The Red Knights share the common interest of motorcycling, promoting motorcycle safety, and the brotherhood of firefighting. They provide support to members and various non-profit charities across the United States and Canada.


CONSTITUTION
Article 1: Name, Purpose and Seal.
Article 2: Organization Identities as Depicted by International By-Laws
Article 3: Membership and Dues.
Article 4: Executive Board
Article 5: Officers
Article 6: Committees
Article 7: Meetings
Article 8: Alcohol, Drug Use and Safety Standards
Article 9: Rules Governing the Chapter
Article 10: Business Office
Article 11: Use of Club Identities
Article 12: Amendments

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CONSTITUTION

Article 1: Name, Purpose and Seal.
Section 1:              The name of this Chapter shall be known as Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III.
Section 2:              The purpose of this Chapter is to provide a fraternal and social motorcycle club for active and former members of the fire service, and to promote safe and proper methods of motorcycle operation.
Section 3:              In the event of dissolution of the Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III, any remaining funds the club may have, shall be turned over to any non-profit charitable organization that can utilize the funds. Such charitable organization shall be voted on by the membership.
Section 4:              The Chapter Seal shall be the shape of the standard corporate seal, with the words, The Red Knights International Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III, and the year "2004" shall be included.

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  Article 2: Organization Identities as Depicted by International By-Laws
Section 1:              The chapter EMBLEM shall be the standard Red Knight Patch.
Section 2:              The color for uniform jackets and vests shall be BLACK with all lettering to be the color WHITE.
Section 3:              The International color for Club Uniform Shirt shall be White or Blue at discretion of each Chapter with the recommendation of White being the color of choice by the International.
The standard Dress and Parade uniform shall be Dark Blue or Black Pants, Black Shoes Boots, White Short Sleeved Shirt for Executive Board Members; Light Blue Short Sleeved Shirts for all other members, the Black Leather Vest shall be optional. The only allowed patches shall be, The Red Knight Patch worn on the LEFT shoulder with the American/Canadian Crossed Flags worn on the RIGHT shoulder.
Section 4:              The chapter shall use the STAR SPANGLED BANNER as its ANTHEM.
Section 5:              The MOTTO of the chapter shall be "LOYAL TO OUR DUTY".
Section 6:              The chapter MASCOT shall be the DALMATIAN DOG.

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Article 3: Membership and Dues.  
Section 1:              There shall be six (6) classifications of membership:

1.  Charter Member*
2. Active Member
   
3. Associate Member
   
4. Social Member
   
5. Special Honorary Member
   
6. Life Member

*Charter membership will only be available from June 3rd 2004 through June 3rd 2005. After June 3rd 2005 only Active members ships will be available.
Section 2:              Any member under the age of eighteen (18) must have a release form signed by a parent or guardian before being allowed to join the chapter.
Section 3:              Active Membership shall be available to active or former fire fighting personnel presently owning or having access to a registered motorcycle with proof of valid insurance, and holding a valid motorcycle license.
Section 4:              Associate Membership shall be offered to a person who has been proposed, in writing, for such membership, and accepted by at least seven (7) active members of the chapter in good standing, and in the opinion of the executive board has substantially contributed to the promotion of the Red Knights for a minimal period of six (6) months. Final approval shall be by a majority vote of the chapter membership present on election night.
Section 5:              Associate Membership shall not exceed Ten (10) percent of the active membership.
Section 6:              Social Membership shall be the spouse, boyfriend (1) or girlfriend (1), children or parents of Active and Associate members only. Social Members or Associate Members may not hold office or vote.
Section 7:              The Chapter may grant Honorary Membership status to a member of a recognized religion for the position of Chapter Chaplain. Honorary Membership may also be granted to a civic or business leader who does volunteer work for the Chapter. Honorary Membership may also be granted to the widow or widowers of an Active or Associate member. An honorary member shall not hold office or vote in the affairs of the Chapter.
Section 8:              Active, Associate and Social members in good standing shall have the right to vote at any club function at the Minnesota Chapter III level.
Section 9:              Only Active members may hold the Office of President or Vice-President. Adult Social or Associate members may hold the Offices’ of Secretary, Treasurer, Quartermaster and Road Captain positions.

