Membership Director Report

by Bill Roberge

What does exposure mean? It means contact with something. To me as a member of ABATE, it means letting people of all kinds, bikers and non-bikers alike, see us. The reason I’m talking about this is last weekend my region held a brat fry and information booth along the route of a several-county ride which takes place along both sides of the Mississippi River each spring and fall. We did not do so well with the brat fry, and I was a bit discouraged by that. Then I was reminded that it is not always about the money but is also about getting the name of ABATE out there and letting people know what ABATE is and what we stand for. If you are a regional rep or live in an area that just can’t bring in that large amount of money that some regions do, don’t stop trying. Don’t ever give up. Continue to hold activities in your region because exposure is every bit as important as money. Keep up to date on the issues we are dealing with and educate bikers and the public about the things that are important to us. By doing this you will recruit new members. New members will bring their skills to ABATE and also generate income from their dues for years to come. Another way to become exposed, so to speak, is by volunteering in your community by helping with various events. Attend local meetings and be sure to wear your ABATE clothing. Many people, even people who ride motorcycles, say they have never heard of ABATE. That has to change. You can make that change with exposure. We have a lot of information about ABATE in the form of posters, tri-folds and yard signs, etc. They do us no good if they are stored in our garages or basements. Get them out to businesses in your community. Exposure.

Just a reminder that we will be voting on the by-law changes at the Annual Meeting next month, October 9^th and 10^th at the Clarion Hotel in Baraboo, WI. Balloting will be open Saturday through Sunday before the meeting. On Saturday there is a ride to the Capitol followed by a gathering at the CC Riders Clubhouse. The more motorcycles at the Capitol the better. Don’t forget to “Ride Your Own Ride” and show your support for motorcyclists’ rights.

Reminder, when you are signing up new members or taking renewal applications, please check to be sure that all information listed is correct and complete. If you include your name as a “referred by” for a new member, use your full name. You can include your nickname if you like, but I was recently asked if I had a list of nicknames to correspond to given names. Marie was looking for “Cowboy” and we have a few. Also, be sure you send the paperwork to the proper address – PO Box 38, Brookfield, WI. 53008.

As usual, I’m asking – Did you get yours? I got mine. How great would it be if we all got one, just one.

Ride Safe, Ride Free, Ride with ABATE.

Bill