Starting A Chapter

Required Documentation

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The Rules

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The Post is to review the Department ALR Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and become familiar with the requirements and obligations of the ALR Program. You may contact the New Chapter Development Officer for assistance with procedural questions

The Post is to gain the interest and commitment of at least six (6) persons who are members in good standing of The American Legion, The Sons of the American Legion (SAL), or the Auxiliary (ALA), to become members of the American Legion Riders.

  1. Verify the membership and hold a meeting for the interested parties.
  2. Determine who will fill the roles of the elected officers during the start-up process. Director, Assistant Director, Adjutant/Finance Officer, Road Captain/Safety Officer, Chaplain and Sgt-at-Arms

Obtain the approval of the membership of the Post and note such approval in the minutes of the General Membership meeting.

Post Commander is to sign a Start-Up Letter of  Approval on the Post’s letterhead. 

The Start-Up Officers and other committed Members are to adopt the ALR SOP.

Submit a Copy of the following documents to the ALR Adjutant or the New Chapter Development Officer via email for final approval by the ALR Chairman:

  1. Copy of the Start-Up Letter on the Post’s
    letterhead, signed by the Post Commander.
  2. Copy of the Post’s General Membership
    meeting minutes where the Post
    membership approved starting an ALR
    Chapter at their Post.
  3. A signed copy of the Chapter’s
    Acknowledgement of the ALR SOP.
  4. A list of all the Charter members to be
    placed on the Chapter’s Charter document
    (Note: Charter members include only those
    who are a part of the original “startup” of
    the Chapter.)
  5. A signed copy of the Chapter’s
    Standing Rules.

Upon receipt of the Department signed Charter, the Post Commander and Adjutant must sign the Charter.

All members will be required to fill out the membership application, the emergency medical record and sign the liability waiver.

Request that the Post general membership approve a checking account for your Chapter under the EIN issued to the Post.

A Special Message

From The Chairman

Welcome to the New Legion Year!

Beverly and I would like to extend a warm welcome to all the new officers for the 2024-2025 term and express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stepped up last year to support our program. Your dedication and hard work are deeply appreciated, and while there are too many names to list, please know that each contribution has made a significant impact. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out. Remember, the only stupid question is the one that has not been asked.

Importance of Officer Reporting

One of our top priorities this year is to ensure that all officer contact information is reported and loaded into the ALR database. Accurate and up-to-date information is crucial for improving our communication and coordination.

Year-Over-Year Performance

Looking at our performance metrics, we have had an impressive year. While our membership and annual donations remained steady, we saw a remarkable increase in miles-ridden—from three million to 4.4 million. Well done, everyone! It is interesting to ponder how much of this increase can be attributed to capturing the plaque.

Event Feedback and Improvements

Our surveys this year showed positive feedback across all events. We are actively working to incorporate the changes you suggested. Notably, the Summit will see a few modifications, including additional Safety Classes supported by the Florida Safety Program. Stay tuned for more details on these updates.

In-State Planning and the Rally

Our initial In-State planning session has kicked off, and the Roadmasters are again stepping up to the challenge. They are swapping territories around, promising an interesting event. The Rally will be held at OCC, and we will be raffling off a bike again this year.

Growing and Delegating

With our growth into a professional riding organization, we are bringing on more committees to help us out. Delegating responsibilities to more individuals will ensure a smooth leadership transition in the future.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication. Here is to another successful year with the American Legion Riders!

Your 2024 – 2025 Schedule

  • National Convention
    • New Orleans, August 23-29, 2024
  • POW/MIA Ceremony
    • Jacksonville, September 21, 2024
  • “Merry Go Round”
    • Month of October 2024
  • Fall Conference
    • Orlando, November 22-24, 2024
  • Summit
    • Meet & Greet, February 5, 2025
    • Classes, February 6-8, 2025
  • “Round Robin”
    • Month of April 2025
  • Children and Youth Picnic
    • April 5, 2025
  • In-State Unity Ride
    • Meet & Greet, April 6, 2025
    • Ride, April 7-11, 2025
  • Rally OCC Clearwater
    • April 12, 2025
  • Department Convention Orlando
    • June 12-15, 2025

 

If you have any ideas, please share!

Thank You for what you do, and we are proud to be part of your leadership team of such an excellent group!

“For the Cause, Not the Applause”
For the latest information, please read our newsletter.

Jim Wineland
American Legion Riders Chair