June, 2002
Now what?
In the past several weeks I’ve had the pleasure of sharing time at charter
meetings with Carroll County, Center Hill, Dickson/Humphreys, Harpeth River,
Nashville, Wheels of Thunder and Hwy 41 charter. We’ve had some very open and
honest conversations, exchanged ideas, discussed problems and had a great time.
I can’t thank everyone I’ve met personally for the all the hospitality I’ve
been shown. I know I’ll miss too many people so let’s just say we have some
wonderful people in this organization. Thank you.
I’ve also learned some other things. We have a gorgeous state. My travels
so far have been in the western two thirds of the state. The variety of sites,
sounds, smells, experiences and people is incredible. I’m looking forward to
traveling to all of the other areas as well.
But, with all the traveling I’ve done so far and the rest that I have yet
to do, I’ll never get the chance to meet with the Forked Deer, Northwest,
Union City, Cheatham County, Montgomery County, Rutherford County, Iron Mule,
Sequatchie, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Rolling Wheels, Memphis or Chester County
charters. What? You’ve never heard of these? Well, neither had I until I spent
a day in our offices going through old files and reading about some of the
history of CMT/ABATE. It was fascinating. We have a colorful and sometimes
stormy history.
Actually, I was saddened to see this many references to defunct charters. I
realize it is a great deal of work to lead a charter or hold an officer
position. It’s a thankless position but an important one if we are to continue
to try to achieve our goals. Often the fire goes out and people drift away. The
focus is lost. The effort just doesn’t seem to make sense anymore.
This last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the NCOM (National
Coalition of Motorcyclists) convention in New Orleans. It was very informative.
I wish every one of you could have been there. If you would have had the chance
to speak to Sputnick from ABATE of Texas or Frank Earnst from ABATE of Minnesota
or anyone of the other speakers, presenters or freedom fighters from around the
country that shared ideas, news stories, tactics and information you would know
exactly what we are trying to accomplish. It’s what a number of them have
already accomplished. We are trying to become a more effective political force
in this state with the ability to positively affect the safety and enjoyment of
motorcycling in Tennessee. The stories, energy and positive outlook these people
have concerning our rights and the progress we are making even in light of some
of the new threats out there will do nothing less than invigorate the dead back
to life.
All of the battles or difficulties we are facing, be it intrusive government
meddling, unsafe roads, membership, legislative roadblocks, organizational
problems or member participation have been addressed by others with success and
failure. This gathering allowed us to get together and exchange ideas, discuss
what works, and talk about issues that we all face. In the next few months you
will be hearing and reading about a number of ideas specifically designed to
address these issues within CMT/ABATE. We will become an effective political
force. We will positively affect safety and the enjoyment of motorcycling in
this state in a number of different ways.
One last item, it has come to my attention recently that we haven’t been
doing a very good job on membership, renewals and welcome packages. I understand
that dates on cards have been getting screwed up, welcome packages haven’t
been going out, people have not received newsletters for months even though they
are signed up and many other issues. I’m not pointing fingers. It is merely a
matter of a process that needs attention. Our membership people in the past and
present have been working hard. But, we are having a tough enough time raising
membership. We don’t need to piss off the members we currently have. We are
working on straightening out the process to make it faster and more responsive.
I’d ask for your patience and understanding as we put some different
procedures into place. In the meantime, tell your charter directors what is
wrong. If you aren’t receiving your newsletter or your card isn’t right –
tell us. If you know someone’s membership is wrong, please tell us. We need to
know what needs to be fixed. I appreciate your patience. As always, I’m open
to your ideas and suggestions.
Remember, the Spring Bash and Points Rodeo is May 31 through June 2 at
Parkers Crossroads. I hope to see you all there. Bring a friend!
Until next time - Just ride…
Steve
