Some frequently asked questions about the American Legion Riders Program
Listed below are some questions that have come up pertaining to the
American Legion Riders. I have attempted to answer these questions to the
best of my ability. In many cases these answers are given from
information based not only on what has happened in
Q. Where do we go to get our Patches for the American Legion Riders?
A. Patches are now available through the American Legion
National Emblem Sales. To the best of my knowledge no other source is
authorized to produce the patch. The patch contains the copyright emblem
of the American Legion and therefore can not be reproduced without the express
written permission of the American Legion. We had this authorization
prior to the American Legion emblem sales taking over the sale of the Patch,
but when the patch became available through National Emblem sales our authorization
expired about the same time. One of our members inquired to
National if any other manufacturer is authorized to make the Patch other
than National Emblem Sales. The answer came back from a Mr.
Jeff Brown in the National Adjutants office. This was his reply
in his return e-mail (Dated
Q. How about getting T-shirts made?
A. The American Legion National Emblem Sales will be coming out with T-shirts and hats (and possibly pins and belt buckles) in the future. For any chapter who wants to get them right away, they will have to properly submit a request to have them made Locally. Contact me for information and how to get the proper authorization through your Department from National.
Q. Is the American Legion Riders Program recognized as a non-profit organization?
A. I am not a lawyer, nor do I pretend to be an expert at non-profit organizations. I know that the American Legion is a non-profit organization under the rules of IRS code section 501C and most Post (if not all) have a Federal Tax number. The American Legion Riders program does not currently have a Federal Tax number that is for use of all the Chapters to fall under. Remember that each ALR Chapter falls under the Sponsorship of a local Post. Details for opening up a checking account and other financial matters should be worked out with your Post, if you should so desire. As far as I am aware most chapters work to stay under the "umbrella" of the sponsoring Post since the ALR is really a program of the Post anyway. Again, this should be worked out with your own Post as to what will work best for your group.
Q. Do we need to incorporate our Chapter?
A. The Michigan Chapter incorporated a few years ago as the American Legion Riders Inc. We did this on some advice from our attorney (we did not have to, but he was willing to do it for free - what the heck!). There is no requirement to incorporate and here again that may be left up to each Chapter to see what "Fits" in their own Post. If you think you may want to incorporate then talk to your sponsoring Post and get the opinion and advice of an attorney.
Q. Can our Local Chapter change the By-laws to fit our Post?
A. Yes. The By-laws that we started with were very loose and provided only a means to provide some uniform structure. You can change them to best fit the needs of your Post, District and Department. We only ask that you keep the basic structure in tact and do not change your by-laws to anything that would be in direct conflict with the original ALR by-laws or with the rules or by-laws of your Post, District or Department. The original by-laws were intentionally written to help individual chapters retain a certain structure but still allow each chapter to be unique. In the American Legion each Post has it's own by-laws, they are similar in structure, but can vary from Post to Post. Basically the By-laws of any ALR chapter should contain all the wording in the original by-laws plus any other amendments the Chapter feels is of benefit to their program. Changes in the wording are permitted provided the intent remains the same.
Q. When was the American Legion Rider program started?
A. It was first started at Post 396 in Garden City
Q. How many members do I need to start a chapter?
A. Just enough to fill the needs of the chapter offices. You do not need a large group to start a chapter. Many chapters have formed with the interest of one or two members. From there they got a few others involved and held a meeting. They got the permission of their local Post and then they were on their way. Most chapters have grown by bringing new members in to the American Legion. Word spreads pretty quickly.
