Did You Vote?

By Bill Roberge

Did you cast your vote for District Director? I hope so, because if you didn’t, you’re too late. Those ballots needed to be at the state office for tabulation by June 30th and that part of our election is now closed. Good luck to all that ran. The results will be made known shortly and will be published in the August issue of the newsletter.

Next on the ABATE election agenda is a glimpse of the candidate choices for the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Candidate profiles and candidacy papers are due at the state office no later than July 15. These profiles will be printed in the August issue of the newsletter so be sure to look for them and think about who you think is better suited to fill the executive and board member positions of the organization. Do these people have the same views and values as you do, or will they challenge all of us with new ideas? Time will tell. We are always looking for progressive, free thinkers to grow our organization and have it remain current and productive. If you are interested in throwing in your hat and stepping up to help the organization on the state level, now is your chance. Candidacy papers can be found on page 17 of this newsletter.

Are you a good fit to help carry on the work we still have to do? If you don’t think you’re quite ready to become a state officer, maybe it’s time to think about what you can contribute in your own region….maybe you would be a good fit there. Regional elections will be taking place before our annual meeting in October. See? ABATE provides a wealth of opportunities for you to consider. All you have to do is ask me. I’ll find a good spot for your talents.

In case you haven’t heard, ABATE elections are not the only elections taking place this year. There is a big one coming up nationally and some important ones within our own state. This is your opportunity to exercise your right to vote. That is one of the most important privileges we have as American citizens. Check out all the choices you have, find a candidate you can relate to and do a little legwork for their campaign. You just might make a valuable connection that could come in handy somewhere down the road. But whatever you do…VOTE.

Doing some legwork is something that we as members can do in our regions too. If you see a new member at your meeting, reach out with a welcome and take them under your wing. I am forever spouting off about mentoring. You have the perfect opportunity to do so at every ABATE event or meeting. That’s how we learn. We learn by observation and by doing, so if you’re observing someone who looks unsure of what’s happening, do something about it and show them the ropes. You might just find a lifelong friend you want to share your flint with…. but that’s another story. Signing a member up is easy. Keeping them interested, active, and engaged is the real challenge, but it isn’t hard. It’s called brotherhood.