Members are the ones who run for a Chapter office, serve on our Chapter Board of Directors, and our various committees, as well as presenting ideas on how we can better serve our hospitalized, disabled and homeless veterans.  Without members, Ohio Chapter 2 can't function or exist.
 

THE IMPORTANCE OF MEMBERS

In any Rolling Thunder® Chapter, or any other organization for that matter, there are those individuals who actively seek roles within the Chapter and those who simply want to sit on the sidelines and let others do all the work.  For the betterment and advancement of Ohio Chapter 2 and our National Organization, our Officers and Directors engage all of our members in active participation in all of our worthy endeavors.
 

WHAT A NEW MEMBER CAN EXPECT FROM OHIO CHAPTER 2

For our Chapter to grow, to be successful and to be truly democratic, all the talents of our members need to be recognized, cultivated and used.  Everyone can be trained and cultivated for leadership roles.  Ohio Chapter 2 looks at ways to involve new members.

Here are some of the ways we exercise to involve new members immediately into Ohio Chapter 2:

1. We make sure that each new member receives a copy of the bylaws and other important documents that govern our organization.

2. We listen to all members, especially new members.  Why did the member join?  Are the member's needs being met?  Are there some new ideas thrown up for consideration, etc.

3. We assign the new member a "mentor."  A mentor is someone to explain how the organization operates and to advise where the member can best use their talents.

4. We give training sessions, if and when needed, on various aspects of our operations so as to ensure that you are successful in your Ohio Chapter 2 activities and responsibilities.

5. We immediately appoint new members to a committee where the member's talents are useful and where the member is interested in working.  There are times, however, when we must appoint a member to a committee of our choice to ensure that selected projects are carried out on time.

WHAT OHIO CHAPTER 2 EXPECTS FROM A NEW MEMBER

All members have duties and responsibilities.  What follows are just a few of our expectations of a new member:

1. Members are expected to attend meetings and be on time - remember to turn off your cell phones.

2. Members need to prepare themselves for leadership roles - your mentor can assist in this endeavor.

3. Members are to accept committee assignments and perform the tasks given to them in a timely manner.

4. Members must work in concert with other members when completing assignments even though the member may not always agree with the others.

5. Always be polite when debating the issues - remember that every member has a right to speak their mind and always in a polite and respectful manner.  Remember that the majority rules. 

6. Members must be impartial, fair and courteous in meetings.

7. And, above all, we expect our new members to "BELIEVE IN OUR POW / MIA ISSUES."  All members must be willing to help our veterans.

REQUIREMENTS TO BECOME A MEMBER

Rolling Thunder® Ohio Chapter 2 relies on volunteers to donate their time.  All members of Rolling Thunder® Ohio Chapter 2 must be willing to give of their time to help in the POW / MIA issue, which still exists today - to help protect future veterans from becoming POW / MIAs and to help our disabled, hospitalized and homeless veterans from all wars.  You must be willing to donate your time to our issues and helping our veterans.  If you cannot volunteer your time and attend meetings, please do not sign up for membership.  We can only accept you as a member if you can donate your time to our issues.

All members must abide by the Constitution and By-laws of Rolling Thunder®, Inc. as well as our Ohio Chapter 2 By-laws.

Members are not required to have a motorcycle and members are not required to be a veteran.

If you cannot be a member, please feel free to attend our meetings and events as a "non-member."
 

REGULAR MEMBERSHIP

Membership in Rolling Thunder®, Inc. Ohio Chapter 2 is open to the public.  Anyone with interest in educating the public regarding POW/MIA issues is welcome regardless of race, color, creed or sex.  All persons must be 18 years of age or older (under 18 years of age, please see Junior Membership below).

All members will receive a Rolling Thunder® Inc. Membership Boot Patch (from Ohio Chapter 2) when they become a full member at the end of their 120 day trial period.  During the 120 trial period, the member must be a "member in good standing."  To be a "member in good standing," you must attend a total of three meetings / activities within the first 120 days from date of application and you must attend six meetings / activities (minimum of three meetings and three activities) on an annual basis.  If meetings are a problem because of work, the member must donate time to help our Officers and Directors in fund raising efforts, educational activities, demonstration efforts, etc.

Members in the military are exempt from meetings and events only when they are on official duty.  At all other times, military members must attend meetings and events to be a "member in good standing."  If deployed, the military member will stay a member of Ohio Chapter 2 until they return or transfer to another Chapter.

