Hangaround, Prospect, and Member Information
for Motorcycle Clubs

The following “Hangaround & Prospect Information” is taken verbatim from an excellent book about motorcycle club life titled “Out In Bad Standings: Inside The Bandidos Motorcycle Club; The Making Of A Worldwide Dynasty by Edward Winterhalder,and is used with permission.

For more information about Winterhalder’s book, click on the cover photo above.

I. INTRODUCTION

This information has been put together to give you a better understanding of the new world that you are entering and a better understanding of what it expected of you in your new role. Once you understand the scope of the task you are undertaking, you should examine your feelings and question your motives for wanting to become a member of a motorcycle brotherhood. There are many riding clubs that require only casual participation from its members. Others require a total commitment to the MC lifestyle. Your degree of interest will direct you towards an organization that you will fit into.

Be certain that you are both willing and able to commit yourself to the level that will be required. Be certain that your family understands the demands that the club will make of your time, and that those demands will continue to an even greater extent once you become a Patchholder. If after reading this packet you should have any reservations about being able to meet any of the requirements, it would be better not to consider moving forward at this time. Instead, either continue your present level of association with the club until you feel that you are ready and are confident of your success or find a different organization that better suits your needs. Such a decision would be respected and would be to your credit.

II. CLUB

The intent of this section is to give you an overview of the structure and philosophy of the traditional motorcycle club (MC). This does not necessarily express the feelings or priorities of any particular club, as all motorcycle clubs differ on some points. Regardless of the basic philosophy of your club, it is important that you understand the perspectives of the other clubs that you may be associating with from time to time. If your lifestyle is influenced by motorcycles, then you are part of the motorcycle community. Of all the types of organizations found within that community, the traditional motorcycle club stands apart and ranks highest in stature.

III. RESPECT

A serious club commands respect for one or both of two reasons. Those who are correctly informed recognize the deep level of personal commitment and self-discipline that a man has to demonstrate and sustain in order to wear a patch. They understand that it is akin to a religion or vocation to that man. They realize that a club’s “Colors” are closely guarded and the membership process is long and difficult. Other factors notwithstanding, they respect Patch holders for what they have accomplished by being able to earn and keep the patch they wear. This is respect born out of recognition of dedication and accomplishment.

Those who are less informed see only the surface. They see the vigilance of mutual support. They see the potential danger of invoking a response from a well organized unit that travels in numbers and is always prepared for confrontation. They know that no one can provoke one club member without being answerable to the whole club, and that such an answer is a point of honor that must come, to the last man. The type of respect that this generates is one born out of fear.

We strive for respect for the first reason, not the second reason! This is especially true as it pertains to those persons outside of the motorcycle community. This segment of society is by far the larger, and therefore represents a larger market for any fundraising activities that the club might undertake.

It stands to reason that cultivating a relationship with these people is important and to be perceived by the as “Biker Scum” would not be advantageous to the club. We therefore will conduct ourselves as upstanding citizens in every way. “Good neighbors” so to speak. The goal is to be admired and respected by the general public rather than feared. The serious club, and all of its members and prospects, will always conduct themselves publicly in a highly professional manner. They will not go out of their way to cause trouble or to present themselves as an intimidating force without purpose or provocation.

IV. CLUB COLORS

The general public does not draw a distinction between different club colors. In many cases, they simply can’t tell the difference: we’re all “Biker Scum” to them. If one club causes a problem that touches the public sector, the offending club’s identity is either confused or ignored and the heat comes down on all clubs. The clubs tend to police themselves to avoid such incidents.

V. OFFICERS

Within a club, officers are usually elected to the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Sergeant at Arms. Other less traditional positions are Road Captain and Enforcer.

VI. PROCESS

In most cases, the Patchholder was a Hangaround with the club for about a year. Before that, he was a longstanding acquaintance and his attitude and overall conduct were well known. He then prospected for the club for one to two years before he got his patch. Of all things in this man’s life, his loyalty and commitment to the wellbeing of the club comes first above all else. There is never any doubt which comes first. Though most things in life can let him down, he knows that his club and his brothers will always be there because he is always committed to being there himself. To be sure that this ideal and attitude continues on with any new members, he participates in teaching, conditioning, and even testing the club’s prospects.