Section 10:           The tenure for active membership shall be from the day after the annual meeting until the end and close of business on the day of the next annual meeting of the Chapter. The tenure of the Associate membership shall be at the recommendation of the Executive Board with final approval by a majority vote of the Chapter's membership present.
Section 11:           Each new member shall pay dues in the amount set by the Chapter membership and shall be payable to the Chapter Treasurer prior to the close of the next regular meeting of the chapter. New Chapter Dues shall remain at $25.00   All dues are due on January 1 and must be paid by March 15th 1 of each year. The membership dues will be pro-rated for applications received after August 1st at the rate of 25% reduction for the third quarter and 50% reduction for the fourth quarter of the year. All dollar amounts stated herein shall be in U.S. Currency.
Section 12:           No one shall be denied membership because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, political affiliation or disability.
Section 13:           The Executive Board, after their investigation of any alleged charges, shall recommend to the membership for their approval the expulsion or suspension of any member of the Chapter.
Section 14:           Any member who terminates his/her membership in the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III, for any reason shall return his/her membership card to the Executive Board.
Section 15:           All Chapter and International dues shall be paid by the end of the fiscal year which shall span from November 1 to October 31. This will allow the Executive board adequate time to process the roster for the following year and forward it to International prior to the December 31 deadline.

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Section 1:              The administration of the chapter shall be vested in the Board of Directors. Composed of the Executive Board which shall be the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captain and Quartermaster; these officers are voted on by the body at the annual Chapter meeting and shall be reelected Bi-Annually.
Section 2:              The following officers shall be elected starting for the fiscal year 2005, the President, Treasurer and Quartermaster. These positions shall be reelected each odd year thereafter. In the year 2006 the Vice-President, Secretary and Road Captain shall be elected. These positions shall be reelected each even year thereafter.
Section 3:              Any vacancy on the Board that may occur during an elected term of office may be filled by any Active member receiving the majority vote of the Executive Board members present at any meeting of the Board, with subsequent approval by the Chapter membership present at the next regular meeting of the Chapter, but only for the unexpired portion of the term vacated.
Section 4:              The Executive Board shall have supervision of and be responsible for all affairs and property of the Chapter, and shall inspect as often as desired all records, books and accounts of the Chapter.
Section 5:              The Executive Board shall have the right to accept for and on behalf of the Chapter any contributions, appropriations or grants in aid from whatever source that may be tended in moneys, goods, real or personnel property or services for the good of the Chapter. The Executive Board may pledge the faith of the Chapter with or without security if the occasion would arise in the pursuance of its work
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Article 5: Officers
Section 1:              The officers of the Chapter shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Road Captain, Quartermaster and any other Officer that may be elected for the good of the Chapter. They shall be elected Bi-Annually by the membership present at the annual meeting of the Chapter. They shall serve in office until the close of the next annual meeting that their respective office comes up for reelection. At which time their successors will assume the duties of the office.
Section 2:              The President shall be the executive officer of the chapter. He/She shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Board except the nominating committee. He/She shall serve as an ex-officio on all other committees. He/She shall be a co-signer along with the Treasurer on all notes, mortgages, and other legal instrumentality's with the exception of checks, given on behalf of the chapter and shall if required by the board give such surety bond as may be required at the expense of the chapter. He/She shall have the power to call meetings of the Executive Board and shall make full and complete reports of the chapter and the actions of the Executive Board at each meeting of the chapter. The President shall be one (1) of three (3) Executive Officers authorized to sign checks for the Chapter.
Section 3:              The Vice-President in the absence of the President shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the President. He/She shall be one (1) of three (3) Executive Officers authorized to sign checks for the Chapter.
Section 4:              The Secretary shall attend all meetings of the Chapter and the Executive Board and shall, keep accurate records of all business and membership at such meetings. He/She shall give "adequate notice" to all members of the Chapter in advance of annual or any special meetings of the Chapter. He/She shall make a full report of the membership status of the Chapter at each annual meeting. At the request of the President or as otherwise provided herein, He/She shall give "adequate notice" of all meetings of the Executive Board, for the purpose herein set forth. "Adequate notice" shall mean that all members are notified seven (7) days prior to the meeting. The Secretary shall also file all legal documents. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping in file the Chapter's By-Laws. He/She shall have the authority to make necessary changes in spelling and or punctuation that will not alter or change the intent of the By-Laws without voting approval of the Chapter members.
Section 5:              The Treasurer shall be responsible for all Chapter funds. He/She shall collect annual dues. He/She shall receive all Chapter funds, depositing the same in the name of the Chapter in such bank or trust company as designated by the Executive Board. He/She shall keep an accurate record of all receipts and disbursements. He/She shall make a full and accurate report of the financial situation of the Chapter at each meeting and upon request of the Executive Board. He/She shall be one (1) of three (3) Executive Officers authorized to sign checks for the Chapter.
Section 6:              The Road Captain shall have the responsibility of approving routes for all poker runs and all sanctioned Chapter Minnesota Chapter III rides. He/She shall hold responsibility for safe riding as the Safety Officer of the Chapter. If the Road Captain is not on a ride, one shall be appointed for that ride. In the event that He/She is not familiar with the route, the Road Captain may ride in the #2 position with an Assistant Road Captain in the lead. The Road Captain may also take over the Assistant Road Captain's position at the rear of the group. An Assistant Road Captain is also appointed by the Road Captain to ride at the end of the group. His/Her duties are to report safety problems to the Road Captain, and to assist any bikes leaving the group.
Section 7:              The Quartermaster shall be responsible for the records of all club properties and shall be responsible for the purchasing and sale of any Red Knight items for the good of the chapter.
Section 8:              In the absence of any officer from a meeting or function at which his/her presence is necessary, the presiding officer may appoint a temporary substitute therefore.
Section 9:              Newsletter Editor:

1.  He/she shall report to the President and carry out any duties as required by the Constitution and By-laws, and fulfill any request the president or Executive Board requires of a Newsletter editor. 
2. Monthly he/she shall produce an electronic newsletter. This may be done with the assistance of members of the Executive Board.
3.  He/she shall promote the information on the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III. 
4. Any expenses he/she may acquire shall be authorized by the Executive Board prior to the action requiring the expense, except the cost of reports, mailing and phone costs relating to Red Knights business. Such expenses shall have receipts sent to the chapter Treasurer prior to being paid.

Section 10:           Web Page Editor:

1.  He/she shall report to the President and carry out any duties as required by the Constitution and By-laws, and fulfill any request the president or Executive Board requires of a Web Page editor.
2.  He/she shall produce and update a chapter web page. This may be done with the assistance of members of the Executive Board.
3.  He/she shall promote the information on the Red Knights Motorcycle Club Minnesota Chapter III.
4. Any expenses he/she may acquire shall be authorized by the Executive Board prior to the action requiring the expense, except the cost of reports, mailing and phone costs relating to Red Knights business. Such expenses shall have receipts sent to the chapter treasurer prior to being paid.
   

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Article 6: Committees
Section 1:              The Executive Board may from time to time, appoint committees as it may deem necessary or advisable for carrying out the proposed work of the Chapter and delegate to such committees such authority and power as it may see fit to grant within the limits of its own authority. The membership of such committees may consist of Active, Associate and Social members, with the chairperson of the committee being an Active member. The tenure of each committee shall be fixed by the Executive Board.
Section 2:              At least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual meeting of the Chapter the Executive Board shall appoint a nominating committee composed of at least one (1) Active member of the Chapter who shall prepare a list of nominations to the Board to fill whatever vacancies may occur at the annual meeting for that fiscal year. The committee will report its findings to the Chapter members present at the meeting, but such report shall not preclude the nomination of other Active members from the floor of the meeting, for vacancies on the Executive Board. A notice of the place and time shall be mailed in advance thereof to every member of the Chapter, by the Secretary and the Secretary's statement that such notice was mailed shall be deemed to be due notice thereof.

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Article 7: Meetings

Section 1:              Seven (7) Active, Associate or Social members shall present a quorum for transaction of business, but a lesser number may adjourn the meeting to another date.
Section 2:              The Chapter meetings may be held on a monthly basis on a day designated by the membership as required.  All reports of the officers and other transactions of committees may be brought forth at that meeting.
Section 3:              The Annual Chapter meeting shall be on the second Saturday during the month of October.  All reports of the officers and other transactions of committees may be brought forth at that meeting.
Section 4:              By vote of the Executive Board or upon the written petition of at least seven (7) Active, Associate, or Social members of the Chapter, it shall be the duty of the President or his/her representative to call a special meeting of the Chapter, at such time and place as may be designated by the Executive Board or the petitioners as the case may be. The Secretary shall give adequate notice thereof to all voting members of the Chapter. Only such business that has been set forth in the notice therefore shall be transacted at a special meeting of the Chapter.
Section 5:              There shall be no voting by proxy at any meeting of the Chapter and only Active, Associate and Social members in good standing, as verified by the Secretary shall be allowed to vote. Invited guests may be allowed to take part in the discussion on matters during the meeting so long as the decorum thereof is not unduly disturbed.
Section 6:              The Executive Board shall meet, subject to the call of the President or upon the written petition of at least three (3) of its members as often as may be deemed necessary by the President or the members of the Board. A majority of the Executive Board members shall constitute a quorum for transaction of business at a meeting of the board, but a lesser number may adjourn the meeting to a later date.
Section 7:              At all meetings of the Executive Board and at all meetings of the Chapter, after being established that a quorum is present, a majority of the votes cast on matters before the meeting shall rule.
Section 8:              Robert's Rules of Order shall govern the conduct of any meeting unless inconsistent with the Chapter By-Laws.