If a member meets obligations before the 120 day trial period, the member will be entitled to receive the Membership Boot Patch, provided all other requirements are met (e.g., completed application, loyalty and conduct, etc.).

After a member completes the first year (from the day they receive their Membership Boot Patch) as a "member in good standing," they will receive the Rolling Thunder® Inc. Eagle & Rocker Patches.

Members must, at all times, be loyal and courteous.  A member who does not meet stated obligations will be terminated from Ohio Chapter 2.
 

HONORARY MEMBERSHIP

Anyone who was a POW (Prisoner of War), their spouse, Gold Star Mothers and Medal of Honor Recipients will have a free membership in Rolling Thunder® Inc. Ohio Chapter 2 provided they have documentation supporting their military status.
 

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP DUES

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS

Thank you for your interest in Rolling Thunder® Ohio Chapter 2.  Please note that Rolling Thunder,® Inc. is a national organization and all Chapters must strive to meet their requirements to remain in good standing.  The following is an outline for the membership process:

Step 1.  Attend a meeting (click here to review our Calendar of Activities and Events) and sign in our the Visitor's Book at the front desk.  Applications are not available online.  An information packet will be provided for you.  Please read over the material.

Step 2.  Complete the Pre-application and return the pre-application to the front desk to begin the membership process.  You DO NOT pay membership dues at this time.

Step 3.  Attend three meetings and/or events in a period of time not less than 90 days, and not exceeding 120 days.  The countdown begins on the date of your pre-application.  Please remember that you must perform in the best interest of this organization.  Your responsibility is to perform in the best interest of this organization.  Your responsibility is to maintain a log of your meetings and events and to notify the Membership Representative when your requirements are met.  The Membership Representative will verify again - in rosters for meetings and events - and upon confirmation will provide the pending member with the National application.

Step 4.  When the above requirements have been confirmed, National's application will be provided to you by the Membership Representative.  The date of your Pre-application is used on this form.  If you circled "Veteran Yes," a copy of your DD-214 MUST be provided directly from you to the Chapter President who will keep the DD-214 confidentially filed.  NOTE: your signature on the National application MUST be notarized.  Return the National application, a copy of your DD-214 if applicable, and payment of $30.00 for your dues.  If you choose to write a check or purchase a money order, please pay to the order of "Rolling Thunder Ohio Chapter 2."  Submit payment and NOTARIZED National application directly to the Membership Representative or mail NOTARIZED National application with check or money order to:

Rolling Thunder Ohio Chapter 2
P. O. Box 485
Lakemore, Ohio 44250

The Membership Representative will then forward to Rolling Thunder® National office a copy of your notarized National application and Ohio Chapter 2 check for your dues, along with a request for a Boot Patch.  PLEASE NOTE: NATIONAL WILL NOT ACCEPT AN APPLICATION DIRECTLY FROM A NEW MEMBER.  Your $30.00 dues are paid directly to Ohio Chapter 2, and deposited into the Ohio Chapter 2 bank account - $10.00 remains with the Chapter.  A Chapter check for $20.00 per membership, a copy of the notarized National application and a request letter for the Boot Patch will be forwarded to National by the Membership Representative.  The Boot Patch will be mailed directly to the Chapter from National and presented to the member by the Chapter President or Vice President - generally within 4 to 8 weeks.  PLEASE NOTE: ALL NATIONAL PATCHES REMAIN THE POSSESSION OF NATIONAL AND MUST BE RETURNED TO NATIONAL PER GUIDELINES AS CITED IN THE ROLLING THUNDER® NATIONAL CONSTITUTION.  Ohio Chapter 2 identification patches remain the property of Ohio Chapter 2 and MUST be returned to the Chapter per Chapter policy if a person leaves membership.  Rocker and Eagle patches will be requested for the member by the Membership Representative on year from the date of Chapter 2 RECEIVING the Boot Patch for the member remaining in good standing.

RENEWALS:  All members will pay the annual renewal fee each February.  If the membership began AFTER September of the previous year dues, those dues carry over for the following year.

While at one of our meetings, activities or events, please speak to our Membership Committee personnel, Scott Hamilton ,Michael Jordan, Susan Sawyer.  You may also speak to any of our Officers or Board members .  Only Scott, Michael, and Susan are authorized to give out Membership Applications.