ARTICLE I: ORGANIZATION

 

Section 1: Name

Henceforth we shall be known as The Excellent Brothers M.C. Ltd. Also known as Excelsior Men’s

Club (Excelsior M.C.). in acknowledgment of the motto of New York State, meaning “Ever Upward”.

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ARTICLE II: AUTHORITY & PURPOSE

 

Section 1: Authority

EXCELSIOR M.C.’s decisions and authority must adhere to Federal, State and local laws and to legal statutes, policies and other regulations of recognized legal authorities.

 

Section 2: Corporate Status

Excelsior M.C. shall be a not-for-profit (501c3) organization under the laws of the state of New York.

 

Section 3: Purpose

The men of Excelsior M.C. join in leather brotherhood dedicated to excellence in all of our activities, be they for enjoyment or charity, in which we participate. We are driven by a sense of community, education and charity and to better ourselves and the people in which we engage.

 

ARTICLE III: MEMBERSHIP

 

Section 1: Limits to Membership

A. The membership (FULL MEMBERS) of the organization shall be limited to thirty individuals who meet the qualifications of membership.

B. To qualify for membership, an individual must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and have a genuine interest in the community. He must possess character traits that are compatible with the other members of The Excellent Brothers M.C. Ltd. (Excelsior M.C.).

 

Section 2: Types of Memberships

Excelsior M.C. shall have members of the following categories:

a) Probationary Member (Pledge) – Non-Voting Applicant

b) Full Member – Voting Member

c) Affiliate Member – Non-Voting Member

d) Associate Member – Non-Voting Member

e) Honorary Member – Non-Voting Member

 

Section 3: Probationary (Pledge) Members

A. To be elected a probationary member, an individual must submit an application sponsored by two (2) members in good standing and must have previously attended one (1) regular business meeting and one (1) Club function (Bar Night or Social). A three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President is required for the individual to become a probationary member.

B. Should an individual become a probationary member, he will be required to pay an application fee in an amount equal to the then current quarterly dues of a full member. Should the probationary member leave before completion of his probationary period, or if he is not voted into full membership, the Club will refund his full application fee.

C. To be eligible for full membership in The Excellent Brothers M.C. Ltd. (Excelsior M.C.), a probationary member must, over a minimum four-month period, attend all Club activities, except for excused absences, attend one out-of-town Run and make a concerted effort to know the entire membership on a person-to-person basis.

D. During this minimum four (4) month period, the President or his designee will approve or assign one or two mentors (the sponsors) to the probationary member. It will be the duty of these mentors to guide the individual and to give a report to the President as to the status of the probationary member. The mentors’ responsibilities will include familiarizing the probationary member with the Constitution and traditions of the Club, reminding the individual of all Club dates and in general, introducing the probationary member to the Metro New York L/L Scene.

E. After the minimum four (4) month period, the mentors will advise the Club’s membership whether the individual is ready to be considered for full membership in the Club. A three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President is required for the individual to become a full member. Voting will be held in closed session and the probationary member shall not be present. The President will notify the probationary member of the results.

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Section 4: Full Membership and Standing

A. A member in good standing shall be entitled to vote on all Club matters, to attend and participate in all Club functions and to wear the Club colors. To be in good standing, a member must attend all official Club functions and must be current in the payment of dues or any other fees or payments due to the Club, unless extenuating circumstances exist. It will be the member’s responsibility to communicate such extenuating circumstances in advance, to the President, who shall determine if the member shall remain in good standing despite missing an official function or falling behind in his dues or payments.

B. If a member misses two (2) consecutive official Club functions (regular business meeting or bar nights), or fails to pay his dues for the prior quarter within one (1) month after the  beginning of the new quarter, or fails to pay any fees or payments due to the Club on time without submitting an excuse acceptable to the President (or his designee), such member shall not be in good standing and shall be suspended from all rights of membership in the Club.

C. If a member is excessively absent or excessively late for official Club functions, the President, who after conferring with the individual in private, may, in accordance with the provisions of Article VIII, Section B hereof, request a motion for suspension.

