Rights of the associates
This goes out to all full members - should an associate be allowed to hold an office, i.e. assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, etc.?

Holding an office in the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club should be reserved for full riding members. However, this doesnot not deminish the role of associate members in promoting the "MISSION" of the Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club. As always associate members are encourged to become full riding members to enjoy all of its rights and privileges. :)

What is the role of the associate? Has it been defined? If the National council believes that associates are capable of holding offices like assistant treasurer or assitant secretary then what is the problem? Full members have stated time and time again that they have to get "miles" and don't have the time to fill those roles, so who does that leave to carry on the mission? What it all boils down to is that associates are expected to do the work that full members don't have time to do or don't want to do. Period. I have heard from several presidents that they need more associates because things aren't getting done because the full members are too busy. Personally, I feel it is an injustice to take AWAY rights (voting/holding offices) from associates when they have been more supportive than some of the full soldiers. But I am not a full member, I am JUST an associate.

Sugarbrown, This sounds like a matter that should be addressed in your chapter. Our chapter bylaws require that all Officers be full members. Our President and Vice President are members of the National Council and in accordance wirth the National bylaws, they are required to be full members. Traditionally in the MC world, the Pres.; VP; Sec; and Treas are always full and respected members of the MC. At present we don't have any Associate Members but we will accept all who qualify. However, all of our members are encouraged to contribute to the success of the club in all capacities regardless of title. OCOPOMS