Bylaws

Download the Alaska Bylaws in pdf here

 MEMBERSHIP PLEDGE

 “We pledge that as members of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, we, above all others shall set a good example and never bring dishonor to the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, our fraternity or ourselves. We pledge that we will support our brethren in the Widows Sons regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin, and will never knowingly bring reproach upon a fellow brother of the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association. We pledge to combat any forces, which would seek to undermine or bring reproach on the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association or its members, and we shall always strive to bring respect and dignity to the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association.  We will remain ever mindful of and act according to the Charge we received upon being raised as a Master Mason.”

Article 1: Name

Section 1. This organization shall be known as the Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, Alaska Grand Chapter, and hereafter referred to in these bylaws as the Association.

Article 2: Purpose

Section 1. This Association is for Freemasons who are motorcycle enthusiasts desiring fellowship with brethren who share a common interest.  The goal is to raise Masonic awareness and support our Blue Lodges through active attendance and by assisting in and attending lodge events and activities.   The Association is a not-for-profit organization.

Section 2. This Association is the parent chapter for all Alaska based Widows Sons Affiliated Chapters, and shall have jurisdiction over membership of any and all Alaska based Affiliated Chapters.

Article 3: Members and Officers

Section 1. Full membership in the Association is open to any Master Mason, who is a motorcycle owner and enthusiast, in good standing in the records of their Blue Lodge, if that lodge is recognized by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska.  Each full member of the Association shall have equal rights and privileges in connection with attending meetings and participation in the deliberations of such meetings.  

Full members may sponsor an Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft Mason from their Blue Lodge.  These individuals will be considered Provisional members until such time as they have attained the degree of Master Mason and qualify as full members.  They may not wear the Widows Sons patch.  Provisional members will be responsible for payment of active member dues and will be bound by all sections of the bylaws, except they will not have a vote in chapter business.

The Association may at its discretion offer Associate memberships to any individual or organization that wishes to support the Association so long as the individual or organization is not involved in any illegal activity or violates regularly accepted Masonic conduct. Associate members will not be issued and may not wear the Widows Son patch, nor will they have any right to vote or take part in the directing of official Association business. 

The Association may elect to extend “retired” status to full members who are no longer able to operate a motorcycle.  At the annual communication an elected officer of the Association may submit the name or names of members for consideration for “retired” status.  To be eligible for consideration the member(s) must be a full member in good standing.  Approval of “retired” status must be by unanimous vote of the members in attendance.  Retired members retain the rights and benefits of full membership except they may not hold any elected office.

Section 2. The elected Officers of the Association shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Guardian of Membership and Sergeant at Arms.  The offices of Guardian of Membership and Sergeant at Arms may be held by the same member.  These officers comprise the Executive Board of the Association, with the President acting as Chairman.  If affiliate chapters of the Association are established, the President of each affiliate chapter shall also be a member of the Executive Board.   The Executive Board shall act in the name of the Association for all business, including but not limited to approving establishment of affiliate chapters and setting membership fees and dues.  Terms of office shall be two years.    In the event an elected officer position becomes vacant, the Executive Board may appoint a member in good standing to fill the vacancy until the next annual meeting, at which time an election will be held.

Section 3. The President shall enforce all provisions of the bylaws, preside over all Association meetings, and countersign all checks for the withdrawal of funds from the accounts of the Association.

Section 4. The Vice-President, in the absence of the President, shall preside and perform all duties pertaining to the office of the President, and render such assistance as may be required.

Section 5. The Secretary shall maintain the minutes and records of all meetings of the Association and provide notice to the members of all meetings.   In the absence of the Treasurer the Secretary may countersign checks for the withdrawal of funds from the accounts of the Association, upon approval of the membership.

Section 6. The Treasurer is responsible for all financial assets of the Association.  The Treasurer shall countersign all checks for the withdrawal of funds from the accounts of the Association and together with the President, shall exercise joint custody and control over stocks, bonds, securities and other assets of the Association, upon approval of the membership.  The Treasurer shall provide a financial report at the Association’s annual meeting.

Section 7. The Guardian of Membership shall maintain the rolls of the members, collecting any fees or dues payments, and delivering those funds to the Treasurer.  The Guardian of Membership shall also ensure all members remain in good standing in the records of their home lodge.

Section 8. The Sergeant at Arms shall make sure that the bylaws are respected, that peace and harmony prevails at all Association functions, and that the intentions of the Association are carried out in the best interest of the members.  When participating in group rides outside of Alaska, the Sergeant at Arms will assist the President in ensuring appropriate notifications are made to other Motorcycle Clubs as may be necessary.

Section 9. The appointed officers of the Association shall be a Chaplain, a Road Captain(s) and an Activity Director(s).   Road Captains are responsible for setting up runs and Activity Directors are responsible for all fund raising activity.  Road Captains and/or Activity Directors may be appointed by the President for the different regions of Alaska as needed.

Article 4: Communications and Events

Section 1. The Association will hold an annual communication (meeting) each November to discuss business matters of the Association.  Officers will be elected on even numbered years and installed at the conclusion of the annual meeting.  The time, date, and location of the annual meeting will be announced to the members by the President at least one month in advance.  Three members of the Executive Board and three full members shall constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. 

Section 2. Executive Board business meetings may be called by the President throughout the year as needed, with due notice to the Board members.  Four members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum at Executive Board meetings.

Section 3. To promote the purpose of the Association, there shall be at least one long distance run each riding season.  The annual run should be of a distance of at least 300 miles or involve travel outside Alaska.  Local runs may be scheduled when three or more members wish to plan such a ride.  Members of the Association shall endeavor to participate in all runs, but more especially the annual run.  Members of the Association should also endeavor to participate in activities hosted by Alaska Coalition of Clubs members.

Section 4. The rules of order of the Masonic Code of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Alaska shall be the principle guide in the conduct of all Association meetings and events.  All conversations and discussions about Association or Masonic matters brought up during meetings must stay within the organization.

Article 5: Motorcycles

Section 1. All members must own and operate a legally licensed (for street use) motorcycle of at least 500cc. Exceptions to engine displacement size may be granted by the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis. All members must also possess a current motorcycle operators endorsement.

Section 2. Motorcycles must be kept in legal and safe operating condition during the riding season and able to participate in Association group rides. Any member operating an unsafe motorcycle or operating in an unsafe manner may be excluded from group rides for the safety of other riders.

Section 3. If a current active member disposes of his motorcycle he will be granted a period of 12 months to acquire another. If at the end of the 12 months he has not acquired another motorcycle of at least 500cc he may continue membership only as an Associate member, unless he is eligible for and granted “retired” status.

Article 6: Patches

Section 1. The Secretary will issue a “Widows Sons” logo patch to all eligible members upon receipt of applicable initiation fees.  Additional logo patches may be purchased by eligible members from the Guardian of the Membership.  The Widows Son logo patch will be worn on the upper center of the back of the wearer’s jacket or vest.  No other patches will be worn on the back of the jacket or vest.

Section 2. A U. S. Flag, with an Alaska flag patch just below, will be worn on the front left breast of the wearer’s jacket or vest.

Section 3. A Master Mason Square and Compass patch or Past Master patch (as appropriate) may be worn on the front right breast of the wearer’s jacket or vest.