Auntie ABATE / “Cuz” Report

Dear Cuz,

Kinda hard to get up some enthusiasm for things right now what with the Covid, lack of ABATE fundraising and chili cook-offs to go to, a decline in good conversation because some regions have had a smaller than normal attendance, and not being able to visit with friends and relatives. Just want to take a nap.

Dear Napper,

Now hear me, Get yourself up and wipe off that dust and negativity! 2021 is a year of opportunity. A fresh start and we need you now, more than ever. This past election has brought many new Legislators to the table and it’s time to get to know them and more importantly, to give them the chance to get to know us. This can be done as simply as a phone call or an email….or if you are a more adventurous type of biker, jump on one of the ABATE busses and join us in Madison on March 11th for our Bikers at the Capitol Day – formally Lobby Day. With the legislative agenda that was set for 2021 there is a lot to talk about and we have a lot of educating to do in the capitol building. If you’ve never been to a lobby day before, get ready for a treat. We are a well-oiled machine, and you can learn from some of the best grassroots lobbyists first-hand, if you take the time and opportunity to do so. We can, and do, make a difference there. This is one of the best days of the year for me and according to Steve, The Most Important Day of The Year for ABATE of Wisconsin.

If politics and legislative issues aren’t your cup of Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea, how about becoming more involved in the region? Now that the new year is here, regional reps will all be starting out fresh with fresh ideas and a lot of things to start up again after a basically dead end 2020. As we start to turn the corner on this COVID virus taking over our lives, we need to pick up where we left off. That means more activity on the regional front which is where it all starts. The regions are the backbone of this organization. It is members like you that do the hard work and make us interesting, fun, informed, educated and safe. Time for all of us to roll up our sleeves, condition our leather chaps and get to work. 2021 is Our Year. Our year to get back to normal. A new normal maybe, but normal none the less. Know how to generate income? Bring it on. Money makes the world go round and gives us the opportunity to do more work. Let’s get those teens learning how to drive the tools they need to see us. Let’s give our members the skill they need to maneuver a tighter corner by signing them up for a safe rider course with Gary. Let’s give the public the knowledge they need to remember that we are on the road and our lives matter, through awareness campaigns and highway safety signs. It all takes money, and it starts at the regional fundraising level.
We have a lot of work to do and a lot of catching up to do. That takes a lot of members. This is no time to lay around and try to wish things better. Step up to the plate and make a difference. Make a difference in your region. Make a difference in your community. Make a difference in ABATE. Make a difference in Wisconsin. Just pull yourself up and make a difference. 2021. It’s Our Year.

“Cuz”