevent.IftheDepartmentCommanderistobeinvited,thismattershouldbeclearedpromptlywithdepartmentheadquarters.Inpreliminaryplanning,itisadvisabletohaveanalternatedateintheeventtheDepartmentCommanderisalreadycommittedfortheoriginaldate.Accompanytheinvitationwithsomebasicfactsabouttheengagement:Time,place,whetherornotitisadinneroccasion,significanceoftheevent,etc.WillitbeajointLegion-Auxiliaryfunction?Willtherebenon-Legionnairedignitariespresent?Remember,thisisyour―homeandthoseyou’veinviteddeserveallthecourtesiesandconsiderationstobeaccordedsuchdistinguishedguests.Iftheeventisadinner,thosewhowillbeseatedattheheadtableshouldhavebeennotifiedofthisfactbeforetheyarrive.Theyshouldbeescortedtotheirplacestoavoidconfusion.Themainspeakerisseatedjusttotherightofthepodium.Placecardsidentifyingthoseattheheadtableshouldbeused.ThePresidingOfficerisalwaysatthecenteroftheheadtableorrightoffcenter,firstplace.TheguestofhonorisalwaysseatedattherightofthePresidingOfficerandtakesprecedenceoveranyotherdignitary.Otherguestsmaybeseatedright,left,right,etc.,ofthePresidingOfficeraccordingtorank,orallotherguestsofhonormaybeseatedtotherightofthePresidingOfficerandotherdignitariestohis/herleft.TheSgt-At-Arms(SAA),AsstSgt-at-Arms(ASSA)andtheDistinguishedGuestChairmanshouldescortguestsbeingescortedtoplatformorheadtable.UponreachingthePresidingOfficersstation,theescortwillsteptothesideandwaitwhiletheDistinguishedGuestChairmanpresentsthegueststothePresidingOfficer.ThePresidingOfficershakesthehandofeachguestaspresentedandseatshim/herbeforethenextguestispresented.Afterallinthegrouphavebeen

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presentedandseated,theSAA,AsstSAAaboutfaceandfollowedbytheDistinguishedGuestChairman,returntotherearoftheroomtoawaittheordertopresentthenextgroupofguests.Introductionsbeginafterthemeal.Thepresidingofficerstandsatthecenteroftheheadtableandmakestheintroductions,beginningattheextremeleft,continuingtothecenterofthetable,andthenstartingattheextremerightandcontinuingtothecenter.Themainspeaker,theguestofhonor,isthelastpersonintroduced.AmericanLegionofficersareintroducedintheorderbywhichtheywereinstalledintooffice:Sergeant-at-Arms,ServiceOfficer,Historian,JudgeAdvocate,Chaplain,Treasurer(FinanceOfficer),Adjutant,ViceCommanders,andCommander.Aswithallrules,therearesomeexceptions.IfitisafunctionofbothTheAmericanLegionandtheAmericanLegionAuxiliary,theAuxiliaryofficers,dignitaries,etc.,areintroducedfirst.ANationalExecutiveCommitteemanorAlternateNECmanshouldbeintroducedimmediatelybeforetheDepartmentCommander.DistinguishedGuests–BasicProtocol

a. Writeorcallyourguest/speakerassoonasyouhavedecidedonyourprogram.Ifyoucall,followupwithawrittenconfirmation.Adviseeachinvitedguestofhis/herparticularfunctionatthemeeting.Includeabriefoutlineofthetentativeprogramandadatasheetonyourorganization,whichdescribesitsaimsandpurposes.Tellthepersonwhythegroupwouldappreciatehavinghim/herasaguestorspeaker.

b. Telltheguestthetimethathasbeenallottedforhis/herspeechorremarks,thetime

themeetingwillbeginandtheprobabletimeofadjournment.

c. Askyourguestifhe/shewouldliketobeexcusedearly.Theguestmayhaveothercommitmentsandmaynotwishtostayforthebusinessandentertainmentpartofthemeeting.

d. Requestconfirmationandaskformaterialthatmaybeusedforadvancepublicityorin

introducingtheguest.Askwhetherhe/sheobjectstobeingphotographedortobeinginterviewedbythepress.

e. Tellhim/herwhetherornotaquestionandanswerperiodisscheduledfollowingthe

speech.

f. Giveyourguest/speakersomeideaofwhatyouwouldlikehim/hertotalkabout.

g. Tellyourguest/speakerthetypeofmeeting(dinner,luncheon,etc.)thatisscheduledandtheappropriatedress(formal,semi-formal,casual,etc.).

h. Tellhim/herinwritingwherethemeetingwillbeheld.Givetheaddressanddirections

onhowtogetthere.

