Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the American Legion Riders

(Submit questions to legionriders@legion.org)

Q. Is the American Legion Riders program recognized, officially, by the National American Legion?

A. Yes. The National Executive Committee of the American Legion officially adopted the American Legion Riders as a National program with Resolution #35 in October of 2007. This resolution may be viewed or downloaded here.

Q. Is there a National Constitution and By-Laws for The American Legion Riders?

A. No. However, there is a Suggested Constitution and By-Laws template for the use of any ALR program interested in developing a local chapter or state program. This template is based on and fully complies with Resolution 35. This template may be viewed or downloaded here.

Q. How do I start an ALR chapter at my Post?

A. The process is easier than you might think. No charter paperwork is necessary, but in accordance with Resolution 35, a chapter must be supported by a post or department of The American Legion. There is no national chapter. The following steps are suggested:

• Get the approval of the sponsoring Post or Department.

• Contact your department headquarters or department ALR liaison to see if there is another chapter in your state nearby. If so, please inform them of your intention to start a chapter and get information on how their chapter is set up. They will very likely want to assist. Click here for the ALR contacts in your state.

• Set up your first meeting to discuss how your program will run, and develop your chapter’s constitution and by-laws for approval by the post leadership.

• At subsequent meetings elect chapter officers per your approved constitution, and report your new existence as an American Legion Riders Chapter to your department headquarters.

Q. Can we have members who do not own motorcycles or are not spouses of owners?

A. No. Resolution 35 states that each member shall own a motorcycle. (Since many states define marital property as jointly owned property, spouses are assumed to have part ownership of the motorcycle.)

Q. Can we allow girlfriends, friends, cousins, mothers, fathers, etc. to join as a regular member even if they are not eligible under the by-laws?

A. No. The membership eligibility requirements are clearly stated in National American Legion Resolution #35: “All members of The American Legion Riders shall be current members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion.” Membership criteria for the ALR is established not to exclude family and friends, but to comply with the constitutional requirements of the supporting post or department, which must adhere strictly to American Legion directives as well as local, state, and federal laws regarding veteran, civic and fraternal organizations.

Q. Where do we go to get our Patches for the American Legion Riders?

A. Patches are available through the American Legion National Emblem Sales. You can order by phone by calling 1-888-453-4466, or shop online at http://emblem.legion.org/ .

Q. How about T-shirts, hats, etc.?

A. The American Legion National Emblem Sales has a line of high quality T-shirts, motorcycle gear, flags, hats, pins and many other items for Riders. These items may be viewed and purchased through the American Legion National Emblem Sales either on-line, by mail (catalog) or by phone. Visit The American Legion Emblem Sales Store at http://emblem.legion.org/ .

Q. Are The American Legion Riders recognized as a non-profit organization?

A. Each ALR Chapter is supported as a subordinate program by a post or department in accordance with Resolution 35, and generally enjoys the same non-profit status as any other post or department program. However, different activities performed by the ALR may or may not be considered as “non-profit’ so you must always check with your post or department for guidance.

Q. Can our Local Chapter change the Suggested Constitution and By-laws to fit our Post?

A. Yes. The suggested ALR Constitution and Bylaws published by the national organization is designed as a starting point. Riders Chapters are extended the same courtesy given every American Legion Post since 1919: an autonomy and trust that the members will make the right decisions based on local conditions. Chapters must adhere strictly to the guidance of Resolution 35 and by the existing constitutions of the post and department, but Riders are given wide latitude to design their own programs with post or department approval.

Q. When and where was the American Legion Rider program started?

A. It was first started at Post 396 in Garden City, Michigan in the fall of 1993. Chuck (Tramp) Dare and the post commander, Bill (Polka Bill) Kaledas shared an idea to start an association of motorcycle enthusiasts within The American Legion. The two Legionnaires--both long-time riders--wanted to provide an environment where Legionnaires, Auxiliary, and Sons who shared a common love for motorcycles could come together. The Department of Michigan agreed with the concept, and provided the two riders and the 19 other founding members instructions on how to manage such a program at the post level. The members of Post 396 soon adopted a resolution for a new post program to be known as the "American Legion Riders,” establishing the birth of the new program.

The national organization recognized Garden City Post 396 with a commemorative plaque in 2007.

Q. How many members do I need to start a chapter?

A. The minimum number of new Riders needed to form a chapter is determined by the supporting post or department. Many chapters have formed with one or two members. Most chapters have grown quickly and have brought new members to the American Legion itself.

Q. Motorcycle clubs have rules for what type of items can be worn on a vest with the Emblem, what are our rules?

A. Resolution 35 states that “All ALR members shall strive to maintain the image of The American Legion, at all times upholding The American Legion name and emblem, which symbolizes the integrity and principles of this great organization.” Remember first that we are not a motorcycle club—there is no obligation to wear identifying clothing or patches. However, patches and vests are very popular with our members as a way to show pride and community. Contact your department headquarters, or neighboring ALR chapters, for guidance regarding the wear of the main ALR patch and other decorations on the vest and apparel. Many state or local ALR programs have developed standard wear and appearance policies, including restrictions on profane or inappropriate language.

Q. Is there some sort of “ALR National Committee”?

A. No. The riders have not authorized the formation of a national program, or national officers, or national dues, for The American Legion Riders. Riders have expressed a legitimate concern that a national structure might hamper the growth of the Riders in local programs. However, given the growth of the ALR since its founding in Michigan in 1993, the National Commander has appointed two prominent riders, Bill Kaledas (MI) and Terry Woodburn (IL) to represent the interests of The American Legion Riders to the Internal Affairs Commission.

Bill and Terry will also answer questions not covered here and have asked all riders to feel free to email them at any time.

Bill Kaledas, bkaledas@hotmail.com.

Terry Woodburn, twoodburn@illegion.org.

Q. Should our program become a program of our Department?

A. That is entirely a decision for the members of your department. In some departments the members have chosen not to form a statewide program, preferring to wait, perhaps, until more chapters form. In any case, riders should consult with the department leadership for advice before embarking on a statewide program.

Q. Does our Chapter need special insurance since we ride motorcycles?

A. Resolution 35 requires the sponsoring post or department to review and ensure that liability insurance coverage is available to cover the organization. Remember that insurance laws vary greatly from state to state, so it is up to your chapter or post to decide what is best for you beyond that. All members are covered by personal insurance, and many existing post insurance policies may already cover the ALR as simply another program of the post. Please check with your post or department about coverage. Chapters frequently purchase special event coverage very inexpensively to cover specific events or even multi-day runs. Your best source of information? The agent or agency that provides the insurance coverage for your post. Shop around for the best rates.

Q. Do members of our Post’s ALR Chapter have to be members of our Post?

A. Many posts allow their ALR program to accept eligible Riders from other American Legion Posts, Units, and Squadrons. However, check with your sponsoring post or department. In some posts, the post or department constitution may prohibit members from outside of that particular post from being a member of, or to hold office within, a program supported by that post.

Q. Can we charge our Chapter members annual dues?

A. That would be at the discretion of each chapter after approval from the supporting post or department. There are no national ALR dues. Membership in the ALR is already dependent on membership dues paid to be a member of the Legion, the Auxiliary, or the SAL