D. A suspension shall last a minimum of two (2) months unless extended or decreased by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President. A suspended member who demonstrates a willingness to correct his attendance record and/or to bring his dues or fees or payment balance current during his suspension will be reinstated. A member who is suspended twice during any-one (1) calendar year will automatically be expelled from the Club.

E. A member may request a three (3) month leave of absence for good cause by submitting a letter to the President. At the next business meeting, in closed session, the letter will be read aloud to the full membership present, and, after discussion, a vote will be taken upon the request. A member on a leave of absence will have voting privileges suspended and shall not be required to pay dues for one (1) quarter. If necessary, a three (3) month extension may be requested, following the same procedure. A member may shorten his leave by submitting a letter to the President after which the membership shall vote upon the request. A three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting, and those submitting a written proxy to the President shall be required for acceptance.

F. An absence shall be excused if such absence arises from a situation that is work related, health related or arises from such other situations qualifying as being excusable as determined by the President or the Presiding Officer. To obtain an excused absence, a member is required to contact the first available officer in order of rank, the member in charge of the event or the host of the meeting.

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Section 5: Associate Membership and Standing

A. Associate membership may be granted to individuals who are unable to become full members (because of distance, full membership in another similar club, or other constraints) by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those members submitting a written proxy to the President. To be elected an Associate member, an individual must submit an application sponsored by two (2) members in good standing and must have previously attended one (1) regular business meeting or one (1) Club function (Bar Night, Social or Run) within a twelve-month period of making application. Associate membership is granted upon request to Affiliate members in good standing who live outside of the tri-state (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) area that become full members in another similar club. Such membership entitles the Associate to attend all open meetings but does not include voting privileges. Associates shall not be considered part of the membership roll. This status shall be awarded only based on an individual’s active demonstration of service and brotherhood to The Excellent Brothers M.C. Ltd. (Excelsior M.C.). Associate Member dues will be one eighth (1/8) of the regular membership dues. If Associate’s dues are not received by the end of the first (1st) quarter of the new year or fails to attend one (1) regular business meeting or one (1) Club function (Bar Night, Social or Run) within a year, said membership can be revoked at the discretion of the President or his designee. Notices are to be sent out by the Treasurer to Associates during the last quarter, with a reminder to go out in the beginning of the first quarter of the following year. 

B. Associate membership may be revoked through the following procedure:

a. A motion is made and seconded as to the charges for removal;

b. The motion is then tabled to the next business meeting;

c. A letter is to be written to the Associate Member notifying him of the charges brought against him.

d. At the next meeting, the motion is read and discussed. All attempts are to be made to have the Associate Member present at such meeting to discuss the reasons for dissatisfaction. After discussion, a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of the members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President will be required for removal. Voting will be held in closed session and the Associate Member shall not be present for the voting. The President will notify the Associate Member of the decision of the membership.

C. Associate Colors/Insignia:

a. Associate members will receive a small patch to affix to their vest where they see fit.

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Section 6: Honorary Lifetime Membership and Standing

A. Honorary Lifetime membership may be granted only to individuals who previously were full members of Excelsior M.C. by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of the members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President. Such membership will not include voting privileges but will include the right to attend all meetings. This status is to be rewarded judiciously on the basis of an individual’s proven record of, and continued dedication to service and brotherhood to Excelsior M.C. Honorary members will not be required to pay dues. The number of Honorary members shall not affect the quorum required for any Club action nor shall an Honorary member be counted as a part of the Club’s membership rolls.

B. Honorary membership is awarded for life as are the full Club colors which the Honorary member will be encouraged to wear. Honorary membership can be revoked only by unanimous vote pursuant to the procedure for revocation of Associate membership as set forth in Article III, Section 5, B.

