By-Laws

BY-LAWS OF THE TULSA UNIFORM & LEATHER SEEKERS ASSOCIATION (T.U.L.S.A.)


ARTICLE I - TITLE AND PURPOSE

SECTION 1: TITLE

The name of this organization shall be the “TULSA UNIFORM AND LEATHER SEEKERS ASSOCIATION”, hereafter referred to as T.U.L.S.A.

SECTION 2: PURPOSE

A. INTERESTS

This association is for people interested in uniforms, leather, levi, motorcycles and the celebration of our special interests.

B. OPEN MEMBERSHIP

This association of persons is open to all individuals, regardless of race,religion, gender, sexual orientation or national origin, and is dedicated to educating the community and promoting unity in social, charitable and political ways.

ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1: MEMBERSHIP

Membership shall include active, associate and honorary members.

A. ACTIVE MEMBERS

{1. Active members must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must reside within the state of Oklahoma or receive 100% approval of the Executive Board at the time of application.

2. A non refundable installation fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) shall be paid upon application for active membership to cover current year dues.

3. There will be no limit on the number of active members.

4. Each active member shall have voting privileges.

5. Active members are required to attend all general meetings. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, he/she shall notify one of the Executive Board members prior to the next board meeting.

6. Dues for active members shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per year.

7. Active members with three (3) unexcused absences or two (2) months delinquent dues shall be notified in writing by the Secretary to appear at a meeting of the Executive Board to show cause why they should not have their membership terminated and colors removed. The decision of the Executive Board is final and is not subject to appeal.

8. Active members shall purchase, at their own expense (non refundable), a large club patch to be worn on the back of a vest, jacket or overlay. Club colors shall be worn at all T.U.L.S.A. meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of T.U.L.S.A.

B. ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

1. Associate members must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and must reside outside the Greater Tulsa area or receive 100% approval of the Executive Board at the time of application. They shall be:

a. A person who is an active member in good standing of another uniform, leather, levi or motorcycle club may be voted on for associate membership at the first meeting after his/her credentials have been checked.

b. A person who is not a member of another uniform, leather, levi or motorcycle club may be voted on after a three (3) month introductory period.

2. A non-refundable installation fee of fifteen dollars ($15) shall be paid upon application for associate membership to cover current year dues.

3. There will be no limit on the number of associate members.

4. Associate members must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.

5. Associate members shall not have voting privileges but may discuss issues.

6. Associate members are encouraged to attend all general meetings.

7. Dues for associate members shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) per year.

8. Associate members who are two (2) months delinquent in their dues shall be notified in writing by the Secretary to appear at a meeting of the Executive Board to show cause why they should not have their associate membership terminated and colors removed. The decision of the Executive Board is final and is not subject to appeal.

9. Associate members shall purchase, at their own expense a shoulder club patch. Shoulder club colors shall be worn at all T.U.L.S.A. meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities. Club colors shall remain the property of T.U.L.S.A.

C. ALUMNI MEMBERS

1. Alumni members are long-time members, in good standing, who move away from the Tulsa area yet wish to remain a part of T.U.L.S.A.. They shall:

a. Be a person who is an active member in good standing of T.U.L.S.A. at the time of their relocation away from this area.

b. State to the club in writing, their desire to become an alumni member of T.U.L.S.A..

2. There will be no limit on the number of alumni members.

3. Alumni members must receive a three-fourths affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.

4. Alumni members shall not have voting privileges but may discuss issues.

5. Alumni members are encouraged to attend any general meetings.

6. Dues for Alumni members shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00 per year).

7. Alumni members who are two (2) months delinquent in their dues shall be notified in writing by the Secretary to appear at a meeting of the Executive Board to show cause why they should not have their alumni membership terminated and colors removed. The decision of the Executive Board is final and is not subject to appeal.

8. Alumni members may retain their club colors and are encouraged to wear them at all T.U.L.S.A. meetings, functions, bar nights, runs and other activities.

9. Club colors shall remain the property of T.U.L.S.A.

D. HONORARY MEMBERS

1. Those non-members who in the opinion of T.U.L.S.A. have made major contributions to and have supported the purpose of T.U.L.S.A., shall be considered for honorary membership.

