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P.O. Box 160223 Nashville, Tn 37216-0223 615 262-1119 - Office
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November, 2002 First things first - it’s ELECTION TIME! VOTE – GET ACTIVE – OR SHUT UP! Know who you’re voting for. Enough said. Second, we do not have a Legislative Officer. It is important to understand that legislative effectiveness in the name of Tennessee Motorcyclists is our mission. No one has stepped up to the plate on this very important issue. I won’t mislead you. This requires time in Nashville as well as efforts on the phone, on a computer and at events. It means contacting and working with legislators, committees and other groups. It requires some focus and dedication. But, without this position CMT/ABATE has no reason to exist. So, this position must be filled – and filled soon – or we need to question why we exist and what we expect to get done. Now, on to the real issue of the day, I’ve always been told that if you want to get something done – set goals and write them down. Everyone should be able to answer the question, "Where do you want to be five years from now?" What they are really asking is do you have five year goals? As an organization can we answer that question? To tell you the truth, I don’t think we can. As the famous saying goes, at least in my business, "If you don’t have a target, how do you know if you’ve hit it?" So, let’s set some goals. I think biting off a five-year chunk might be a bit much right now so let’s be a little more short term. We’ve been so focused on one very important thing for so long that other important things have not had the attention they should. Yes, the helmet modification bill is an extremely important item for this Motorcycle Rights Organization. But, it’s not the only item. For example, what good does freedom of choice make when your bike has been outlawed by the EPA? What good does it do if you can’t ride because you can’t get health insurance? As I have said before and will say again, we will not be an effective political organization because we get the helmet modification bill passed but rather we will get the helmet modification bill passed because we are an effective political organization. How do we get there? We are addressing the structure issue. Successful organizations operate with sound business principles. The committees discussed in the previous newsletter are being set up. A list of responsibilities for these committees was also included. But as an organization we need to have goals. Otherwise how will you know if we are making progress? So, here goes. These are the goals I’d like to see us meet in 2003.
Will all of this be done? No. Should we try to get it all done? You bet. I don’t go hunting with the idea that if I can’t get a record book elk I don’t want to go. Last time I checked Antler soup didn’t taste too good. I go with high goals and a plan and I make the most of the success I can achieve and build from there. Are these goals set in stone? No way. They’re just ideas. I’d like your ideas as well. At the last BOD we sent a Legislative Survey out to the charters. These will help define Legislative Goals. Well, we need these for the organization as well. So, let’s hear from you. What do you think our goals should be? Please contact me directly at 615-491-6768, director@cmtabate.com or write to the office at the address in this newsletter. Let’s get to work. You should see my five year plan! Until later, just ride…. Steve |
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