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Section 7: Affiliate Membership and Standing

A. Affiliate membership is automatically granted to members in good standing who have moved out of the tri-state (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) area. Other Full Members living within the tri-state area may also request being transferred to Affiliate Membership, and subject to approval by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those members submitting a written proxy to the President. Such membership entitles the Affiliate to attend all open meetings but does not include voting privileges. Affiliates shall be considered full members, and part of the membership roll and do not have any voting privilege. This status shall be awarded only based on an individual’s active demonstration of service and brotherhood to The Excellent Brothers M.C. Ltd. (Excelsior M.C.). Affiliate Member dues will be one half (1/2) of the regular membership dues. The payment of Affiliate dues is enough to show an Affiliate’s good faith. If Affiliate dues are not received by the end of the first (1st) quarter of the new year, said membership will be suspended until dues are paid in full. Notices are to be sent out by the Treasurer to Affiliate during the last quarter, with a reminder to go out in the beginning of the first quarter of the following year. Affiliate members may not hold any Board or as committee chair position but may serve on a committee. 

B. Affiliate members can request reinstatement of full membership with a letter/email of intent sent to the President once they move back to the area. 

C. Affiliate members will always receive the benefit of the lowest pricing for themselves on Lust for Life/Fire Island Leather Weekend and any additional events that we host. 

D. Affiliates are welcome to attend our meetings both in person or via telecommunications method offered by the club and may comment on club issues.

E. Lastly, an affiliate member may be revoked by the Board if they are suspended because of non-payment of dues, and it has been over 3-quarters overdue. Revocation will follow as previously defined for Associate members. (Section 5B)

F. Affiliate Colors/Insignia:

a. Full brothers that are granted Affiliate membership may continue to wear the standard vest and backpatch.

 

ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION

 

A. The organization shall be administered by an Executive Body, consisting of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary.

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B. President: The President will preside at all meetings, serve as the chief administrator and act as the liaison to other clubs in the community. He may appoint, as needed, an AMCC Representative, a Road Captain, committees (including, but not limited to, a membership committee), committee members and chairmen and shall be responsible for implementing all resolutions of the organization. During voting, the President may cast a second vote in the case of a tie. The President shall present within 60 days of being sworn into office a plan to the Club for the year.

 

C. Vice President: The Vice-President will assist the President in fulfilling the President’s duties, shall preside at all meetings in the President’s absence, and shall assume the powers and functions of the President during the absence or disability of the President. The Vice-President shall also serve as the Anniversary/Run Chairman, the Club Bar Night Committee Chairman and Club Social Chairman. The Vice-President shall be the Sergeant-at-Arms at all meetings, shall have responsibility for maintaining decorum at meetings and shall arbitrate on procedural matters during meetings. 

 

D. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall preside at all meetings in the absence of the President and Vice-President, shall assume all the powers and functions of the Vice-President during the absence or disability of the Vice-President, and shall have the care and custody of all funds of the organization. He shall provide for the budgeting and banking of all funds, pay all organization debts, and collect all organization dues and any other funds owed to the Club.

 

E. Secretary: The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all organization meetings. He shall have custody of the Club banners, all Club patches and pins, as well as all official organization documents. He shall keep an historical scrapbook of the Club. The Secretary shall serve as correspondent for the Club, act as custodian of the mailbox and storage facility, provide for the submission of any articles for outside publication, serve as Editor-in-Chief of the Club newsletter and maintain the Club roster list. Records of the bylaws and all official documentation shall be properly maintained by the recording secretary.

 

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS

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Section 1: Yearly Elections

A. Each officer shall serve in his elected capacity until the next annual election, until he resigns, or until he is removed from office. No one shall hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms. Should an individual replace an officer for six (6) or more months, he shall be considered as fulfilling one (1) term.

B. Nominations shall take place at a meeting held during the first month following the month in which the Club celebrates its Anniversary.

C. Elections shall take place within eight (8) weeks after the date of the Nomination meeting. Elects shall be inducted into office in a formal ceremony held within twelve (12) weeks of the Nomination meeting or sooner. During the transition period, the outgoing officers will actively introduce the elects into the performance of their duties and shall transfer all documents and materials pertaining to their office to the elects. All outgoing officers shall be responsible for the duties of their office during this period. 

