ATHEIST MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION® BRANCH PROGRAM®

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Article 1. Mission Statement and Objectives 

Article 2. Name and Emblem 

Article 3. Membership 

Article 4. Dues 

Article 5. Branch Hierarchy 

Article 6. Meetings 

Article 7. Delegations/Representatives 

Article 8. Amendments 

Section 1

MISSION STATEMENT – Atheist Motorcycle Association Branch Members shall, in all ways, attempt to serve the communities they exist in. They shall never detract from the public trust and they shall never shock the conscience of the governing bodies of the municipalities. The Branch Members should, at all times, further the atheist philosophy and acceptance by the community, by acting responsibly and showing respect to all. It should be the intent of each member and prospective new member to exhibit good deeds and behavior without the need or use of theology. Branch Members will never expect a reward for their actions and shall remain humble. The Atheist Motorcycle Association Branch Members shall especially cultivate respectful relations with neighboring Motorcycle Clubs and Riding Groups. 

Section 2

a) To promote interest in various forms of motorcycle activities associated with those riders who are atheist and free from religion. 

b) To create relationships and bonds with those people seeking to further the non- theistic way of life. To encourage the open discussion of such concepts without fear of ostracizing themselves. To live the way of life that best suits that person without condemnation of differing ways of life.

c) To support atheist and secular organizations without being evangelical or proselytizing. 

d) To raise awareness of motorcycle safety and safety concerns 

e) To foster positive relationships with other Associations, , Riding Clubs (crews),Groups, and Motorcycle Clubs 

Section 1

The Name of the Association is: Atheist Motorcycle Association, also known as Atheist M.A.

The Atheist Motorcycle Association may have other offices within or outside of its state of incorporation, where it is qualified to conduct business, as its business and activities may require. Such offices shall be at the discretion of the governing officers. 

Section 2

The Atheist Motorcycle Association is incorporated as a Non-Profit Corporation is the State of Arizona. If at such time it is found that any bylaw does/may conflict with applicable State laws, the Governing Officers have the duty and authority to change the affected bylaws to bring them in accordance with all State and Federal laws and guidelines. 

Section 3

The emblem/logo/insignia used by the Atheist Motorcycle Association is the sole property of the Atheist M.A. The Atheist M.A. patch and logo cannot be reproduced without license and express written permission from the governing officers. The emblem consists of the following characteristics: 

The Large Winged Wheel with Stylized Encircled Red “A” atop.

Field in the Shape of a Shield with Contrasting Border, in varying colors.

The Insignia as a whole shall stand as a gathering symbol in the community to draw together like and open-minded riders in solidarity. This emblem / logo shall be worn in the following manner:

No other related patches shall be affixed to the back of the garment such as rockers, banners, or back patches.

Name Tape/Branch ID - Name tapes shall be worn by all members. They shall be worn in the following manner:

The garment front patches must contain road name of wearing member and the Branch ID, stacked, worn on the right breast above the pocket line. 

Name Tapes shall be on a field of black cloth, with a crimson red border.

The text shall be in block lettering and of chrome silver thread.

Branch Identifier Tapes shall be on a field of black cloth with a black border and white thread. With the Branch number, Geographical location within the state, and State abbreviation (e.g. Branch 121, SE OR)

Opposite the name and branch ID tapes, worn on the left breast above the pocket line is the Atheist Motorcycle Association patch

Slogan/Support patches - Any member may feel free to affix any patches they see fit to their garments under the following guidelines: 

Support patches for other groups and organizations may be worn on the back but must not state “MC.”

Any patches affixed to the garment shall be in keeping with the spirit of the association values and shall not endorse conflicting viewpoints. (Example: No christian crosses on an atheist’s vest).

Section 1

Though the Atheist Motorcycle Association is the sanctioning body of both Reason Riders Atheist Motorcycle Association (RRAMA) and the Branch Program, of which these Bylaws are intended, the distinction must be made that Branch Members cannot be referred to as Reason Riders. RRAMA membership is strictly limited to those who are members of an active chapter. The same must be said for the wearing of a full back patch. 

MEMBERS – A Member must meet the following requirements: 

a) A person of good character and morality. 

b) One who chooses the logical approach to life and its situations; one who shall never accept “faith” as an answer to any question. 

c) One who will dedicate their actions and loyalties to the Atheist M.A.

d) One who will honor the traditions and hierarchy of the motorcycling community. 

e) Members who ride shall maintain, at all times, current license to operate a motorcycle in whatever state they reside, current registration for the motorcycle they operate, and any state minimum insurance coverage their home state requires. Provide proof of information to the Atheist M.A. and must be kept on file with the association Secretary. 

f) Set-up and Tear-down of meeting spaces and event booths. 

g) Socialize with other associations, groups, independent riders, and clubs. 

h) Pick-up and drop-off of supplies related to Association activities. 

i) Maintain communication with Association members and its officers. 

j) Participating in votes for Association activities (where applicable). 

k) Must pay their dues as set forth by the Member vote but shall not exceed $20 per month per member. 

l) Must attend a minimum of 6 General Monthly Meetings and 6 events/rides per calendar year. It shall be the attempt of each member to exceed the minimum attendance requirements. New members shall endeavor to attend as many meetings, events, and rides as possible and available during the remainder of their first calendar year. In the event that a new member is not presented with the minimum requirements; it shall not be held against that new member. 

m) All Members are at the discretion of the governing officers, any disciplinary action that requires separation of a member from the Association shall be final. A separated former member may petition the Association for reinstatement after a calendar sum of 90 days. 

