Gang or Club?

[Ryan Gagne]

Hey there guys just putting this out on a poll to see what you guys think. Recently I have been riding with about 9 to 12 guys constantly all around my age group some older. So we ride together when ever we can, have are own motto, and I guess we have a club house aka my garage and we just thought of having a patch for a jackets. In your opinion would you call us a club or a gang?? by the way random but we have a name and patch chosen

This is the patch design they will be a lot bigger though Red Black Star Patch

The name we have for our selves is the Northern Stars?

So gang or club??

[pixelpusher]

Are you funding your group with revenue generated from drugs, prostitution, theft, etc... or using violence and intimdation as a normal part of business and or social interactions?

[7_Zero]

Law enforcement in my area classifies a 'gang' as three or more bikers, so around here you would fall into the 'gang' category, lol. It probably depends on what you want to make of your group, if you ride around for enjoyment and fun that benefits only you and your group then calling yourself a 'gang' could suit you well. If however you want to associate yourself with service and create a good image in the eyes of the community and be inviting to others then a 'club' would seem more fitting. Just my two cents.

[Piner]

MC gangs wear jackets with patches and they would die or kill before they let their "colors" get taken or disrespected. If you have matching jackets/patches, most cops will automatically classify you as a gang and they are more likely to harass you.

[Floyd Dolin]

At your age, you could do a lot of good through your organized group by making appearances at schools to talk about living right, respecting others, not getting involved in drugs, etc. You could have charity fund raisers for those in your area who need money...cancer victims, folks who've lost their homes, etc. People would begin to identify your group as people who do good. A patch used for recognition would be okay. However, it's when you think of adding rockers (above and below) that might get you negative reaction from the community and some MCs (depending upon the type of MC) in your area. If your group sometimes raises hell in the community then no matter what good things you do will be over ridden by the negative. You more than likely will always be thought of as a "gang". As always and above all...ride safe.

[John Hopkins]

Maybe it is different in the states, but in Britain if you start wearing a back patch you are likely to get it ripped off your back and given a firm talking to.

Back patch members earn the right to wear the patch by a long and detailed process..a small patch on the front or shoulder is usually acceptable..

John.

[Floyd Dolin]

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

Maybe it is different in the states, but in Britain if you start wearing a back patch you are likely to get it ripped off your back and given a firm talking to.

Back patch members earn the right to wear the patch by a long and detailed process..a small patch on the front or shoulder is usually acceptable..

John.

John, in the United States back patches are worn by many and usually without much issue. However, adding rockers bring that patch to a whole new level that could possibly present the wearer with problems. I'll not go any further on the "earning" of a set of colors while in Probate status since that is a subject that varies from MC to MC. As always and above all...ride safe.

[xrayr]

Club........

[Offday]

Doesn't matter what you call yourselves.
Non riding citizens will view you as a "gang"
Other riders will view you as a "club"
No matter what type of organization it is or how your activities may or may not
be funded. Regardless if you have a "club house" or "chapters" or if you don't.
even the worst of them you hear of on the news. If you ask any member of an "outlaw" motorcycle
Organization ,ie pagens, bandidos, outlaws, hells angels. They will refer to themselves as
A "Club"
It's how you view yourselves that determines who you are. Your either a bunch of friends
out for a ride an having fun. Or your a "gang" of bikers who get out and ride projecting
The image of "we're badass, stay out of our way"
Ask yourself, why do we need a patch. What exactly are we trying to be. What image
are we trying to project. How do we want the public and law enforcement to view us.
the cop behind a bunch of cyclists "flying colors" sees a gang. So does the public.
So you tell me. Which are you.

[CrazyDave]

These guys as well as any law enforcement organization affiliated with them, consider you a gang.. that's all you really need to know

Outlaw Motorcycle Gang School - International Association of Undercover Officers - undercover.org