D. Elections shall be by secret written ballot, or by a secret electronic ballot developed by the board for use by members attending a meeting virtually pursuant to Article VII (6), and only those members in good standing as of the conclusion of the regular Club business meeting held immediately prior to the Election meeting shall be permitted to vote. There shall be no discussions or politicking during either the nomination or election meetings. To be elected, the nominee must receive the votes of the majority of the sum of those members present and voting and those submitting written proxies to the President. Elections shall be the last order of business during the “Membership” portion of any meeting during which an election is to take place. Votes shall be taken on the officers in the same order as recorded in this Constitution.

E. An officer may leave his position by submitting a letter of resignation to the President, or if the President is resigning, to the Vice-President, which resignation shall take effect at the beginning of the next business meeting. The nominations and election of the person to fill the open position shall be the first order of business at that meeting. The nominations and elections shall be conducted by the highest-ranking remaining officer. Immediately after the election, the President or Immediate Past-President shall conduct an induction ceremony for the new officer.

 

ARTICLE : REMOVAL

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A. The procedure for involuntary removal of an officer shall be as follows:

1. Submittal of a signed letter of complaint to the President, who in turn will immediately inform the officer of the written charges. If however, the letter of complaint concerns the President, such letter must be submitted to the Vice-President who must inform the President of the charges.

2. Such charges shall be brought before the full membership at the next Club meeting and voted upon at such meeting. If the President is the subject of such charges, hehe shall yield the chair to the next highest-ranking officer who did not sign the letter of complaint and such officer shall preside over that portion of the meeting.

3. A three-quarter (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present, voting and those submitting a written proxy to the presiding officer is required for the removal of the involved officer. If the vote is in favor of removal, then such removal shall take effect immediately. The nomination, election and installation of the replacement officer shall take place as the first order of business at the next business meeting.

4. The procedure for requesting the suspension or expulsion of a full member shall be as follows:

B. The procedure for removal of a full member shall be as follows:

1. A signed letter of complaint setting forth the charges must be submitted to the President three (3) days prior to the date of the Club’s next business meeting. If however, the letter of complaint concerns the President, then such letter is to be submitted to the Vice-President. After receipt of the letter of complaint, the President or Vice-President must, as soon as practicable, provide a full copy of the letter to the member against whom the charges are being brought. The President or Vice-President, if the letter is against the President, shall read the letter to the entire membership at the first Club meeting to take place at least three days after the letter of complaint’s delivery to the President or the Vice-President. Neither the letter nor the charges set forth therein shall be discussed at such meeting. The President or Vice-President shall forward the letter to the Special Committee established in the following paragraph.

2. A Special Committee of the Club shall be formed to consider the letter and the charges made therein and to make recommendations thereupon to the full membership. The Committee shall be composed of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and one additional voting member chosen by the lottery. If any of the foregoing officers is making the charge or if the charge is being brought against such officer, then such officer shall not serve on the Committee. His place shall be filled by an non-involved voting member chosen by lottery. The Committee shall elect its Chairman.

3. Within one (1) week after the formation of the Special Committee, the member against whom the charges were filed may submit a written response to the Committee Chairman who shall forthwith distribute copies to the other Committee members and to the member making the charges. 

4. Within one (1) week after the date that the Chairman received a copy of the written response, the entire committee shall meet to discuss the charges. Both the member making the charges and the member against whom the charges are made shall be invited to attend. Any Club member may also submit a written statement to the Committee Chairman for consideration, but such member shall have no right to attend the Committee meeting. The Committee, however, shall have the right to invite other Club members to attend its meetings.

5. After the Committee meets, it shall prepare a written report to the full membership. The report shall include the Committee’s findings, as well as its recommendations as to what actions, if any, the Club should take. A copy of the Committee’s report shall be provided to each Club member at least three (3) days prior to the meeting at which the matter is to be discussed.