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i. Ifthevisitrequiresanovernightstay,describethetypeofaccommodationsavailable

andmakereservationsforthepersonifthatisdesired.Determinewhethertheguestwillneedtransportation.

j. Tellyourguestthenameofthepersonwhowillescorthim/herduringhis/hervisitso

he/shewillknowwhomtoaskforuponarrival.Sendyourguestacopyofyourprogramandtellhim/herthenameofthepersonwhowillintroducehim/her.

k. Adayortwobeforethemeetingcallorwriteyourguesttoremindhim/herofthe

upcomingmeeting.

l. Ifticketsarerequiredforyourguest,seethatcomplimentaryticketsareprovidedinadvance.

m. Ifyouhavemadearrangementsforovernightaccommodationforyourguest,allow

him/hersometimealonetorelax.Besuretoconsulthim/herbeforearrangingpartiesorotheractivities.

n. Ifyourguestbringsacompanion,besuretheyareintroducedtothepersonsseatedon

eithersideofthem.Ascertaintheircorrectnamesandwhethertheyhavetitles.BEsuretheyareintroducedtotheassembly.

o. Iftheguest/speakerwishestoleaveattheendofhis/herpartoftheprogram,thank

him/heronbehalfofyourgroupandhavetheescortconducthim/hertotheirtransportation.

p. Ifyouaregivingyourspeakerafee,expensemoneyoragratuity,presentitinan

envelopebeforetheydepart.GeneralVisitationProtocolThefollowingprotocolenablesAmericanLegionactivitiestoproceedsmoothlyandpredictablyandservestoprovidethecourtesiesthatweshouldextendtooneanother.ItenhancestheimageoftheAmericanLegiontothebenefitofeveryoneassociatedortouchedbyitsactivitiesandfunctions.PostVisitations-TheCounty,District,andDepartmentMembershipChairman,ViceCommandersand/orCommandersshouldindividuallyattendatleastonecompletemeetingatallPostsintheirrespectivearea,coordinatingthesevisitswellinadvance.CountyVisitations-TheDistrict,andDepartmentMembershipChairman,ViceCommandersand/orCommandersshouldindividuallyattendatleastonecompletemeetingatallcountiesintheirrespectivearea,coordinatingthesevisitswellinadvance.DistrictVisitations-TheDepartmentMembershipChairman,ViceCommandersand/orCommandersshouldindividuallyattendatleastonecompletemeetingatallDistrictsintheirrespectiveDepartment,coordinatingthesevisitswellinadvance.

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DepartmentCommanderVisitations-CoordinationforDepartmentCommander’sVisitationtoPostsThePostisthehostforthesevisitationsESVPlettersifinvitation,withitineraryandcomplimentaryticket(s),ifapplicable,shouldbesentto:Departmentlevel–Commander,Adjutant,NECand/orAltNEC,ViceCommander,Sergeant-at-Arms,AuxiliaryPresident,SALDetachmentCommander(ifjointvisitation).Districtlevel–Commander,ViceCommander,Adjutant,AidetotheCommander,CountyCommanders.Other–PastDepartmentCommanders,PastDepartmentPresidentsfromthehostDistrict,AuxiliaryOfficers(ifnotajointvisitation),localdignitariesofthehostorganization.

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January 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jan 01: New Year’s Day

Jan 16: M L King Day 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Jan 19-22: Florida ALR Summit

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

February 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 Feb 14: Valentine’s Day

Feb 20: Presidents' Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28

March 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 Mar 3-5 Florida ALR Rally Jacksonville

Mar 11: State Oratorical Contest 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30 31

76

April2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: Merry – GO – Round Month 1 Apr 01: C&Y Picnic Post 117

Apr 01: Florida Legacy Run Kick-Off Lady Lake 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Apr 2-8: Florida Legacy Run Apr 15: Teacher of the Year Noms Due

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Apr 16: Easter Apr 25: Law Enforcement of the Year Noms Due

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Apr 25: Firefighter of the Year Noms Due

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30

May 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 5 6 May 14: Mother’s Day

May 29: Memorial Day 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

June 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 Jun 18: Father’s Day

Jun 18-24: FL Boys State 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Jun 28-Jul 2: Dept. Convention

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 29 30

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July 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 Jul 04: Independence Day

Jul 9-14: Youth Law Cadet Academy 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

August 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

September 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 Sep 04: Labor Day

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

78

October 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: Round Robin Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Oct 09: Columbus Day

Oct 31: Halloween 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

November 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 3 4 Nov 2-5: Dept. Fall Conference

Nov 11: Veterans Day 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Nov 23: Thanksgiving Day

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29 30

December 2017

Sun Mon

Tue Wed

Thu Fri Sat Notes: 1 2 Dec 25: Christmas Day

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

31