This sounds great! How do I sign up?
1 – Come to a meeting or an event. That’s the best way to learn what the club is all about. Check our our meeting and event schedules for times, locations, Zoom links, etc.
2 – Meet the members. Before you submit an application, take some time to meet the members and let us get to know you a little better. No need to be shy; we’re a friendly and welcoming bunch. We don’t bite (unless you ask nicely…).
3 – Apply for Associate Membership. All membership paths in the Philadelphians MC begin with associate membership. This gives new prospects time to get to know the club and its members, get a feel for participating in events and activities, etc., while keeping actual participation requirements to a minimum. It also gives the regular members the opportunity to get to know you better, which is especially important if you plan on eventually becoming a regular member yourself.
What’s the difference between associate and regular membership? We’re glad you asked…
Associate Membership
Associate membership status allows you the flexibility to attend as many or as few* meetings and/or events as your desire and schedule permit. It is great for “trying out” the club before deciding on regular membership, and is also ideal for regular members of other back patch clubs or those who don’t live in the Greater Philadelphia area.
Associate Members:
- *Must attend at least one meeting or social event per year
- Are lent a small associate member patch to wear on their vest or jacket
- Have no voting rights in club-related matters
- Must pay dues of $25 per year
To become an associate member:
1 – Ask for an application from a regular member who will sponsor you. Fill out your application (make sure your sponsoring member has signed it) and submit it along with your application fee either through your sponsoring member or directly to the Co-Captain/Membership Chair.
2 – You will be contacted by the Membership Committee to schedule a brief interview. This can be done either in person or by phone, Zoom meeting, etc.
3 – At the next general business meeting, the Membership Committee will present your application to the club for an acceptance vote. If your application is accepted, you’ll begin a two-month probationary period; we recommend using this period to participate in other meetings and activities and get to know the members better (and let them get to know you).
4 – At the next general business meeting after your probationary period has expired, the club will vote on accepting you as an associate member. If accepted, you’ll receive all the benefits and responsibilities that come with associate membership status.
Regular Membership
Regular membership requires a fairly significant commitment of time and energy to the club, but it’s also the best way to have the most fun.
Regular Members:
- Must attend meetings and social events regularly
- Are lent a large back patch to wear on their vest or jacket
- Have full voting rights in all club-related matters
- Must pay club dues of $10 per month
To become a regular member:
1 – You must first be an associate member in good standing to be eligible for regular membership. (See “Associate Membership” above.)
2 – Submit a written request to the Membership Chair for change of membership status to pledge.
3 – Your original application will be returned to you to obtain a signature from a regular member who agrees to sponsor you for regular membership (must be a different member than your original sponsor for associate membership). Once obtained, return the application to the Membership Chair.
4 – The Membership Committee will contact you to schedule a more in-depth interview; this can be done either in person or via phone, Zoom meeting, etc.
5 – At the next general business meeting, the Membership Committee will present your request for change of status to the club for an acceptance vote. If accepted, your membership status will be changed to pledge, and your pledge period will begin.
6 – Your pledge period will continue for at least six months. During this time, you will participate mostly as a regular member would (with a few exceptions). You will report to the Pledge Master, who will provide you with instructions and guidance throughout your pledge period. Don’t worry–we don’t allow hazing of any kind. Your pledge period is your chance to show us what you’re made of and figure out how you want to fit into the club. It can be a lot of fun – many members have the time of their lives during their pledge period. Your pledge period is literally whatever you make of it.
7 – After six months, the club will vote on accepting you as a regular member. If accepted, you’ll receive all the benefits and responsibilities that come with that status. And then the real fun begins!