2. Honorary members must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.

3. There will be no limit to the number of honorary members.

4. Honorary members must receive a 100% affirmative vote by the active members present at the meeting.

5. Honorary members shall not have voting privileges but may discuss issues.

6. Honorary members are encouraged to attend all general meetings.

7. There shall be no dues for honorary members.

8. Honorary members shall have the option to purchase at their own expense, the back and/or shoulder club colors. Club colors shall remain the property of T.U.L.S.A.

9. Honorary members may wear club colors at T.U.L.S.A. meetings, functions, bar nights, runs or other activities.

SECTION 2: CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE

A. WEARING CLUB COLORS

No active, associate or honorary member of T.U.L.S.A. shall allow anyone else to wear his/her club colors at any time.

B. FAVORABLE CONDUCT

Each active, associate and honorary member and pledge must realize that he/she is a public representative of T.U.L.S.A. and as such must conduct him/herself with dignity and responsibility to reflect favorably on fellow members and T.U.L.S.A. in general.

C. GROSS MISCONDUCT

Gross misconduct or heinous behavior in public while wearing club colors or at T.U.L.S.A. functions will not be tolerated. This includes, but not limited to: theft, willful destruction of property, selling or consumption of drugs or excessive use of alcohol.

D. DISCIPLINE

Such behavior will be reviewed by the Executive Board. In the event the Executive Board finds that an act of Gross Misconduct or Heinous behavior has occurred, then disciplinary action will be determined at the next regular membership meeting. Disciplinary action may include, at a minimum a reprimand and, at maximum termination of membership and revocation of club colors based on a decision by three-fourths of the voting members present.

SECTION 3: PLEDGESHIP

A. PURPOSE OF PLEDGESHIP

Pledgeship is to allow an applicant for active membership the opportunity to show his/her interest and support of T.U.L.S.A.’s purposes and the ability to work with members to accomplish its goals.

B. PROCESS OF PLEDGESHIP

The process of pledgeship will include:

1. Becoming acquainted with the Executive Board and the other members of T.U.L.S.A. who will explain its purposes, interests and functions.

2. Being allowed to attend not more than two (2) regular meetings with a sponsor.

3. Being asked to declare his/her interest and intent toward T.U.L.S.A.

4. Completing an application form with a sponsor’s signature and submitting it to the Pledge Master, along with a non refundable installation fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) to cover current year dues.

5. Completing a minimum three (3) month probationary pledgeship, during which time the pledge will be expected to study and learn the by-laws, attend all regular meetings and as many other functions as possible. Probationary period may be shorter if the pledge is an active member in good standing of another uniform, leather, levi or motorcycle club and they receive 100% approval of the active members present to be accepted as an active member.

6. Being assigned a project by the Pledge Master that the pledge will do for the club. This must be completed before the pledge will be considered for membership. This project is tailored to show the club, the pledge’s willingness to work in and on future projects.

7. Wearing the “T.U.L.S.A. PLEDGE” armband to all meetings and functions.

8. Being voted on at the meeting following the three (3) month probationary period and after acceptance of the by-laws and completion of project. A pledge must receive three-fourths approval of the active members present to be accepted as an active member.

9. Purchase of club colors.

SECTION 4: RESIGNATIONS

A. METHOD OF RESIGNING

Any active, associate or honorary member of T.U.L.S.A. may resign from membership at any time by submitting a letter of resignation to the Executive Board along with the club colors.

B. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESIGNATIONS

All resignations will be announced at the next regular meeting.

ARTICLE III - EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1: EXECUTIVE BOARD

The Executive Board shall consist of the following: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Historian, Road Master, Master at Arms, and WebMaster.

A. PRESIDENT

1. The President shall plan and preside at all board and regular meetings.

2. The President shall appoint all committees.

3. The President shall call for executive board members nominations each November.

B. VICE-PRESIDENT

1. The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in his/her absence.

2. The Vice-President shall be the chairperson of all committees.

C. SECRETARY

1. The Secretary shall record, transcribe and distribute copies of the minutes of all regular and Executive Board meetings.