The term “prospect” comes from the words “prospective member.” Before he allows another man to war his colors, he is sure that the prospect is as dedicated as he is! A Patchholder has the attitude that there are only two types of people, those who are brothers and those who are not. For this reason, he will not discuss any club business, whether it’s about membership numbers, club goings on, or any member’s personal information with anyone outside of the club. He will keep his voice down when discussing club business and he will be aware of anyone coming within listening distance. He understands that he is a Patchholder 24 hours a day whether or not he is wearing his colors. Everything he says or does in public can affect the club or the brothers. He also understands that if he gets out of line, he is subject to be counseled by his brothers for his own good and for that of the club.

Wearing a patch is more than getting together for good times. It also means getting together for the other times too. It constitutes a lot of work. It’s committing yourself to a lifestyle in which you do not look for how your brothers can help you, but for ways that you can be of help to your brothers. You always look to give rather than to receive. All of this may seem very idealistic, and in some cases it’s just that. But it is an ideal that all clubs profess and are always striving for in principal and practice. You should be aware of the “Golden Rule” of conduct while traveling in club circles: “Treat me good, and I will treat you better Treat me bad and I will treat you worse.” In other words, if you give respect, you’ll get respect. If you act like an asshole, you’ll be treated like one.

VII. PARTICIPATION

It is important that you understand that it is the Patchholders that run the club, not the officers. This may seem a moot point to some, but it can’t be overstressed. This is not to say that the officers don’t deserve respect from the other Patchholders. These members have shown leadership qualities and have probably been in the club for quite some time. They are in office to carry out the wishes of the membership in a timely and efficient manner, as it is not always possible to get the members together to make decisions or take action.

Officers are elected to act as spokesmen for the club and perform various responsible tasks, but they don’t run the club. When they speak or act on club matters, it is in a manner that they believe that the members of the club would agree upon, if a quick vote were taken. If an officer doesn’t understand the membership’s feelings about various matters, then he is out of touch with his brothers and should step down. This is a critical point because the strongest and most representative form of rule is one in which they power comes from the bottom up. If things were the other way around and the leaders or officers continually dictated down the chain of command, a sense of apathy and noninvolvement would eventually set in.

If this were to happen, the individual Patchholder would have no intuitive sense of his club’s direction and would hesitate when he feels that he should act in the best interest of the club. Having little or not say in what is going on destroys a man’s motivation to get involved or voice his own opinion. It would also drain his feelings of unity with his club brothers. Without such a unity, a brotherhood cannot exist. Remember that the strength of a brotherhood rests with the membership at the bottom of the chain of command and is passed up. This is why aggressive participation is such a prized quality that is expected from the Patchholder and is looked for in the Prospect.

VIII. LEVELS OF COMMITMENT

When a man earns his patch, it does not mean that he has reached the ultimate goal and from that point he can kick back and coast. Moving from Hangaround to Prospect to Patchholder is not climbing from the bottom to the top, but rather more like climbing a constantly ascending slope, and in time becoming a stronger and more committed brother. A man’s prospecting rocker and later his patch are merely presented in recognition of what he has demonstrated along the way. I this fashion, the more senior the Patchholder is in the club and the more he experiences, the more of a brother he should be to all.

IX. PURPOSE OF PROSPECTING

Prospecting is not an initiation as you would find in a fraternity. It is instead a period of training that is sustained until the prospect, in every sense, conducts himself as a Patchholder. It’s a time in which the man’s attitude is conditioned so that he displays a sense of responsibility and respect toward the Patchholders of the club, without which he will not develop a sense of brotherhood. He is educated in basic MC protocol and etiquette.

He is given time to develop the habits that are basic to good security and good communications, to get into the habit of participating, to give his family time to adjust to the demands of the club, to experience and learn an essential degree of humility, and to become accustomed to trusting the judgment, at times blindly, of those Patchholders who will someday be his brothers, and to break the man of habits that are self-centered. The list could go on, but the point here is to demonstrate that prospecting has definite objectives and that a prospect will go nowhere in the club if he is not aware of this and does not apply himself to those ends. It’s not possible to make a checklist of what is expected from a prospect in all cases. There isn’t any formula for success, but the key is ATTITUDE. Everything else can be learned in time, but a man’s attitude comes from the heart.

