Leading by the Law

by John Stumpner

Last month we discussed why we need laws and rules. Sometimes we may not be sure what the bestway to behave is, so we look to the rules to guide us. Our leaders are chosen according to the rules for elections and have to follow rules in how they govern us. The rules for how a government conducts itself makes sure that we have effective and able leaders. When the leaders don’t follow the rules, they don’t govern well and the people can become frustrated and angry.

In your social studies classes, you may have learned how our government is set up. The national government is set up, according to the Constitution, with the President to lead, the Congress to pass laws, and the Courts to make sure the laws are followed. Our state and local governments may not be quite the same, but they are set up according to rules just like the national government.

ABATE of Wisconsin is no different from our government or any other large group. The leaders of ABATE are elected by the members and lead according to a set of rules, called “by-laws.” You could say that ABATE’s leaders operate “by the law”. ABATE has divided Wisconsin into eight “Districts” and these districts are further divided into 36 “Regions”. Each district elects a “District Director” and each region elects a “Regional Representative.” These are the people that then provide the leadership for their areas. The District Directors, along with other elected members, are the “Board of Directors”. The Board of Directors lead ABATE and keep it running smoothly.

The founders of ABATE of Wisconsin set the group up in this fashion so that all members could have a voice and help with ABATE as they wished. One of the rules is that any member can ask the board to discuss any motorcycle rights topic that concerns them. As you get older, you could ask your parents or mentor to take you to a Board Meeting so you can see first-hand how ABATE is run and think about where you might want to fit in.