What is ABATE of Indiana? American Bikers Aimed Towards Education Introduction

68 Pages·2016·6.72 MB·English

19th Edition
ABATE of Indiana’s
Guideboo©ABATkE of Indiana Inc.
…for Successful Motorcyclist Leadership
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ABATE Officers,
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Volunteers and Friends
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Welcome to the wonderful world lives and been recognized with for future generations.
of motorcyclists’ rights. We have scores of awards. The social Thank you for your dedication
l an incredible organization in events produced by our people, and commitment to becoming
e ABATE of Indiana and there is a ranging from the smallest and actively involved in the premier
great deal to be proud of. How- most intimate county gathering to state motorcyclists’ rights organi-
W ever, we must remain vigilant and the Midwest’s Best Biker Fest… zation. It is a lot of work but it can
not let our guard down as we still the Boogie®, are truly second to be extremely rewarding. What
have much work to do. none. you put into it is up to you. To
ABATE of Indiana is quite Most importantly, we work to paraphrase the Peace Corps, “It’s
diverse, in that we have several ensure that motorcycles continue the toughest job you’ll ever love.”
high profile causes. We are leg- to have a place on the road, not Ride Safe, Ride Free,
endary for our philanthropic activ- just in museums. Motorcycling is Jay Jackson
ity and have contributed millions a legitimate means of transporta- Executive Director
of dollars to numerous state, local tion that many of us consider a
and national (as well some inter- way of life. Our members must
national) charities. Our efforts in be kept informed of legislative
motorcycle safety and awareness activity that impacts our lifestyle
have resulted in saving countless so that motorcycling is preserved
LAPORTE 2 2 LAGRANGE STEUBEN
LAKE PORTER ST. JOSEPH ELKHART
ABATE Program 1 1
NOBLE DEKALB
2 MARSHALL KOSCIUSKO
0
STARKE
and Region Map
WHITLEY ALLEN
JASPER
NEWTON PULASKI FULTON
4
MIAMI WABASH N
WHITE CASS GTO WELLS ADAMS
0 Region 0 Training Sites: 3 NTIN
1 Region 1 1 Crown Point BENTON CARROLL GRANTHU
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67 RReeggiioonn 67 78 ERvicahnmsvoilnled VERMILLION PUTNAM HENDRICKS MARION151 HANCOCKRUSH FEATTYE- UN8ION
89 RReeggiioonn 89 190 WVeersstafiilelelds VIG1O 2CLAY O6WEN MMOONRRGOAENBROWJOHNSONN★BARTSHELBYHO- DEC7ATUR FRANKLDINEAR-
10 SULLIVAN LOMEW RIPLEY BORN
Region 10 GREENE JENNINGS 10
11
Region 11 OHIO
12 Region 12 KNOX LAWRENCE JACKSON JEFFERSON SWITZERLAND
DAVIESS
13 Region 13 13 MARTIN ORANGE WASHINGTON SCOTT
9 CLARK
Freedom Hall PIKE DUBOIS
★ GIBSON 10CRAWFORD FLOYD
ABATE State Office HARRISON 6
LRanaewdc rrDeeainrttci oeBn iCkaeol PuSnactrhyko ol POSEY VANDERBURGH 78WARRICK SPENCERPERRY
2 ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook
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Table of Contents
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What is ABATE of Indiana? 4 A Letter Writer’s Guide 43
to Congress l
What Does it Take to be 5
e
Involved in ABATE? Legislative Glossary 43
The Wheel 7 When You Write Your Legsilators 45

Maintaining an Efficient 8 Membership Booth/Public 46
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Organization Relations Checklist
Conducting Effective Meetings 9 Standard Event Budget Form 47
f
Running an Election 10 Chairman’s Checklist 48

Guidelines to Using 11 Tattooist Agreement 49
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Robert’s Rules of Order
Flyer Request Form 50
Guidelines on Becoming 12
ABATE Property Use Agreement 51
an Effective Leader o
Region Monthly Report 52
Tips for Handling Those 14
Difficult People Entertainment Contract 54
n
Dollars & Sense: Fundraising 15 Request for Certificate 55
of Insurance
Planning Your Runs 16 t
Officer Acceptance Form 56
Standard Event Budget Overview 17
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Officer Resignation Form 57
ABATE and Gaming Restrictions 19
Event Waiver Form 58
Standard Rules for ABATE Events 19 n
Event Sanctioning Form 59
Basic Standards for Security 20
W-9 Form 60
Basic Information about 21 t
U.S. Copyrights Questions Most Often Asked 61
s
at the Office
Booking Entertainment 22
for your Event Hoosier Motorcyclist 62
Advertising Rates
Rules and Regulations on Alcohol 23
ABATE of Indiana By-Laws 63
Liability and Risk Management 24
ABATE of Indiana Policies 66
Recognized State Motorcycle 25
Rights (SMRO) Groups ———————————————————————
Event Suggestions 26 This guidebook is a compilation of
information from ABATE of Florida,
Sanctioned Events 30
ABATE of Pennsylvania, the American
Flyers and Hoosier Motorcyclist 31 Motorcyclists Association, ABATE of
Magazine Indiana and various other sources.
