ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP

A. Memberships shall be open to ALL people regardless of race, creed, color, sex, or affiliation with any other organization or club, who are interested in motorcycling legislation or furthering the Aims and Purposes of ABATE of NY, Inc. There shall be no restrictions as to a member owning a motorcycle. There shall be no restrictions as to any brand, make, or size of motorcycle.

B. Members may join through the ABATE of NY, Inc. State Office or through any recognized Chapter of ABATE of NY, Inc. Members who join ABATE of NY, Inc. through a Chapter shall receive a temporary membership card or receipt. Members will receive the ABATE of NY, Inc. membership card/packet from the ABATE of NY, Inc. State Office. Chapter affiliation will be printed on the State issued card.

C. Each Chapter shall recognize current ABATE of NY, Inc. State issued membership cards, regardless of Chapter affiliation, as being that of ABATE of NY, Inc. and due the full benefits thereof.

D. It shall be encouraged and promoted that new members join through their local chapter. However, members shall not be restricted from joining one or more chapters in the State or through the State Office, whether it is the closest chapter to them or not. Member affiliation in multiple chapters shall not receive a discount in the cost of membership.

E. Motorcycle clubs, businesses, or organizations may join as a sponsor of ABATE of NY, Inc. This entitles said sponsor to a certificate with the sponsor’s name imprinted on it and a State newsletter, with their name being published (each printing) as a sponsor of ABATE of NY, Inc. This sponsorship does not include membership benefits or endorsement of said sponsors by ABATE of NY, Inc.

F. Full membership shall entitle a member to a membership card and packet, which shall be provided by the ABATE of NY, Inc. State Office. It also entitles the member to a State Newsletter.

G. Associate memberships shall be extended all benefits allowed that of a Full Membership except for a State Newsletter. Associate memberships are for additional members of a Full Member’s household (same address). Recognized chapters of ABATE of NY, Inc. shall not have the option of rejecting applications for Associate membership.

H. Life membership shall entitle a member to all of the benefits of a Full member.

I. Membership of ABATE of NY, Inc. shall be terminated upon:

1. Written resignation delivered to a Chapter or a State Officer, in person or by the U.S. Postal Service by Registered or Certified mail.
2. Death of the member. The balance of the year may be extended, as a courtesy, to the spouse. Life Memberships are not transferable.
3. Failure to renew membership within 60-day grace period, of member’s expiration date. If the member failing to renew their membership is an Officer of ABATE of NY, Inc., their office/position shall be considered vacated.
4. A majority vote of the ABATE of NY Inc. State Board. Member shall receive written notice of pending termination and be given an opportunity to be heard by the State Board. Grounds for termination are based on one or more of the following reasons:

a. Member has violated the ABATE of NY, Inc. State by-Laws.
b. Member has committed an act(s) that are prejudicial to the Aims and Purposes of ABATE of NY, Inc.
c. Member has jeopardized the welfare of ABATE of NY, Inc. or its members.

5. Terminated member shall forfeit any dues paid.