Outlaws Motorcycle Club facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | A.O.A. |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1935 |
| Founder | John Davis |
| Founded at | McCook, Illinois, United States |
| Type | Outlaw motorcycle club |
| Headquarters | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
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Region
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Worldwide (441 chapters in 43 countries) |
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Membership
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3,000 |
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International President
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John "Tommy O" Erwin |
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club, also known as the American Outlaws Association (A.O.A.), is a large international motorcycle club. It was started in McCook, Illinois in 1935. This makes the Outlaws MC the oldest biker club of its kind in the world.
The club has 441 groups, called chapters, in 43 different countries. With over 3,000 members, it is one of the biggest motorcycle clubs globally. Members of the Outlaws usually ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Contents
History of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club began in 1935 in McCook, Illinois. It was first known as the McCook Outlaws MC. The club was started by people who worked for the Electro-Motive Company. They met at Matilda's bar, which was on Route 66. John Davis is believed to be the person who founded the club.
Understanding Outlaws Club Symbols
The Outlaws' first symbol showed a motorcycle inside a winged circle. Members painted this design on the back of their jackets. In 1950, the club changed its logo. A small skull took the place of the winged motorcycle. They also started using letters that looked like old English writing. This new design was sewn onto black shirts or painted on leather jackets.
In 1954, the Outlaws added crossed pistons to the small skull. This was inspired by a movie called The Wild One. This design was sewn onto black western-style shirts. The skull and crossed pistons logo is known as "Charlie." It was made bigger and more detailed in 1959. This "Charlie" symbol is a special design that is officially protected.
In 1963, the Outlaws started wearing a diamond-shaped patch. This patch had "1%er" on it. They were the first club east of the Mississippi River to use this patch. In 1969, the club started using the saying "God forgives, Outlaws don't" (GFOD).
Becoming an Outlaws Member
To join the Outlaws, a person must be a White man over 21 years old. They must also own an American-made motorcycle that is at least 750cc. In the United States and Canada, members mostly ride Indian, Victory, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Outside of North America, members can ride motorcycles from any country, as long as they are in the chopper style.
There are five main things considered when someone wants to join the Outlaws:
- They own and ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
- They understand how motorcycles work.
- They live a lifestyle that fits with biker culture and treat other bikers as friends.
- Society sees them as masculine in their actions and way of thinking.
- They follow the club's way of life instead of common "worldly values."
Members need to pay dues of $1,200 each year. They also must go to club events at local, regional, and national levels. After being a member for one year, Outlaws can get a tattoo of the club's symbol. They can also get club sayings like "God forgives, Outlaws don't" or "GFOD" tattooed. After five years, members can get tattoos that look like their club "colors" on their backs. Other tattoos can show more information about their membership.
Members can leave the club in different ways. They can leave in "bad standing" or "good standing." They can also retire or leave when they pass away.
How the Outlaws Club is Organized
Each Outlaws chapter has elected leaders. These leaders include a president, a vice president, a treasurer, and a sergeant-at-arms, also called an "enforcer." Chapters follow rules for elections, meetings, and what to do if a member breaks club rules. The Outlaws have 441 chapters. These chapters are in 43 countries across Asia, Europe, and North America.
See also
- List of outlaw motorcycle clubs
- The Bikeriders