Q. Motorcycle clubs have rules for what type of items can be worn on a vest with the Emblem, what are our rules?
A. In the first place the American Legion Riders program was
never intended to act as a motorcycle club. We are not an M/C and should
never consider ourselves as such! As far as what can be worn on the vest,
along with the ALR emblem, can be left up to each Chapter. Here in
Q. Is Michigan the National Chapter?
A. As the ALR program started to grow there became the need to have a "National" organization to keep some continuity between the Chapters. We sent out a resolution to each existing chapter last year to vote on Michigan becoming the National Chapter. I sent copies of this resolution out to all the chapters I knew of to be in existence at that time (approx. 17 chapters). I received positive replies from all but one (Colorado). The purpose was to declare Michigan the "Acting National Chapter" until such time as we were able to have a convention, or other means, to elect a National Board of Officers. As the "Acting National Chapter" we do what we can to establish communication amongst chapters and act as a National Database for all existing chapters. Our only other function is to assist Chapters in their development and to provide any means of support that we can. We do not collect any type of National Dues nor is our job to rule over disputes in other chapters. We may help to assist chapters to clarify the by-laws that we sent them and may offer a personal opinion on a particular problem they may have, but it is only an opinion based on experiences that we, or another chapter, may have experienced. If you know of another Chapter that may not be in this database please let them know to contact me. Also if your chapter has newly elected officers, a change in address or any other pertinent information please have them contact me so I can update these records.
Q. Now that National is selling the patch, what stops non-members from buying it?
A. I think it may serve to enhance the growth of the ALR program. Since the inception of the program it was always thought that one day it would become a part of a National Program of the American Legion. This is one of the beginning steps. Our hope is that by putting it in to the National Emblem Sales Catalog that it will bring more attention to the program.
As far as the chances of someone buying the patch without being a member can happen, but I think that will be an exception if it does. At least by going through National you must be a member of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. Also I was told that National Emblem Sales would no longer authorize anyone else to make the Patch. They have full right to do this as it contains the copyrighted emblem of the American Legion. The last time Michigan and Texas applied to have patches made locally, we were given only limited authorization, which expired about the time National started selling the patch.
I believe we need to give this a real chance as the benefits could far outweigh the risk. I have gotten word from National that, in the near future, they will also be coming out with ALR shirts and hats. If things go good they told me they might even consider things like belt buckles, pins, etc. This could become an excellent opportunity, if we help it to work.
If it does become an issue where too many patches are being sold to non members, who are not interested in joining the ALR, we will then try to work out something with National. When you do order a patch they will ask you what chapter you are a member of, or if you order on-line it prompts you to fill in your Chapter name.
Also you need to understand that, up to this point, any member of the American Legion could have applied for authorization to make the patch locally and turned around and sold it to any one they wanted. At least now the American Legion is controlling the Manufacture and sale of the patch within their guidelines.
Q. Should our program become a program of our Department?
A. I think that each program should become a program of the department, especially when more than one chapter exist. This may allow for better coordination between different chapters and may allow for a State (Department) level board of Officers. If the American Legion Riders program is already a program of your Department then you should check with the ALR State (Department) Officers for more information on the program in your State. If the program is not a Department Program then you should contact your Department Adjutant for details on how to get the program at the Department level.
Q. Is the American Legion Riders program recognized, officially, by the National American Legion?
A. No. Although they do work with us by distributing our Patch and help to promote our program. We currently are in the process of getting the program to a National level through proper channels. This could take some time, as to do it properly can be a lengthily process. It is my opinion, based on conversations with various people in National, that once the program is adopted at the National level each Department will have the control of their own chapters. Also, when the program becomes a National program, anything that is stated in this question and answer section may be subject to change.
Q. Are there any forms that I need to keep updated as I form a new chapter or my chapter changes officers?
A. Yes, we ask that each time a new Chapter is formed or when there is a change in Officers that a new Chapter Data Form be filled out. A copy of this form can be obtained by going to the menu of the American Legion Riders Community Web Site and look in the Documents section. In that section you will see a form titled "Data Form". The form is self explanatory and can be sent by mail or by e-mail.
To join this web site go to: http://communities.msn.com/AmericanLegionRidersInc
This is a “members only” web community so you will need to apply for membership to the web site if you are not currently a member. When applying please let us know where you are from and what State and Post Chapter you are with. If you have any problem getting in please contact me.
If you have any other questions, please contact me. If they are of General interest I will add them to this page.
Bill Kaledas
30215 Rush
Garden City, Mi. 48135
(734) 421-7146
email: bkaledas@hotmail.com