2. The Secretary shall keep a file of the approved minutes of all meetings, signed by the President.

3. The Secretary shall keep a record of attendance at all meetings.

4. The Secretary shall be responsible for all correspondence and keeping a file of the same.

5. The Secretary shall be responsible for all administrative distributions to members and pledges as directed by the Executive Board.

6. The Secretary shall keep an up to date copy of all by-laws with amendments and changes and shall provide copies of the by-laws to all members.

D. TREASURER

1. The Treasurer shall be in charge of and record all financial matters. Detailed records must be kept of all incomes and all expenses.

2. The Treasurer shall notify all active, associate, and alumni members of dues owed and collect them in a timely manner.

3. The Treasurer shall provide a detailed financial report at each monthly meeting.

4. Each December, the Treasurer shall publish a yearly written financial report to be presented to the Executive Board, the general membership and such governmental agencies required by law.

5. The Treasurer shall file all tax returns as may be required by law.

6. The Executive Board, except the Treasurer, shall direct audits of all financial records kept by the Treasurer, including frequency of audits, and appointing a person(s) to conduct the audits.

E. HISTORIAN

1. The Historian shall keep a pictorial and written record of all T.U.L.S.A. events and meetings.

2. The Historian shall be responsible for publishing and maintaining historical records of the club quarterly newsletter. This may be in a print or electronic format.

3. Retain memorabilia – t-shirts, pins, dog tags, etc. from events or other club activities.

F. ROAD MASTER

1. The Road Master shall be responsible for T.U.L.S.A. outings and road tours. This shall include route, lodging, parties and all other necessary arrangements.

2. The Road Master shall keep a file of all notices concerning parties, run applications and other activities and shall ensure they are communicated to the membership.

G. MASTER AT ARMS

1. The Master at Arms shall be responsible for all physical property of T.U.L.S.A. not under the purview of other officers.

2. The Master at Arms shall maintain an inventory of all property which shall be audited by the Executive Board.

3. The Master at Arms shall be responsible for arranging transportation of the required properties to and from all functions.

4. The Master at Arms shall maintain order at all meetings and functions.

H. PLEDGE MASTER

1. The Pledge Master shall be in charge of all pledge activities.

2. The Pledge Master shall Receive applications for club membership from potential pledges. Track and record attendance at club functions during the time allocated for the pledge’s three (3) month probationary period.

3. The Pledge Master shall insure all pledges have studied the by-laws, fully understand them, and has witnessed the signing by the pledge, and submitted a signed copy of agreement.

4. The Pledge Master shall assign all pledges their project(s) as described in the Process of Pledgeship.

5. The Pledge Master shall monitor the conduct, meeting attendance, and project performance of all pledges, and shall report his/her findings at the meeting during which the pledge is considered for membership.

SECTION 2: GENERAL

A. IMPEACHMENT

Any officer can be impeached for gross dereliction of duty. Any active member, in writing to the Executive Board, may initiate impeachment proceedings. A simple majority of the Executive Board, except for the concerned officer who shall not vote on his/her own impeachment, is required to bring the impeachment to the full vote of the active membership. A three-fourths majority of active members present is required to remove an officer.

B. DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS

All expenses incurred by T.U.L.S.A. must be justified and receipts presented to the Treasurer prior to payment. Authorities for expenditures are as follows:

1. Any officer may spend up to twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per expenditure in fulfilling his/her office without prior approval.

2. An expense over twenty-five dollars ($25.00) but less than one hundred dollars ($100.00) per expenditure must be pre-approved by a majority vote of the Executive Board.

3. An expense over one hundred dollars ($100.00) per expenditure must be pre- approved by majority vote of the active membership.

C. CHECKING ACCOUNT SIGNATURES

The Treasurer shall maintain a checking account. All accounts must require two signatures for withdrawal of funds. The Treasurer, President and Secretary may all be authorized signators,

D. SPECIAL AWARDS

The Executive Board shall recognize and provide special awards to individuals and other clubs.

SECTION 3: ELECTION OF OFFICERS

A. NOMINATION RESTRICTIONS

Nominations for officers are limited to active members in good standing.

B. OPEN NOMINATIONS

The President shall open the floor for further nominations each November.

C. SECRET BALLOT

If there is more than one nomination for an office, voting for that office shall be by secret ballot.

