Officer’s Training

by Bill Roberge

I recently attended Officer’s Training in Marshfield. These conferences are important for many reasons. For me, it’s a time to realize why I do what I do. It’s easy to say, “Let the other guy do it.” It’s his turn to attend a meeting, travel in bad weather to Board Meetings, work at various events that support ABATE, etc. I know if everyone said “Let the other guy do it” not much would get done. So, I keep going. When I attend Officer’s Training and see and talk to the other officers, I see the obstacles we face to keep our lifestyle and I have no problem putting in the time and effort. I’m ready for the year to come, and I have everyone who attended Officer’s Training and all of our members to thank for that.

I encourage all of our members, especially the newer ones, to step up and become an officer of ABATE at some level. You will be glad you did. Start as a regional officer and finish as Executive Director. Officer’s Training began with our Executive Director, John Reblin, welcoming us. Our state officers and board members were introduced, then we moved on to round table discussions led by department heads. We finished up by watching the movie, “The Last Motorcycle on Earth.” It’s about our near future where fuel for motorcycles might not be available, end of life legislation might become a reality and so on. I never thought I would be talking about something like this, but if we don’t stand strong and stand united it could happen.

How can you keep your way of life as a biker? I’m glad you asked. Support ABATE. Attend Lobby Day. Go to ABATE fundraising activities. Have a personal relationship with your Legislators. And, very important is find new members. There is strength in numbers.

On Saturday we heard about the ABC’s of ABATE and how things work in our organization and how to run a successful regional meeting. Reports were given from Membership, Junior Patriots, Newsletter, Business Agent, Highway Safety, Safe Rider, Fundraising, Roberts Rules of Order, ABATE’s Motorcycle Summit, etc., plus a nice talk from our Hooligan Racer, Eric Schulte otherwise known as Sideways Shakes. ABATE is one of his sponsors on the Hooligan racing circuit.

The banquet on Saturday evening was a time to relax and listen to Rocky – the MRF lobbyist and fellow ABATE of WI member – tell us about what’s happening in Washington, DC. Saturday also was the Lifetime Membership raffle drawing, which was presented to Dave Jones, Region 6A.

To complete the weekend on Sunday, we heard Hardtail present his motivational speech for the year, Jen Dewitz let us know what’s happening in the MRF, Rocky once again, and Steve Panten spoke of Lobby Day and Legislative committee issues. A full and informative weekend.

Well, get out and find you new member. Spring is coming and we each need to bring someone new into the organization.

Did you get yours? I got mine.

Bill