All content is accurate as of the date
Public Service & Media Releases 32
of printing and is subject to change.
ABATE Event Insurance 33 ©2016 ABATE of Indiana, Inc.
Premium Guide Boogie® is a registered trademark
Making your own Event 34 of ABATE of Indiana, Inc. All rights
Promotional Flyers reserved. The ABATE of Indiana logo
is registered with the U.S. Copy-
Website/Facebook Guidelines 35
right office and can only be used
ABATE Motorcycle Safety Division 36 for ABATE of Indiana events and
Lawrence County 37 sanctioned activities.
Recreational Park
ABATE of Indiana 39 Printed November 2016
Legal Services Program
ABATE Products 40
ABATE’s Position on 41
Motorcyclists’ Rights
The Legislative Process 42
ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook 3
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What is ABATE of Indiana?
o
merican ikers imed owards ducation
A B A T E
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safety and awareness in Indiana. will have the opportunity to meet
Mission Statement In addition to all of this, members and interact with over 20,000
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ABATE of Indiana, Inc. is a are eligible for many benefits and members, at our over 180 sanc-
politically active, not-for-profit, discounts in our various promo- tioned events, who share the
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charitable organization that tions held throughout the year. same interest — the freedom of
is dedicated to the estab- ABATE of Indiana offers a motorcycling in Indiana.
o lishment, preservation, and motorcycle rider education
defense of the rights, liberties program that utilizes a nation- Accomplishments
r and freedoms of ALL motorcy- ally recognized curriculum. With Our motorcycle safety program
clists, through the promotion numerous sites operating state- has trained over 125,000 riders
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of education and motorcycle wide, we give both novice and since its inception in 1979. A 67%
n safety. experienced riders the ability to reduction in motorcyclist fatali-
ride with tremendous confidence. ties is attributed to the program,
I Members are encouraged to proving to Indiana legislators that
be legislatively informed. ABATE education is the key to saving
ABATE of Indiana is a 501(c)(3) has a continued presence at the lives. ABATE has also been the
not-for-profit safety, educational, Indiana Statehouse monitoring driving force in promoting Mo-
charitable and advocacy motor- legislation and representing your torcycle Safety and Awareness
cyclist organization. interests as an Indiana motor- Month. ABATE has distributed
ABATE has a full-time staff, cyclist. ABATE was primarily over 750,000 bumper stickers for
350 volunteer officers and over responsible for the 1976 repeal its motorcycle awareness cam-
200 nationally certified safety of the mandatory helmet law paign.
instructors, dedicated to serving and continues to ensure motor- In addition to promoting mo-
the interests of all motorcyclists. cyclists’ freedom of choice. We torcycle safety, ABATE has also
were also instrumental in passing been involved with raising money
Programs & Benefits numerous pieces of legislation for charities and those in need.
Members receive a subscrip- that benefit riders while oppos- In the past, we have raised over
tion to ABATE of Indiana’s ing those that are detrimental to $8,000,000 for many local and
monthly “Hoosier Motorcyclist” motorcycling. regional charities, including the
newsmagazine. This qual- We began, and continue to Muscular Dystrophy Association,
ity publication keeps members run, the first ever ABATE Legal Indiana Children’s Wish Fund,
informed of upcoming events and Services Program, with on-the- American Diabetes Association,
issues affecting motorcyclists in scene investigative teams and Hoosier Burn Camp, Special
the state and nationwide. Mem- attorneys who ride and believe in Olympics of Indiana, and Riley
bers also have the opportunity to the motorcyclists’ life-style and Hospital for Children. ABATE has
attend local meetings, voice their rights. also donated tons of food and
opinions in our magazine and ABATE of Indiana members truck loads of toys each year
become involved with the sport are offered the lowest insurance at Christmas time, through our
of motorcycling. Members can prices through the ISU-Underwood holiday toy programs.