D. TIME OF ELECTIONS

Election of officers shall be at the December meeting.

E. TERM OF OFFICE

Newly elected officers shall serve for a one year period beginning on January 1st of the new calendar year.

SECTION 4: RESIGNATIONS

A. OFFICER’S RESIGNATION

An officer may resign in writing to the Executive Board.

B. MORE THAN TWO (2) MONTHS

If more than (2) months remain in the term of office, an election will be held at the next general meeting.

C. LESS THAN TWO (2) MONTHS

If two (2) months or less remain, the situation will be handled as follows:

1. In case of the President’s resignation, then the Vice-President will assume the duties of the President.

2. In the case of other officers, the President will appoint a successor for that office, subject to the approval of a majority of the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IV - MEETINGS

SECTION 1: REGULAR MEETINGS

A. REGULAR MEETINGS

Regular meetings will be held at a specific date and time to be determined by the Executive Board and to be approved by the present active members.

B. EMERGENCY MEETINGS

Emergency meetings may be called at any time by the Executive Board or by three (3) or more active members.

C. RESCHEDULING MEETINGS

In case of extenuating circumstances (i.e.: inclement weather), the Executive Board shall be responsible for rescheduling the meeting and notifying members of the new date and time.

D. RULES OF ORDER

Meetings shall be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order.

E. QUORUM REQUIRED (issues)

Business may be conducted at the regular meetings with a quorum of 50% plus one (1) active members present.

1. If a quorum is not met, the meeting may proceed as planned and no business should be conducted.

2. Should there be a matter that needs immediate attention with no quorum present, the members present may ask the executive board to poll the absent voting members so as to get a majority consensus to approve the measure.

3.This exception to the quorum, shall not be used to amend the by-laws, elect officers or conduct business that can wait till the next scheduled meeting.

SECTION 2: EXECUTIVE MEETINGS

A. PRIOR TO GENERAL MEETINGS

The Executive Board shall meet prior to the regular meetings. Electronic or phone conferencing may be used for Executive Board Meetings.

B. CLOSED EXCEPT BY INVITATION

The Executive Board meetings shall be closed to the general members, except by invitation.

C. REQUEST BY ACTIVE MEMBER

Any active member may request a meeting of the Executive Board.


ARTICLE VI - DISBANDMENT

SECTION 1: PROCEDURE

To insure that T.U.L.S.A.’s direction continues to be nonprofit, in the event of disbandment, the remaining active members shall decide by majority vote which assets to donate to charitable or nonprofit organizations and which to sell at auction.

SECTION 2: DISPOSAL OF FUNDS

All of T.U.L.S.A.’s funds shall be donated to the charitable or nonprofit organization(s) selected by majority decision of the remaining active members.


LIABILITY DISCLAIMER:

I agree that the members, operators, owners and agents of T.U.L.S.A. (hereinafter referred to as the club) or the club’s locations may not be liable in any way for any occurrence in conjunction with the club’s activities, which may result in injury, death or damage to me.

In consideration for being allowed to attend these activities and undertakings, I release the aforementioned club members, location owners, operators and agents, including but not limited to the person mentioned, from any harm, injury or damage, which may befall me, while I attend or participate therewith, whether foreseen or unforeseen; and further to save and hold harmless said activities and club members, location owners, operators and agents for any claim by me or by my family, estate, heirs or assigns, arising out of my attendance and participation in the club activities.

I further state that I assume all risk or claim which may arise in connection with such activities. I further state that I assume all responsibilities of participation in this, the club’s activities. I further state that I am physically fit. It is further understood and agreed that all rights of recovery under applicable Oklahoma Law, similar law of any state or territory of the United States, including any rights under Federal Law are hereby expressly waived.

I further state that I am of legal age and am legally competent to sign this release; and that I understand the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital; and will abide by this document as my own free act. I have informed myself of the content of this release by reading it.

I hereby irrevocably consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by you, or anyone authorized by you, of any and all photography, which you have taken of me in connection with this event, negative or positive, for any purpose in promoting the club events without compensation to me. All negatives and positives together with the prints shall constitute your property, solely and completely.

Finally, I agree to abide by the regulations, notwithstanding the other provisions of this agreement.