6. The report shall be discussed by the Membership at the first meeting held after all of the requirements set forth in paragraphs 8(A) through 8(E) above have been met. Discussion on the Committee Report shall last for no more than one (1) hour unless extended by a majority vote of the members present at such meeting. After discussion, the membership shall vote upon accepting the Committee’s report including any recommendations therein made. Such recommendations may not be changed by the membership. If the report is accepted, its recommendations shall become the Club’s decision and action to implement the recommendations shall be undertaken forthwith. If the report calls for the suspension or expulsion of a member, then a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President or Presiding Officer shall be required for acceptance. If the membership does not accept the report, then, by a three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of those members present voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President, or to the Presiding Officer, the report may be referred back to the Committee for additional consideration consistent with the sense of the membership.

7. The foregoing procedure shall apply to all suspensions or expulsions from the Club except: (1) for an automatic suspension for nonpayment of dues or fees or for the failure to attend official Club functions as set forth in Article III,4 for automatic expulsion for two suspensions within one year as set forth in Article III,4 for involuntary removal of an officer as set for in Article III,4.

 

ARTICLE VI: COLORS, INSIGNIA AND UNIFORMS

 

Section 1: Insignia /Backpatch

The club insignia may be displayed by members and others as authorized. It consists of the words Excelsior M.C. NYC in white around the edge of a royal blue circle emblazoned with a skyline in white. Only the Board may authorize the production of any patch or insignia. 

 

Section 2: Banner

The club shall have an official banner bearing the insignia/backpatch of the club. The banner may be displayed at official club activities. When a member attends an official function of a similar organization, he may display the club banner at that function with permission of the host. The banner is in the custody of the secretary when not stored in official storage.

 

Section 3: Token

The membership may approve the presentation of a token bearing the club insignia to another organization, institution or individual of recognized commonality, as a gesture of friendship and fraternal goodwill. i.e.: The presentation in custody of a flag to a bar.

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Section 4: Patches

A. The club shall have large and small patches bearing the club insignia. Only full, affiliate and honorary members are authorized to wear large patches.

B. Large patches may be displayed on Leather or Levi vests in the middle of the back between the shoulder blades.

C. Small patches may be worn on the front of the leather vest over the left-hand breast. Also, small patches should be worn on the left-hand arm of the blue dress uniform shirt.

D. Associate members shall be permitted to wear the small patches only.

E. Former members are not permitted to wear the club colors.

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Section 5: Full Member Uniform

A. The formal dress uniform for Excelsior M.C shall only be worn at formal club sponsored events or when presenting the colors at another organization's event.

B. The formal dress uniform is in the style of a New York City officer and consists of:

a. Blue Police Style long sleeve shirt or similarly styled black leather shirt.

i. Small Excelsior M.C. patch on the left arm.

ii. Small American Flag on the right arm.

iii. Small AMCC Patch on the right arm under the flag.

iv. Optional Badge affixed over the left-hand breast.

v. Name plate and distinctions over the right breast.

b. Black Leather pants or black leather kilt, black jeans, or black leather chaps over dark blue jeans.

c. Black boots.

d. Black leather tie.

e. Black Sam Browne Belt.

f. Optional Excelsior M.C. Emblazoned Officer Badge

i. Purchased only from the club.

 

Section 6: Probationary Member Uniform

A. The probationary uniform for Excelsior M.C shall only be worn when requested by mentor, or other Board members at club sponsored events, meetings and at other organizations events as a sign of respect and community.

B. The probationary uniform is:

a. Black leather tie.

b. Black leather vest.

c. White dress shirt, leather, or cloth.

d. Designation plate over your right breast.

e. Black Leather pants or kilt, black jeans, or black leather chaps over dark blue jeans.

f. Black boots.

 

ARTICLE VII: ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES

 

Section 1: Amendments

A. Provisions of the Bylaws may be amended at any time. Motions for amendments will immediately be tabled until the following regular meeting when the motion shall be discussed as Old Business, and then voted upon.

B. A three-quarters (3/4) vote of the sum of the entire membership voting and those submitting a written proxy to the President is required for adoption of the amendment.

C. Such approved amendments must be immediately entered in this charter by the recording secretary.

 

Section 2: Proxy

A. A proxy can empower the president to cast his vote and is good for all balloting.

B. A proxy can empower the president for a slate, is good until the slate changes.