The testing of a prospect may come in many ways. It may be planned or spontaneous. In any event, when a prospect is given a task, the Patchholder is going to be looking for the man’s attitude and the spirit in which he carries out the task. The prospect should be alert and always attentive in looking for more to do. If he is ever in doubt of his priorities or he can’t find something to do, he should ask.

The Patchholders know which of the prospects hustle, and those are the prospects that are spoken of with the greatest pride and respect. It is also the way by which confidence and trust are developed. These are the seeds of brotherhood. Remember that you will be prospecting for the whole club and not just one individual or individual chapter. The Patchholders of one chapter are always held accountable for the actions of a Patchholder of another chapter. It is therefore only right that the Patchholders of all chapters have a hand in developing the prospects on their way to becoming a full Patchholder.

X. SOME DO’S AND DON’TS

As a prospect, strive to conduct yourself as a responsible Patchholder at all times. Always display a positive attitude. Participate as much as you think is acceptable, and then participate more. If you see a Patchholder of you club that you have not met, take the initiative to introduce yourself. Always introduce yourself as “Prospect (your name)”. At all gatherings, make it a point to circulate when you have the time to do so and greet every Patchholder who is there. Anticipate the brothers’ needs and offer to supply them. Don’t wait to be told what to do and don’t get overly friendly with someone that is not a regular acquaintance of the club.

If someone outside the club has questions, refer him to a Patchholder. Never give out a Patchholder’s name, phone number, address, or any personal information to anyone outside the club. Never give out any information about the club itself to outsiders. This includes, but is not limited to, where the club is based, how many members are in the club, etc. Always be security minded, look around and see what’s going on around you in public places and report anything that seems suspicious. While in public places, always conduct yourself with your association with the club in mind. Remember that people will remember what you do; good or bad.

Never let a Patchholder walk off alone in an unsecured area. If he is going out to his car, his bike, or even just out to get some fresh air, go with him. Watch is back at all times. If you are at an open function and pick up on some negative vibes, especially if from another club, quietly alert a Patchholder immediately. Keep you ears and eyes open and feed any information that you may pick up on to a Patchholder, especially information regarding another club. Remember that you are a prospect 24 hours a day. Your association doesn’t go on and off with your colors.

Remember that you are every Patchholder’s prospect, not just your sponsor’s or just your chapters. Never wear your colors out of your area without your sponsor’s approval and never out of state unless you are with a Patchholder. If two or more Patchholders are having a private conversation, don’t approach them within earshot, especially if they are talking with a Patchholder of another club. If you need to interrupt, put yourself in a place of visibility and wait to be acknowledged. If it is important that you interrupt, ask another Patchholder to break in for you.

Never use the term “Outlaw Club” when speaking to a member of another club. Never lie to a member of another club. If you are in a situation where you are asked about the club or its membership, it is acceptable to say “that seems like club business and I really can’t talk about it.” If this doesn’t put the subject to rest, offer to put him in touch with a Patchholder for him to speak with. Always show respect to a Patchholder of another club. Even though he’s with another club, he’s earned his patch; you haven’t.

Always carry a pen and paper, a watch, and a calendar. Frequently ask the Patchholder how you are doing and if there’s anything you should be doing differently. Never ask when you may be getting your patch. Never call a Patchholder “brother.” He’s not your brother. Never call a Patchholder of another club “brother.” He’s not your brother either. Remember, your patch is earned. It is not given to you.

Never bring a personal friend or a stranger into the presence of Patchholders without asking permission to do so first. At an open function, never turn your back to a Patchholder of another club. This is not so much for safety reasons, but as a show of respect. Always show respect and courtesy to Patchholders of other clubs. Don’t come across like you want to be best friends. Be professional in such encounters. Keep it short, and then move on. Keep away from women associating with other clubs.

Never be quick to walk up to a Patchholder of another club in a public setting, even if you know him well and the clubs are on friendly terms. If you want to greet him, walk up slowly and wait for him to indicate that he wants such a public display to take place. He may be on some club business and may not want to give the general public the impression that the clubs are on such friendly terms. If he looks like he’s going to ignore you, accept it and keep your distance. The best approach is always to wait for them to come to you, and to let everyone else see that.

Learn what different parts of the patch represent and what the different color combinations of yours and other clubs represent. As you can see, there is a lot to think about. This decision is probably one of the biggest you’ll ever make. Be absolutely sure that this is for you, and go for it!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007 at 8:36 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.