Riders for Equal Parenting, Inc. — Official Bylaws and Governance Charter (Texas 501(c)(3))

EIN: 39-4923941 · Headquarters: Texas · Status: 501(c)(3) (pending IRS recognition)

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Article 1. Name, Mission, and Purpose

Name Riders for Equal Parenting, Inc. (REP)

Mission Advocate equal parenting, shared custody, and family-court reform through education, outreach, and community events.

Purpose Operate exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within §501(c)(3). No private inurement. Upon dissolution, assets go to another §501(c)(3).

Article 2. Principal Office and Records

Primary office in Texas, with additional locations as approved by the Board. REP maintains accurate books, governing documents, meeting minutes, and financial records.

Article 3. Membership
  • Eligibility Adults who support REP’s mission and agree to these Bylaws, the Code of Conduct, and the RO Compliance Charter.
  • Good Standing Dues paid, no sanctions, compliance with policies.
  • Dues $30 per month unless changed by the Board. Hardship adjustments may be granted.
  • Rights Attend meetings, join committees, vote in member votes authorized by the Board, hold chapter roles as qualified.
  • Suspension/Removal For cause by majority Board vote after notice and an opportunity to respond.
Article 4. Chapters and Programs

REP is the parent organization. Chapters operate under REP’s Bylaws and policies. Current chapters include Dads of Thunder and Moms on the Move. New chapters require Board approval and a signed Chapter Agreement.

Article 5. Board of Directors
  • Authority Governs REP, oversees strategy, finances, risk, and compliance.
  • Number/Composition 3–11 directors; initial officers also serve as directors.
  • Terms Two-year terms, staggered where feasible.
  • Meetings At least quarterly; special meetings with seven days’ notice unless emergency; remote participation allowed.
  • Quorum/Voting Majority of directors constitutes a quorum; actions pass by majority of those present unless otherwise stated.
  • Vacancies Filled by Board vote for the unexpired term.
  • Removal For cause by two-thirds vote after notice and opportunity to be heard.
  • Compensation Directors unpaid; reasonable expense reimbursement allowed.
Article 6. Officers and Duties

Officers are elected annually by the Board and serve at the pleasure of the Board.

  • Founder/President: Travis Pope Sr (“Atlas”) — Chairs meetings, executes Board directives, signs approved documents, and provides overall vision and leadership for REP.
  • Founder/Director of Press: Rita Pope (“Scythe”) — Oversees communications, media, branding, and official statements as a Founder of the organization.
  • Co-Founder/VP: Daniel Parlor (“Balance”) — Assists the President, acts in the President’s absence, and leads strategy, chapter development, and external outreach.
  • Co-Founder/Treasurer: Bobby Hooten (“Joker”) — Manages REP’s finances, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting; ensures compliance with nonprofit and IRS requirements.
  • Secretary: Mike (“Stoney”) — Maintains corporate records and minutes, manages governance documents, and supports Board and member communications.
  • Sergeant-at-Arms: Luis Valdez — Responsible for safety, order, and enforcement of REP rules and the RO Compliance Charter at meetings, rides, and events.
  • Road Captain: Kirk Willson (“Turkey”) — Plans and leads rides; sets routes, staging, formations, and on-road safety protocols.

The Board may create additional officer roles or delegate duties as needed.

Article 7. Committees

The Board may establish standing or ad-hoc committees (e.g., Finance, Governance, Programs, Safety & Compliance, Events). Committees report to the Board and may not exercise non-delegable Board powers.

Article 8. Meetings of Members

Annual member meeting for program updates, financial summary, and Q&A. Additional member meetings as scheduled by the Board. Notice at least ten days in advance. Remote attendance permitted.

Article 9. Conflicts of Interest and Ethics

Directors, officers, key volunteers, and staff must disclose actual or potential conflicts and recuse from related votes. Annual disclosures required. Gifts or advantages that could influence decisions are prohibited. Whistleblower protection applies for good-faith reports.

