Junior Patriot Coordinator Needed

By Marlene Bautch

In 2011 ABATE of Wisconsin established a program for children called the Junior Patriots. This program is a group for kids (age 0-16) and not a category of membership. For a one-time fee of $25 (paid for by an ABATE of WIS adult who we call the sponsor) the child gets a colorful Junior Patriot patch and membership card when the state office processes the application.

The purpose of the creation of the Jr. Patriots program was to open a line of communication about ABATE of Wisconsin, freedoms, and responsibility. This would be achieved between a sponsor, an ABATE of Wisconsin member, and the child. The sponsor can purchase the program for a child, grandchild or any child they have a relationship with. The idea is the sponsor would use their monthly newsletter to share and discuss information from it with the child.

The original proposal for the program also included the idea of an annual mailing of a birthday card to the child from ABATE of Wisconsin, as well as one other mailing timed to promote and inform the Junior Patriot and their family about the annual ABATE of Wisconsin Family Campout (second weekend in August at ABATE Acres.)

Unfortunately, at this time, the adults of ABATE of Wisconsin need to take a very close look at the program and decide how to move forward. We have a very poor history of finding/keeping an adult coordinator that can coordinate the two mailings, submit a short monthly column for the Junior Patriot space in the newsletter, and help plan and work at the Family Campout (you’ll have folks willing to help at the campout.)

Long story short – ABATE of Wisconsin needs a new Junior Patriot Coordinator that is committed to making the program work. Duties/skills may include:

• having the ability to work with and understand children and family dynamics
• monthly contribution to the newsletter – written at about the 3rd grade level. Possible topics: basic, non-partisan civics, American/Wisconsin history, motorcycle safety, motorcycle awareness, highlighting ABATE activities that are family friendly
• access to a computer/email and a basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel (for updates on the children enrolled in the program from the state office.)
• Looking at the program with open eyes, perhaps forming a committee, and evaluating what works and what doesn’t work. Making suggestions for changes as needed.
• Help to plan and implement the annual Family Campout at ABATE Acres the second weekend on August

Are YOU the person this program is begging for to save it?

If you believe you are, we are now accepting letters of interest until June 27, 2018. Interested applicants should plan to attend the July ABATE of Wisconsin Board Meeting at ABATE Acres on July 8, 2018.

Your letter of interest should include a little bit about yourself – why you’re interested and what would make you good at the job. Also please include the text for two sample newsletter submissions for the Junior Patriot space (200-300 words each, written at about a 3rd grade level.)

Send these to news@abatewis.org and Marlene will pass them around to the folks that need to see them. Thank you! I’m hoping that whoever the right person is out there is reading this! If it’s not you, but you know someone you think would do a great job, please point this out to them for consideration.