INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of FIRE FIGHTERS
MOTORCYCLE GROUP
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
ARTICLE 1
NAME OF THE ORGANIZATION
The name of this organization shall be the "INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of FIRE FIGHTERS MOTORCYCLE GROUP” hereafter shall be referred to as IAFF-MG. The IAFF-MG name and logos to include colors are registered trademarks of the IAFF.
ARTICLE 2
PHILOSOPHY/HISTORY
In August of 2004 the assembled body of the 2004 IAFF convention came together in Boston, Massachusetts at the 47th bi-annual convention and passed resolution 35. This resolution dictated the formation of a motorcycle Group for IAFF members, active and retired thus comes to being the International Association of Fire Fighters Motorcycle Group hereafter referred to as the IAFF-MG. It is the goal and general philosophy of the IAFF-MG to promote fraternalism amongst our ranks and take direction from the International Association of Fire Fighters.
We will continue to grow in the spirit and numbers, which provides the opportunity for increased camaraderie and benevolence between active and retired professional Fire Fighters, EMS or rescue squad personnel. IAFF-MG events are intended to promote safe activities that will appeal to the membership as a whole. Any member may suggest ideas for events.
The IAFF-MG is intended for IAFF MEMBERS, active or retired, who enjoy motorcycles.
ARTICLE 3
INTERNATIONAL GOVERNING COMMITTEE
A. IAFF-MG Standing Committee: An IAFF-MG Standing Committee shall govern the IAFF-MG. The Standing Committee will maintain the quality and integrity if the IAFF-MG.
B. COMPOSITION OF THE IAFF-MG COMMITTEE: By virtue of being the elected General President of the International Association of Fire Fighters, the General President shall be the President of the IAFF-MG. The committee shall consist of 7 members appointed by the President of the IAFF-MG. In addition the committee will have a chairman and a vice chairman named by the President of the IAFF-MG. Collectively this committee and the President will govern the IAFF-MG. Only active and retired IAFF members will be eligible to hold the positions on the IAFF-MG Committee. Additionally 16 members (one from each of the districts represented by the IAFF) will be appointed by the President, with advice and council of the respective IAFF District Vice-President, and will be referred to as “District Event Coordinators” [DEC's].
In recognition to he vastness of geography of the IAFF-MG it is deemed necessary to have contacts in each state to assist the District Event Coordinators. These shall be know as "IAFF-MG State Coordinators". The State Coordinators shall be appointed by the President wit the advise and council of the respective IAFF District Vice-President[s]. The State Coordinators will work at the direction of the respective District Coordinator in coordinating events by the DEC as well as other events in the State.
C. DUTIES OF THE IAFF-MG COMMITTEE: The IAFF-MG Committee will perform the following functions:
- Shall stay apprised of events and communicate those events to the IAFF membership via the web site and magazine. The Committee will also maintain a roster of members [database]. This roster will be updated and issued and/or made available to all IAFF Vice Presidents and IAFF-MG District Event Coordinators on an annual basis.
- Authorize IAFF Legal Counsel to take the necessary steps to obtain and protect the trademarks and other intellectual properties of the IAFF-MG.
- Establish membership dues and maintain a treasury, which will be used to cover necessary administrative and/or operational costs, provide funds for events and promote the growth of the IAFF-MG. The IAFF General Secretary/Treasurer will maintain the financial books and accounts of the IAFF-MG. Reports of the treasury shall be overseenand reported by the IAFF-MG Vice-Chairmen.
- Issue reports of activities in the IAFF magazine for member’s consumption, which will provide updates on district events and IAFF-MG developments of interest to the membership as a whole.
- Immediately report any significant IAFF-MG issues to the IAFF Executive Board and general membership. This will be accomplished via the IAFF web site.
- Oversee the management of all property owned by the IAFF-MG and report to the IAFF Executive Board on its status annually. Distribution of the colors shall be the duty of the “Property Master”.
- Oversee the IAFF-MG financial books, which shall be audited and reviewed by the IAFF trustees annually.
- All issues will be brought in writing directly to the IAFF-MG Committee, through the office of the IAFF’s General President. The IAFF-MG Standing Committee shall investigate the matter and render a decision based on their review of the facts presented. All decisions of the committee are final and binding.
- Perform all other such assignments as may be suggested by the IAFF Executive Board and the general membership, or as may be in the best interests of the IAFF-MG.
D. RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS
PRESIDENT: The President shall preside over all meetings of the IAFF-MG Committee. At all such meetings he shall maintain order and require strict compliance with these articles as well as any rules and regulations that may be adopted. The President may pass the gavel to the chairman for presiding over meetings.The President shall appoint the Chairman, Vice Chairman, seven [7] Committee members, and the 16 District Event Coordinators and members of all standing and special committees, and shall serve as an ex-officio member thereof. The President shall sign all contracts and other official documents authorized by the IAFF-MG. The President shall perform any other duties as may be prescribed to him by the IAFF-MG.At the expiration of his term of office, the President shall promptly deliver to his/her successor any and all property of the IAFF-MG that relates to the office of President.
CHAIRMAN: In the President’s absence, the Chairman shall discharge the duties of the President. The Chairman shall perform all other such assignments as may be requested by the President and the IAFF-MG Standing Committee.
VICE CHAIRMAN:The Vice-Chairman shall be responsible for all IAFF-MG books, documents, papers and records not otherwise entrusted, temporarily or permanently, to other officers or special or standing committees.The Vice-Chairman shall transcribe all minutes of meetings of the IAFF-MG and submit them for approval and/or amendment at the next meeting thereafter. The Vice-Chairman shall distribute copies of the minutes from meetings to each committee member, IAFF Executive Board member and District Event Coordinators for review. The Vice-Chairman shall execute all other assignments as may be ordered by the IAFF-MG.At the expiration of his term of office, the Vice-Chairman shall deliver to his/her successor the seal and all books and records in his/her possession.He/she shall be responsible for overseeing the treasury and reporting of the finances.
IAFF-MG STANDING COMMITTEE:The Standing Committee shall act at the direction of the President or Chairman.The Property Manager shall oversee distribution of Colors after receiving proper notification and credentials from the Chairmen of the Standing Committee.District Event coordinators shall coordinate events within his/her district and communicate said events to the IAFFMG Committee, the IAFF Executive Board and membership via IAFF communication mediums.
E. REMOVAL FROM THE IAFF-MG COMMITTEE: Only the President has the exclusive and unilateral authority to remove a member from the Committee.
ARTICLE 4
GROUP VOTES
A. IAFF-MG BOARD: Only active or retired IAFF members shall be eligible to serve as a member on the IAFF-MG Committee. The IAFF-MG Committee shall vote on matters it deems appropriate. All votes shall be recorded and settled by simple majority.
ARTICLE 5
REQUIREMENTS FOR MEMBERSHIP
A. MEMBERSHIP: The IAFF-MG is open to active or retired MEMBERS of the International Association of Fire Fighters, who ride motorcycles. All members will be required to comply with these By-Laws as well as all future amendments. Possession of a valid motorcycle operator’s license, valid registration and proper motorcycle insurance are all prerequisites to membership in the IAFF-MG. To gain membership in the IAFF-MG retirees must have membership in the IAFF alumni or have “active retiree” status with the local they retired from.
B. LIFE MEMBERSHIP: Any member who maintains active membership in good standing in the IAFF-MG for a period of ten consecutive years shall be awarded a lifetime membership in the IAFF-MG, which will entitle them to only have to pay half-dues [$25.00] and retain possession of the Colors as defined in Article 6 of these By-Laws. If, after resigning, a life member causes discredit to the IAFFMG he/she must discontinue displaying Colors or face legal action.
C. DURATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Membership will continue as long as an individual maintains membership in good standing with the IAFF , and which includes, but is not limited to payment of dues, and active support of IAFF-MG functions. Membership will cease upon resignation or dismissal from the IAFF-MG. Upon termination of membership in the IAFF-MG, the Individual will have no right, title, interest or claim in any asset of the IAFFMG or any right to any refund of any dues, fees or contributions made to the IAFF-MG.
D. RE-LOCATION OF MEMBERSHIP: Membership in the IAFF-MG is transferable from one IAFF District to another as long as the member is in good standing with the IAFF and/or the IAFF Alumni. Upon transfer of a member, the IAFF-MG Committee will be notified and will make the appropriate changes to the National Roster.
E. MOTORCYCLES: Each member is encouraged to buy and own a North American made motorcycle that is built with UNION labor employed by a North American owned and operated company as recognized by the IAFF-MG Committee. While owning North American made motorcycles was not mandated by resolution 35 of the 2004 IAFF Convention body, ownership of an UNION made motorcycle reflects the values of the IAFF-MG and the IAFF.
F. MEMBERSHIP DUES: All members will pay yearly dues and any other assessments that the IAFF-MG deems necessary for the good of the Group. The IAFF-MG will determine necessary assessments on a year-to-year basis. National dues will be paid as established in Article 10 of these bylaws.
G. EVENTS: All members will be supportive of their own, as well as other district events. This will include any and all IAFF Conferences and Meetings.