Article 10. Financial Administration
  • Fiscal Year Set by the Board.
  • Controls Budget approval by Board, dual control for disbursements, documented receipts/deposits, monthly Treasurer reports, annual review or audit as directed.
  • Funds and Gifts REP may accept donations consistent with mission and policies; donor restrictions must be honored.
  • Contracts Only authorized officers may bind the organization as recorded in Board minutes or a delegation policy.
Article 11. Public Policy and Nonpartisanship

REP may educate the public on issues related to equal parenting. REP will not endorse or oppose candidates or political parties. Any permissible lobbying will be insubstantial and comply with §501(c)(3) limits and Texas law.

Article 12. Non-Discrimination and Safety

REP does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, disability, age, or veteran status. Safety rules apply at all events; participants must follow staff instructions and venue requirements.

Article 13. Brand, Insignia, and Apparel

REP logos, patches, and marks are owned by REP. Use requires permission and compliance with the RO Compliance Charter. Misuse may result in discipline.

Article 14. Discipline

Violations of bylaws, policies, or event rules may lead to corrective action up to suspension or removal, after notice and an opportunity to respond. Appeals may be made to the Governance Committee, which will recommend a final action to the Board.

Article 15. Amendments

These Bylaws may be amended by two-thirds vote of the Board after at least seven days’ notice, unless a longer period is required by law.

RO Compliance Charter (Governance Addendum)
  1. Respect & Neutrality REP is a nonprofit RO focused on family and children; we respect all MCs and ROs and do not interfere with their internal affairs.
  2. No Illegal Activity Zero tolerance for illegal conduct at or in connection with REP events or insignia.
  3. Colors & Event Protocol At REP events, do not fly other club colors or support gear. REP patches/apparel must be removed before attending other MC/RO events.
  4. Patch & Insignia REP patches are issued by REP and may be revoked; no alterations or mimicry of other clubs’ marks.
  5. Venue & Lawful Orders Follow venue rules, law enforcement directions, and event staff instructions.
  6. Safety DOT and common-sense safety at rides and events. Required PPE where applicable. No reckless riding, intoxication, or violence.
  7. Public Conduct Professional, family-friendly conduct; no harassment, threats, or intimidation.
  8. Social Media No unauthorized statements on behalf of REP; no doxxing, targeted harassment, or defamatory content.
  9. Media Press inquiries go to the President or designee; use approved talking points.
  10. Enforcement Violations may result in removal from an event, suspension, or revocation of membership and patch privileges.
Core Governance Policies

A. Conflict of Interest (COI)

Annual COI disclosures by directors, officers, and key volunteers. Disclose conflicts promptly; recuse from discussion and vote. The Secretary records disclosures and recusals.

B. Whistleblower Protection

Reports of suspected violations of law or policy may be made to the President, Secretary, Treasurer, or Governance Chair. No retaliation for good-faith reports. Confidentiality protected within legal limits.

C. Document Retention

  • Governing documents and minutes: permanent
  • Financial statements and tax filings: seven years
  • Donation records and grant files: seven years after completion
  • Personnel and volunteer incident reports: seven years

D. Financial Controls

Dual authorization for payments above a Board-set threshold; separation of duties for receipt/deposit/reconciliation; monthly Treasurer report; annual budget approval.

E. Code of Conduct & Anti-Harassment

Harassment based on any protected characteristic is prohibited. Complaints may be submitted to any officer. Prompt, impartial review; corrective action as warranted.

F. Social Media & Communications

Use official REP channels for statements. Personal accounts must include a disclaimer when discussing REP matters. Confidential or personally identifying information is not to be posted.

Officer & Leadership Roster
  • Travis Pope Sr (“Atlas”) — Founder/President
  • Rita Pope (“Scythe”) — Founder/Director of Press
  • Daniel Parlor (“Balance”) — Co-Founder/VP
  • Bobby Hooten (“Joker”) — Co-Founder/Treasurer
  • Mike (“Stoney”) — Secretary
  • Luis Valdez — Sergeant-at-Arms
  • Kirk Willson (“Turkey”) — Road Captain

© Riders for Equal Parenting, Inc. All rights reserved.