S.T.E.A.M. REPORT

By Cheryl Driscoll
As a 1st Grade Public School Teacher, I have attended many educational conferences. I have also attended Officer’s Training and ABATE of WI’s State Meeting several times. However, this was my first HEARTLAND S.T.E.A.M. Conference. I have heard of the HEARTLAND S.T.E.A.M. Conference, but never attended due to a work conflict. This year I did not have a work conflict and am incredibly happy that I was able to attend HEARTLAND S.T.E.A.M. 2021! I went with my Husband Matt (Dr. Vern) Driscoll Regional Rep of Region 2A.
I was also in charge of the food for the Hospitality Room and while doing so, I was able to speak with several people from other States and what they are working on legislatively while protecting the “Freedom of the Road!”
It was an honor on Friday night to listen to and learn of the seven States’ SMRO’s successes in legislation, since their last S.T.E.A.M. Conference. A highlight of the Meet and Greet was learning what ABATE of IL’s Legislative Representative, Josh Witkowski, is doing. He is tracking several Bills in the IL Legislature. The Bills that I found most intriguing were the Bills on Autonomous Vehicles, Profiling of Motorcyclists, and legislation with the Gaming Board. It was great to learn that ABATE of IL’s legislative goals are parallel to those of ABATE of WI.
I also learned from the presenters about topics on motorcyclist rights e.g., Bridging the Gap between SMROs and Clubs. I also learned how we can use Social Media to make ABATE of WI at the State Level and at the Regional Level more successful at getting our message out to all motorcyclists, especially younger riders.
I found the session on Leadership by Jazz which corresponded with Hardtail’s presentation that focused on “Putting the Right Person to the Task” very intriguing. This seems obvious, but it is not. Being a member of ABATE for 22 years, several of those serving as an Area Rep, I have learned that putting the right person in the right job does not go so well, at times.
I must give credit where credit is due. And that credit goes to Wisconsin’s MRF State Rep. Jennifer Dewitz. Her leadership with the S.T.E.A.M. Committee and her truly putting the right person(s) in the correct roles, made ABATE of WI sponsorship of S.T.E.A.M. 2021 a terrific success.