S.O.B.E.R. MC By-Laws

 

Mission Statement: To form a fellowship based on the principles of recovery, set forth in numerous 12-step programs, being united by our love for a better way of life and motorcycle riding. We will strive to help, support, and encourage others in recovery by living the program in our daily lives, and being examples of how it works.

 

 

Membership:

 Membership is restricted to those 18 years and older with a minimum of 6 months of continuous clean and sober living. The following guidelines are set forth to separate us from others.
  1. All members must be actively involved in a 12-step recovery program and must attend meetings of their choosing on a weekly basis at a minimum.
    1. Mindful that being involved is the key to attracting others to our way of life, all members are encouraged to become involved in service work outside of their regular meetings.
  2. All members must own a motorcycle that is capable of highway travel and must show proof of the state requirements for insurance and licensing.
  3. All members must refrain from taking any mood altering substances.
    1. If prescribed by a licensed physician, medication that affects a member’s pain level, thought process or demeanor, this must be brought to the attention of at least two officers, one being a Road Captain. This is done to insure said medications are taken only as prescribed and a potential relapse situation can be averted.
    2. Mindful that perception is greater than reality, all members must refrain from drinking non-alcoholic type drinks fearing that someone in recovery may perceive the use of alcohol and the entire club's reputation is harmed.
  4. All members and prospects will wear colors or shirt or jacket that signifies membership or future membership in SOBER MC to all recovery meetings and events when possible. It is suggested that they be worn when riding a motorcyle to or from a club event. They must be worn at all S.O.B.E.R. MC events.
  5. Colors are NOT to be worn by anyone that is not a member or prospective member of SOBER MC.
  6. Loss of colors carries a $100.00 fine plus replacement costs at the time of infraction.
  7. All Colors, patches, hats, shirts, jackets or any item with the SOBER MC club insignia remains the property of SOBER MC. In the event a member leaves the club at anytime all said items must be returned to the club within 24 hours of departure. The Sergeant at Arms of said charter will arrange the return of items and the payment of any monies owed by the former member. In the event he or she is not available, an appointed officer will act in their place.
  8. All members must attend regular scheduled business meetings. All members are to contact the President/Vice-President if they are going to be absent from a patch meeting. If there are 3 months with no contact, a verbal warning will be issued. If a 4th month occurs, center patch will be taken.
  9. Individual Charters determine dues.
    1. Dues must be kept up to date.
  10. All members must attend three mandatory club runs each year, one being the run for all charters worldwide.
  11. In the event a member relapses the following course of action will be taken.
    1. First Relapse: Loss of center patch and return to prospect status for a minimum of 6 months.
    2. Second Relapse: Loss of center patch for a minimum of 1 year. Return of center patch must be voted on by the full membership. Approval takes a unanimous vote by all full patch members.
  12. Reinstatement of a member in the case of (11.A.); Person may be voted on by full membership at 6 months and every 30 days thereafter, until a unanimous vote of full membership is reached. If after 9 months Prospect is not returned to full patch status, a new Prospect period begins. All items signifying full membership in S.O.B.E.R. MC must be returned.
  13. If a person turns in their colors, and decided to return to SOBER MC, they must start as a new prospect.

     

    Prospects:

      1. Prospects must adhere to all basic membership principles set forth by the club and be eligible for membership before prospecting period can begin.
      2. The prospect period varies depending on the individual and their actions during this time. The following basic requirements must be met in order to be eligible for full membership.
        1. 6 months continuous clean and sober time.
        2. Active involvement in a 12-step recovery program.
        3. Capable of riding a motorcycle safely and legally with other members of the club.
        4. Attendance and participation at designated club events.
        5. When the above requirements are met, a person can be considered for prospect status.
      3. At the time of consideration for membership the objection of 2 or more members will result in the tabling of said prospect for membership at that time. In the event 1 member is opposed, discussion will be tabled until the next patch meeting where the single decenting vote rule will not apply. In any case, said Prospect must receive a unanimous affirmative vote to become a full member of S.O.B.E.R. MC.
        4.

        Colors:

         Colors shall display only patches signifying membership in S.O.B.E.R. MC. In addition, memorial patches for club members of S.O.B.E.R. MC may also be worn. Any other patches or additons shall be determined by S.O.B.E.R. MC, as set forth in club guidelines.

        Tattoos:

         A full patch member may get a tatoo of the club name and/or insignia of S.O.B.E.R. MC on his or her person. In the event a person leaves the club due to relapse and/or bad terms, said person shall have the tattoo blacked out or covered over at the convenience of S.O.B.E.R. MC. If the person leaves on good terms, a visible out date must be tattooed below the designation within 30 days of terminating membership or before leaving town.

        Revised 1/7/2007 by S.O.B.E.R. MC at annual by-laws meeting.

    | Home | Mission | Who We Are | Membership |
    | Event Calendar | Photos | Contact | Friends |