Diversity—a Blessing

by Dave ‘Twit’ Linberg

When I look at our membership statistics, it never ceases to amaze me that we are truly a truly diverse organization. By that I mean we have people from all walks of life and areas of the state – and country – that belong to us. We are lucky to be so diverse. If you have a mechanical issue, I know who to call. If you have a legal issue, I know who to have you contact. If you need insurance, I know where to go, if you need help on the road, there are a wealth of members that will step up to help you. (Hardtail was rescued by an ABATE member when he got stuck in a snowstorm on his bike a few years ago on his way to a STEAM meeting. He knew who to call). Some of knowing who to reach out to may come from being around so long – I did recently have another birthday – but most of it comes from ABATE contacts and the diversity we have within our group.

In such a time of nationwide unrest, I know that we can be an example of how to – just get along. Not all of us have the same background, political affiliations, and ideals, but we are all brothers and sisters and at the end of the day we are friends. When we get down to the nitty gritty of holding meetings, fundraising, or getting behind an issue in Madison or Washington, DC we come together. The reason it works can be defined in one word, RESPECT. I respect your opinion – even if I don’t agree – and I certainly hope that you respect mine. It’s called living in a civilized society and doing what is good for ABATE of WI. and doing what is good for motorcycling. Remember, along with RESPECT comes LISTENING. Listen to what others are saying. Different viewpoints are what will make us grow and get better at what we do.

This year has been a challenge. Our regional meetings and fundraising efforts have been depressed by COVID. Should we just toss in the hat? Hell, no. Now is the time to come up with some innovative ideas to bring in new members and bring in some cash. The calendar raffle would be a good example. When we were out selling those tickets, it gave us the perfect opportunity to explain what our organization is about and hand out a membership flyer along with a ticket.

I know of a region that recently held a drive thru brat fry…. a great way to make a little money – and when you hand out the brats, hand out membership information at the same time. Reach out to those around us that don’t know what we do and tell them. I know that a lot of people are surprised when they find out how much we can get done and how far our membership reach is.

And speaking of membership, all of us should keep those flyers or cards in our back pocket, because you never know. Check with your local bike shop – will they let you leave a drop your change box with membership information in them? We don’t want to miss an opportunity when an opportunity comes along, just sayin’.

My time as your membership director is running short. That doesn’t mean I’m going away. It’s just time to let someone new breathe some life into the membership program. Hopefully, their new ideas will bring about a whole new group of members. When that happens remember to include them in all activities ABATE. Just because they may be diverse or different from you, doesn’t mean they are any different when they take their pants off.

Twit