Section 2

PROBATIONARY MEMBERS - Probationary member must meet the following requirements: 

a) Serve a minimum of a 3-month probationary period which begins after notice of an approved application. 

b) Applicant must attend a minimum of 3 monthly meetings and 3 group events and/or rides. 

c) Shall be defined as a person meeting Requirements of a Member, Section 1(a-i). 

d) Will be assigned to a sponsoring officer decided by the National Director. 

e) Will carry out requests from their sponsoring officer. 

Section 4

CONDUCT 

a) The Atheist Motorcycle Association shall, in all ways, attempt to serve the communities they exist in. They shall never detract from the public trust and they shall never shock the conscience of the governing bodies of the municipalities. The Branch Members should, at all times, further the Atheist philosophy and acceptance by the community, by acting responsibly and showing respect to all. It should be the intent of each member and probationary member to exhibit good deeds and behavior without the need or use of theology. Members will never expect a reward for their actions and shall remain humble. 

b) All Members shall conduct themselves in a manner that shall not bring embarrassment or discredit to the Atheist M.A., the atheist community or the groups they associate with. 

c) Branch Members shall not be evangelical to those that do not wish to engage with Atheist M.A.

d) By applying for membership to the Atheist Motorcycle Association, applicants are giving the authorization to verify any information provided on the membership application to the Atheist M.A. 

Section 5

IT IS TO BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE ATHEIST MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION IS NOT A MOTORCYCLE CLUB. NO CLAIMS SHOULD BE MADE TO THAT EFFECT. WE DO NOT “PROSPECT.” ANY MISCONCEPTIONS PERCEIVED BY NON-MEMBERS OR MEMBERS OF MOTORCYCLE CLUBS SHALL BE IMMEDIATELY ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED.

Section 6

a) Any members that are enlisted in the Armed Forces (Military) shall not change status or pay dues during deployment and/or military obligations. 

b) Members vote on ride routes and destinations, Association expenditures, acceptance/declination of meeting agendas and/or reports, and locations of general monthly meetings. 

c) Voting rights and privileges – Voting on different activities and expenditures shall be conducted as a formal process and recorded by the Branch Secretary. 

d) No member shall be required to perform any duties that would be degrading, in any way, to them. 

e) Upon separation from Atheist Motorcycle Association, the Branch ID patch, Atheist M.A. patch, and all other Association property must be retuned immediately, without refund.

 Section 1

a) Dues shall be collected by the Association Secretary or their designee during that month’s meeting. 

b)Dues shall only be set by a majority vote of all members, but shall not exceed $20USD. 

c) Dues shall be set at a rate so as not to create undue hardship for the members but to allow for funding of Association activities. 

 Section 1

AT NO TIME WILL THERE BE OFFICER POSITIONS OR FORMAL LEADERSHIP VOTED FOR OR ASSIGNED AT THE BRANCH LEVEL. AN ELECTION WILL BE HELD EVERY TWO(2) YEARS TO FILL THE SECRETARY POSITION FOR THE ASSOCIATION AS A WHOLE. 

 Section 1

a) General Meetings: General Meetings shall be conducted every month. These meetings should be formal in nature via online meeting with clear and open communication of agenda items. These meeting shall be for the purpose of conducting general business decisions and announcements. They should emulate but not be limited to “Roberts Rule of Order.” All Meetings shall be brought to order and concluded in a formal manner and when at all possible, in a way as such to pay homage to the atheist community. 

b) Special Meetings: Special Meetings are defined as interim meetings that occur in addition to the General meeting wherein a formal decision must be made due to time constraints or severity of an issue. The National Director will grant permission for Special Meetings and a designee will oversee the meeting. Special meetings may be held electronically to facilitate attendance of key members. Whenever possible, a live video stream is preferable. 

 Section 1

Branches shall be sovereign in nature. They shall conduct their activities in a manner consistent with the Atheist M.A. bylaws and mission statement. Branches must be approved by the National Director, Reason Riders Atheist Motorcycle Association Presidents and must meet the following requirements: 

a) Have good relations in the motorcycle community in their area.

b) Shall conduct Atheist M.A. charity business according to any and all applicable local, State, and Federal laws and guidelines. All monies shall be correctly recorded and reported to the appropriate agencies and to the Atheist M.A. Secretary

c) Membership shall always be in consideration of the quality of the applicant over the quantity of member numbers. 

d) All Branches shall be run as an “ALL BIKES, ALL RIDERS” organization. No preference shall be given to any particular brand, style, or type of motorcycle. Nor shall any brand, style, or type be banned or barred. No preference shall be given to any one person over the other based on any characteristics of a protected class. Discrimination against any protected class will not be tolerated. In United States federal anti-discrimination law, a protected class is a characteristic of a person which cannot be targeted for discrimination. The following characteristics are considered "Protected Classes" by Federal law: 

Race – Civil Rights Act of 1964 • Color – Civil Rights Act of 1964

Religion – Civil Rights Act of 1964

National Origin – Civil Rights Act of 1964

Age (40 and over) – Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967

Sex – Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Civil Rights Act of 1964

Pregnancy – Pregnancy Discrimination Act

Citizenship – Immigration Reform and Control Act

Familial Status – Civil Rights Act of 1968 

Disability Status – Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Veteran Status – Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act

Genetic Information – Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act 

 Section 1

Amendments shall be contained herein and shall be listed with the effective date and affected bylaw. Bylaw amendments for the National Bylaws shall follow the following schedule: 

a) A bylaw change proposal shall be submitted, in writing, to the Atheist M.A. Secretary for recording and logging. 

b) Within 15 business days the Atheist M.A. shall notify the RRAMA Chapter Presidents of a submittal for bylaw change and disperse electronic copies of the proposed change. 

c) Within 30 days of the dispersal a special vote shall be held to determine the change to the National bylaws. 

These amendments shall only be approved if the spirit of the bylaw remains intact or if the bylaw wholly contradicts a local, State, or Federal law.