It’s Election Time!

by Dave Twit Linberg

We are in the midst of an election both on the national level and within our own ABATE of Wisconsin. Last month you saw the newsletter announce that the candidacy for District Directors was open and the candidacy papers were printed, so those members wanting to continue on, or step up, into this position could fill them out and get them submitted to the State Office. Anyone wishing to run has until the April 15^th deadline for their candidacy papers and profile reports to be received at the State Office. (Form on page 20 of newsletter) The profile reports that the State Office receives for District Directors will be printed in the May newsletter for members to become familiar with the candidates and decide who they would like to vote for to fill those positions. Ballots for District Directors will be printed in June and completed ballots need to be back to the state office no later than June 30^th. Good luck to those members that are interested in the District Director position. This is the first step in getting our state officer positions filled for our next two-year cycle. Think carefully and vote wisely.

Every month or so I print a copy of past members that for some reason or another let their memberships lapse. This is a tool that I give to every Regional Representative so they can let me know if the list is accurate, if those past members should still be listed, and for them to take to their meetings to get regional members involved in reaching out to those people and ask them, WHY? Membership retention in any organization is always something to focus on and ours is no different. I’ve always said that these members joined us once, so why are they no longer members? That’s our job to find out. If we understand why members drift away from our organization, maybe we can fix the problem, if there is one, and keep more members continually active. Life moves on, people change, and priority adjustments come with it. I understand all that, but a phone call never hurts and maybe, just maybe, we are able to get those members interested in ABATE again because maybe their life priorities have been adjusted and they are willing and able to become active again. It never hurts, when looking at these lists, to Suck it Up, Fix It, and Be Better. A great motto to live by…Thanks Hardtail for that.

I know we are currently surrounded by the heightened risk of the Corona Virus. I just want to mention that once this risk subsides, it is a good idea to visit neighboring regions and support their events. We are all in this together and if we are able to support each other’s region, we can raise a little money for our cause and raise a little fun at the same time. At a time when some people are being politically polarized by all the television ads, let these events bring our regions and our organization together. Personally, I love chili…. almost as much as I love ABATE.