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Regular or full membership is reserved for those men who have the necessary time and commitment to help the club achieve its goals and objectives. As a regular member you are expected to attend monthly general meetings and serve on two or more sub-committees. In addition to these meetings, members are expected to be present at bar events, fund-raisers, the annual officers installation banquet and the biennial club run at which you are expected to attend. Regular members are also expected to make at least one run trip to a club outside Minnesota each year. We encourage you to meet and talk with individual members before making application for pledgeship. Once or twice a year we have a smoker which is an afternoon or evening set aside to get to know perspective members better and answer any questions that they might have. You should inquire with the president or vice-president when a smoker will occur.
As a regular member you will enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood of a closely knit group of men. The club offers you the opportunity to play a significant role in the leadership of the Minnesota leather community. Our fund-raisers help various community causes and you will feel good knowing that you made a difference. Since the club is one of the nation's oldest, living clubs, you will find that the club uniform and patch is nationally recognized. When you travel to distant cities you will be greeted warmly by other club brothers and provided opportunities that you wouldn't have without your club status. And lastly, membership provides you with a unique opportunity to socialize and network with club brothers.
Pledgeship
The by-laws
of the Atons requires that before an individual can become an Aton
pledge, they must attend one business meeting and three social activities
of the organization. Also, the individual must obtain two active,
full members as sponsors to join the club. The prospective pledge
must complete a membership application and have these two sponsors
sign it.
These sponsors act as mentors who should help keep you informed and answer
any questions you might have. The sponsor will see that the pledge understands
club bylaws, duties, history and customs. They are responsible for the conduct
of the pledge as it reflects on the club. Sponsors will provide an evaluation
of the pledge to all members prior to the vote for full membership. The sponsor
will introduce the pledge to other club members and work with him at events
to help introduce him to the community. They also act as your representative
to the club if you have any problems during your pledgeship.
The Pledge period is a minimum of three months and maximum of six months during
which the pledge is expected to attend all club events (unless excused for
a good and valid reason in advance). A pledge must obtain signatures from all
members indicating that the member knows the pledge well enough to be able
to vote on his membership. This enables pledges and members to become better
acquainted and decide if full membership is desired. Full membership is awarded
by 2/3 majority vote of the members of the Atons at the end of the pledge period.
Dues and Cost:
Membership
requires an entrance fee of $45.00. This fee includes the cost
of the pledgeship and one large and small patch when they become full
members. The fee must accompany their application. In the event
the prospective member is not accepted, the fee will be returned.
After
the pledge becomes a full member, the monthly dues are currently
$10.00 a month. The member is encouraged to keep his dues in good standing
and encouraged to attend the monthly general meeting.
The new member
is expected to pay for 1/2 cost of the Aton uniform. Currently the
price is about $160.00 for the full uniform. The club will pay for
the other 1/2 of the uniform cost for new members. There is a grace
period of six months in which the new member is to purchase his uniform
but, the club strongly encourages that it be paid sooner. The uniform
is required at many club functions and is often worn when attending
other clubs' runs.
Questions regarding application for pledgeship
should be directed to the Vice-President.
Form: Regular
Membership Application Form
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