H. OTHER GROUPS: Members are expressly prohibited from commencing or maintaining membership in any motorcycle Group that may be deemed an “outlaw Group”. Members are permitted to maintain their association with the A.M.A., H.O.G. and A.B.A.T.E. as well as Groups that are not deemed “1%ers”.
I. HONORARY MEMBERSHIP: On a vote of the IAFFMG Committee "Honorary Membership" shall be bestowedn upon those persons that are not IAFF Members that have exhibited the values that the IAFF members hold dearly through their affiliation to their Union and their profession. As of March 2007 those members are: Lynn Jones and Jessica Fagiolo.
J. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: Associate membership shall be available to spouses, significant others and their children. Associate members will be required to pay 1/2 of the membership dues [$25.00] annually. Associate members will only be permitted to display the Logo Patch [center portion] on the back of their vest or jacket pursuant to Article 6.
ARTICLE 6
INSIGNIA
A. COLORS: Colors shall be defined as all patches and insignias issued to members by the IAFF-MG as listed in the article. The Colors of the IAFF-MG are our flag, and as such will be treated with the same respect given to the American or Canadian flag. The Colors and insignias shall be trademarked and are the property of the IAFF. The following rules are established for the proper handling of the Colors:
- IAFF-MG Colors will be treated with respect at all times.
- Only full members shall wear the colors on any garment.
- Colors will only be affixed to a black leather vest or black leather jacket. If a jacket is used, all below placement of “vest” patches apply to the jacket equally.
- Colors will never be washed.
- Colors are to be worn as the outermost garment and are not to be obstructed in any way, regardless of weather.
- Colors will be worn at all IAFF-MG functions, gatherings, runs and sanctioned events.
- When removal of the Colors is necessary, the member must yield them to another full member for security until he can re-secure them.
- At no time will a member place the Colors in a face down position.
- At no time will the colors touch the ground unless the member is wearing them.
- Colors will never be yielded to non-members.
- If a member is suspended or granted a leave of absence, he/she shall discontinue displaying Colors.
- If a member is terminated he/she shall discontinue displaying Colors.
B. PLACEMENT OF PATCHES ON REAR OF VEST: The following patches shall be worn on the rear of the vest from top to bottom, in the middle except as noted:
- IAFF FIRE FIGHTERS Rocker
- CENTER PATCH (LOGO)
- DISTRICT Rocker [* Optional]
* In those areas of the U.S and Canada where the three [3] piece Colors presents a concern and/or problem, IAFF-MG members have the option of not wearing the District Rocker [Item 3 above] as part of the IAFF-MG Colors.
C. IF PATCHES ARE WORN ON THE FRONT OF THE VEST THEN THEY SHALL BE WORN IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER ONLY: The following patches shall be worn on the upper front of the vest from top to bottom as follows:
RIGHT SIDE OF VEST
- AMERICAN FLAG or CANADIAN FLAG
- STATE/PROVINCE
- HOME CITY
- At no time shall any patch, pin or other insignia be displayed above the national Flags.
LEFT SIDE OF VEST
- NICK NAME/MONIKER (full members only)
- IAFF LOGO
- HOME IAFF LOCAL NUMBER PATCH
- Charter Member Patch
- Associate Member Patch
- IAFF-MG Yearly Membership Patch
Dual-Member Patch: An IAFF-MG Dual-Member Patch that reflects the Colors of the IAFF-MG is available for those IAFF-MG members that belong to other authorized Motorcycle Clubs and/or groups and choose to wear the Colors of those clubs/groups. IAFF-MG members are authorized to purchase and wear the IAFF-MG's Dual Member Patch. The Dual-Member Patch should be worn on the Left Front Side of Vest or jacket.
D. DISTRIBUTION OF INSIGNIA/COLORS: All Group insignia/Colors are property of the IAFF-MG and will be purchased through the IAFF-MG merchandizing supplier [Financial Innovations]. No member will be issued more than one set of Colors. Application for membership shall be submitted to the IAFF-MG either electronically or by written application. The application will then be verified and approved by appropriate means available including by a committee member. The Colors will then be delivered to the member by the most efficient means. No IAFF-MG District Event Coordinator will maintain a surplus of Colors. No Colors will be issued without prior payment.
E. CHARTER MEMBERS: Members that join the IAFF-MG by September 15th, 2005, shall be recognized and deemed CHARTER MEMBERS of the IAFF-MG. With this recognition the member shall have the right to wear a “CHARTER MEMBER” patch on the front of his/her vest just below his/her “IAFF local number” patch.
ARTICLE 7
RESIGNATION OF MEMBERSHIP
A. The membership of any member of the IAFF-MG shall be terminated after the member has submitted a written request for such termination to his/her respective District Event Coordinator. Upon acceptance of a member’s resignation, the former member will discontinue displaying Colors.
B. RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION: Subject to the provisions of Article 5, Section B (Life Membership), all rights, privileges, interest and representation of a member will cease upon his/her resignation and/or termination.
ARTICLE 8
SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
A. IAFFMG COMMITTEE: The Committee will have the power, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, to vote to rescind the membership of any member for conduct, which they determine, is contrary to the philosophy or objectives of the IAFF-MG. Reason could be for any of the following:
- Conduct which results in arrest, indictment and conviction for criminal acts in violation of local, state or federal law.
- Failure to pay dues, fees or assessments established by the Committee and these By-Laws.
- In the case of a regular member, loss of employment, in activities as defined in Article 5/Section “A”, due to any reason other than retirement.
- The proceedings and decision of the Committee in such matters will be properly recorded and be available for review.
ARTICLE 9
REINSTATEMENT
The IAFF-MG Committee may reinstate any member who has been suspended after receiving such demand with application. Members must pay a fine for suspension reinstatement. This fine will be equal to 1 year’s dues and in addition to any other dues and assessments that may be due. All applications for reinstatement must be submitted, in writing.
ARTICLE 10
MEMBERSHIP DUES
A. IAFF-MG ACTIVE MEMBER'S DUES: The IAFF-MG is a Group of and within the International Association of Fire Fighters. Dues will be established to be used solely for IAFF-MG administration and events.Annual dues of $50.00 [U.S. or Canadian] per member will be paid to the treasury of the IAFF-MG. It shall be the responsibility of the each member to pay their dues on time. The District Event Coordinator shall be apprised of dues payment status by the IAFF-MG Vice-Chair of members within their respective districts. IAFF-MG dues shall be paid in October of each year (in advance for the following year) and no later than December 1st of that year. Any member who fails to pay their IAFF-MG dues by December 1st of each year shall be automatically suspended.
B. IAFF-MG ASSOCIATE MEMBER'S DUES: The IAFF-MG is a Group of and within the International Association of Fire Fighters. Associate Member's Dues will be established to be used solely for IAFF-MG administration and events.Annual dues of $25.00 [U.S. or Canadian] per member will be paid to the treasury of the IAFF-MG. It shall be the responsibility of the each associate member to pay their dues on time. The District Event Coordinator shall be apprised of dues payment status by the IAFF-MG Vice-Chair of members within their respective districts. IAFF-MG dues shall be paid in October of each year (in advance for the following year) and no later than December 1st of that year. Any member who fails to pay their IAFF-MG dues by December 1st of each year shall be automatically suspended.
C: LIFE MEMBER'S DUES: The IAFF-MG is a Group of and within the International Association of Fire Fighters. Life Member's Dues will be established to be used solely for IAFF-MG administration and events.Annual dues of $25.00 [U.S. or Canadian] per member will be paid to the treasury of the IAFF-MG. It shall be the responsibility of the each associate member to pay their dues on time. The District Event Coordinator shall be apprised of dues payment status by the IAFF-MG Vice-Chair of members within their respective districts. IAFF-MG dues shall be paid in October of each year (in advance for the following year) and no later than December 1st of that year. Any member who fails to pay their IAFF-MG dues by December 1st of each year shall be automatically suspended.
ARTICLE 11
MEETINGS
IAFF-MG MEETINGS: Meetings of the Committee of the IAFF-MG shall be held at least annually at a time and place as designated by the President. The District Event Coordinator[s] shall, at a minimum, coordinate within their IAFF District boundaries two events per year.
ARTICLE 12
IAFF-MG LOGO
The IAFF-MG logo is sole property of the IAFF-MG and NTERNTIONAL ASSOCIATION of FIRE FIGHTERS. Use of the IAFF-MG Logo is only authorized with the permission of the IAFF-MG Committee and the approval of the President. No other use is authorized.
ARTICLE 13
LIABILITY
All individuals, including members and guests, participating in any IAFF-MG event may be required to sign a liability release form. Additionally, all members shall sign a liability release form at time of application for membership to the IAFF-MG.
ARTICLE 14
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be amended by the IAFF-MG Committee. Such amendment proposals shall be communicated to the members and shall not be acted on until 90 days after such notice is given to allow for input from the members.
ARTICLE 15
DISSOLUTION
Upon the dissolution of the Group or the winding up of its affairs, or any other liquidation of its assets, the Group’s property and assets shall be conveyed to International Association of Fire Fighters. Under no circumstance shall the assets or property of the IAFF-MG become the property or possession of the members or any individual member of the IAFF-MG.
No other patches shall ever be worn on the rear of the vest.
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