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.

Membership and Member Recognition Committee
 

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.
 

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.

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.

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."
 

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.
 

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.
 

You must be present at one of our meetings or events to obtain a Membership Application.  Click here to review our Calendar of Activities and Events.

While at one of our meetings, activities or events, please speak to our Membership Committee personnel, Dave and Cyndy Noaker.  You may also speak to any of our Officers or Board members and they can get you in contact with Dave or Cyndy.  Only Dave and Cyndy are authorized to give out Membership Applications.