Introduction
Full Members enjoy the camaraderie and brotherhood of a closely-knit group of men. The club offers Full Members the opportunity to play a significant role in the leadership of the Minnesota leather community. Our fundraisers help community causes make a difference. Since the club is one of the nation’s oldest, living clubs, the club uniform and patch is nationally recognized. When Full Members travel to distant cities they are greeted warmly by other club brothers and provided opportunities that you wouldn’t have without our club status.
Interested in becoming a Full Member of the Atons?
The first step is to get to know the current Full Member by attending our events and meetings, such as our monthly dinner and bar nights. In additional to our monthly events, once or twice a year we have a “Rush Party” which is an afternoon or evening set aside to get to know prospective members better and answer any questions that they might have. Once the club brother have gotten to know you, you are welcome to submit an application to pledge the club.
Requirements
Before you apply to pledge the Atons, you must understand the requirement for Full Membership. Full membership is reserved for those men who have the necessary time and commitment to help the club achieve its goals and objectives. Full Members 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. Full Members are also expected to make at least one run trip to a club outside Minnesota each year.
Pledging
The by-laws of the Atons requires that all applicants for full membership must have attended at least three (3) officially announced and scheduled club functions and two (2) meetings in the previous six (6) months. 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 the pledge informed and answer any questions the pledge 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 the pledge’s representative to the club if the pledge has any problems during the pledge period.
The Pledge period is a minimum of three months and a 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
Your pledge application requires an entrance fee of $30.00. This fee includes the cost of the pledgeship and one large and small patch when you become full members. The fee must accompany you application. In the event the prospective member is not accepted, the fee will be returned.
After a pledge becomes a full member, the monthly dues are $10.00 a month. Full member is encouraged to keep their dues in good standing and encouraged to attend the monthly general meeting.
Questions regarding application for pledgeship should be directed to the Vice-President.
Ready To Pledge?
Think about Associate Membership
Pledging to be a Full Member isn’t for everyone. If you want to have a way to contribute and participate with the Atons in leather and community activities, consider applying to be an Associate Member. Learn more about associate membership.