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Article 8: Alcohol, Drug Use and Safety Standards
Section 1:              The consumption or possession of illegal drugs will not be permitted at chapter meetings or functions. Alcoholic beverages may be allowed in moderation at social functions not involving motorcycles, where an exception is made by a majority vote of the membership present at said function and only for said function.
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Article 9: Rules Governing the Chapter
Section 1:              All Chapters shall abide by a minimum standard of the Rule and Regulations set forth by the International Board of Directors. The International Board of Directors or it's commissioned representative shall review and accept or reject all applying Chapter Rules and Regulations
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Article 10: Business Office
Section 1:              Unless otherwise specified by the Executive Board, the office of the President shall be deemed the Business Office of the Chapter.

Section 2:              Until otherwise established the business address of the Chapter shall be:


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Article 11: Use of Club Identities
Section 1:              The use of club identities which include patches, membership cards, vests and jackets is limited to members only.
Section 2:              The top rocker identified as "Charter Member" shall be worn only by an Active member who has joined this chapter during the Charter period of June 3, 2004 to June 3,  2005. A Charter Member that transfers his membership from another Red Knights chapter may retain his Charter Member rocker.
Section 3:              CLUB VEST
The club vest color shall be black.

Cresting on the back shall consist of only:
The Official International Emblem as shown in Article 11 Section 5.

1.   A top rocker showing membership status as listed in Article 3 Section 1 may be also worn. Or another option that is available is a top rocker that says Red Knight
2.   A bottom rocker showing Chapter Identification may also be worn.
3.   The three panels of the vest patch grouping should be attached with a 1/2 inch space between the top rocker, center patch and bottom rocker.
4.   The front of the vest may have nametags and or rank insignias of the individual wearing the vest.
5.   All other markings are to be in good taste and consistent with the image of the Red Knights

Section 4:              CLUB UNIFORM SHIRTS
The official uniform shirt for the club shall be White or Blue in color at the discretion of each chapter with the recommendation of White being the color of choice by the International.

The cresting for the official uniform shirt shall be:

1.   Shoulder of the Left sleeve shall have the Official International Emblem as shown in Article 11 Section 5. The patch shall be centered on the left sleeve with the top center of the patch being ¼ of an inch from the shoulder seam. Spacing for additional rockers top or bottom of the patch shall maintain the same ¼ inch spacing.
2.   Shoulder of the left sleeve shall have the chapter rocker under the Official International Emblem
3.   Shoulder of the right sleeve shall have the National flag of the country of the chapters’ origin.
4.   The front of the shirt may have nametags and rank insignias of the individual wearing it.
5.   All other markings are to be in good taste and consistent with the image of the Red Knights

Section 5:              EMBLEM/CREST

       

  
These are just to give you an idea of how the patch will look with 1/2 inch spacing



Section 6: CLUB CASUAL SHIRTS:

1.  Casual clothing items can use the emblems below on the front or back as shown in Section 6.
   
2.  The emblem shall be centered on the front or back.
3.  The emblem may be screen printed in a variety of colors.
4.  The emblem may be embroidered on clothing.
   
5.  The front of the shirt may have nametags and rank insignias of the individual wearing it.
6.  All other markings are to be in good taste and consistent with the image of the Red Knights

          


Section 7:              Any violation of these articles shall be considered cause for termination or suspension of membership.


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 Article 12: Amendments
 
Section 1:              These By-Laws may be proposed for repeal or amendment at any meeting and voted on at the next scheduled meeting by the members of the Chapter by a two thirds (2/3) of those present and eligible to vote. Providing "Adequate Notice" is given to all eligible voting members of the changes proposed.
 
Section 2:              Whenever the Executive Board or any seven (7) Active, Associate or Social members of the Chapter recommend in writing that the By-Laws are to be Repealed or Amended, the President shall direct the Secretary to send out "Adequate Notice" of the proposed action as herein set forth to all voting members of the Chapter.
 


MINNESOTA CHAPTER III By-Laws Adopted 2005
 
On a motion made and seconded. It was voted to accept these By-Laws as the general rules of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Minnesota Chapter III.
 
This date being______________________.
 
 
___________________________________
President
 
 
___________________________________
Vice President
 
 
___________________________________
Secretary
 
 
___________________________________
Treasure
 
 
___________________________________
Road Captain
 
 
___________________________________
Quarter Master

The Red Knights® name and emblem are Registered Trademarks and shall not be used without express written consent of the