enjoy the largest ABATE event Agency. By calling 800-852-5447,
in the Midwest: our incredible members can receive the lowest
three days of the “Boogie®” held insurance rates available, and the
the third weekend in July at the friendliest assistance on claims.
scenic Lawrence County Recre- Every current member of
ational Park. Plus, outstanding ABATE is automatically provided
members are recognized each with a $3,500 accidental death
February at our Awards Banquet. and dismemberment policy from
Members receive a patch for their American Income Life at NO
first year in ABATE, and year pins COST. As long as your member-
thereafter, along with a bumper ship is current, you are covered!
sticker promoting motorcycle As a member of ABATE, you
4 ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook
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What does it take
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to be involved in ABATE?
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r
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ABATE is an acronym for hour to ABATE and then lay off for duce acceptable plans, worthwhile
American Bikers Aimed T owards a while. Again, it has to work with goals, profitable decisions, and
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Education. ABATE is also an your schedule. Each individual will foster a climate that encourages
acronym for A Brotherhood Against have to determine and justify their teamwork.
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Totalitarian Enactments. time to ABATE.
ABATE is an organization of The key is to ORGANIZE YOUR Have a Purpose
volunteers. TIME. Do not waste it! Establish Other than an expected regular c
The word “volunteer” is the key from the very beginning when it is meeting of the membership, is a
as to a person’s ability to succeed most convenient for the member- proposed committee meeting, etc. t
or fail as an ABATE officer. Not only ship to reach you. really necessary? Some meetings
do you always have to remember have become more of a tradition i
your time is given freely, but most Promotion rather than being held for a specific o
everyone you deal with in ABATE We have devoted several pages reason. Committee meetings prior
also gives their free time, and when elsewhere to promotion and have to a big event are critical for key n
the demands become too high, we tried to cover all the angles. It’s people with responsibilities.
reach what is referred to as “burn best to approach this concept with
out.” a few suggestions and consider- Consider the Logistics
Organize your thoughts before ations before and after your events. Coordination, location, con-
you become a “volunteer” officer in Establish a budget and game venience, and attendees. Plan all
ABATE. Understand a need for 5, plan with input from all interested aspects well in advance and have
10, or 20 hours per week devoted individuals and previous experi- an agenda.
toward a cause. Can you work an ence. Notify the state office as
hour or two each day into your soon as your information is gath- Notify the Membership
schedule toward ABATE affairs ered for flyers. Advertising, flyers, Give at least two weeks notice,
without disrupting your entire etc., should be out at least 60 days include specific location, time and
lifestyle? prior to the event. date, contact number and map.
Consider that you will be dealing In some cases, reassuring
with all types of bikers in ABATE folks there will be no problems Draw Up an Agenda and Stick
and a multitude of personalities: with our people puts them at to it!
American brand riders (Harley- ease. Successful events provide Determine all the topics for
Davidson, Indian, Victory); import a superb opportunity to change discussion and results to be ac-
riders (BMW, Ducati, Honda, “John Q. Public’s” mind about complished by the meeting’s end.
Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc.); “bikers.” Obviously, the reason for The general Order of Business is:
clubbers; AMA groups; retreads; your promotion should be to sell (1) Minutes; (2) Reports of Standing
TT riders; touring riders; bikers who ABATE, promote motorcycling and Committees; (3) Reports of Select
don’t ride; ladies who ride; ladies raise funds to support our cause Committees; (4) Unfinished Busi-
who don’t ride; all age groups; and mission. Anytime you have a ness; (5) New Business; (6) Good
wannabees; dirt bike riders; sport promotion, have someone who is of the Order.
bike riders; dealers; legislators; aware of the ins and outs of ABATE
your neighbors; independents; and available and ready to sell mem- Key Officer Should P reside Over
on and on… bership and answer questions. the Meeting
Don’t dictate. Explain or hand
Time Meetings out your agenda and timetable
If you can organize your time No activity is blamed for wast- prior to the start of the meeting
and delegate projects with the ing more time than the monthly and mention there are intentions of
proper diplomacy, and if you have meeting. sticking to the agenda. Encourage
good people behind you, then we The finger is rightly pointed at idea exchange so that everyone
would estimate a region or county unorganized, unplanned meetings has a chance to participate and
could develop and operate a suc- which only end up causing ten- lend something to the goals. Use
cessful program spending 10-15 sion, frustration and confusion. Robert’s Rules (See pages 11
hours per week within this group. Ineffective meetings waste an and 12). Don’t go over 60 minutes
These are only estimates and organization’s two most precious without a break. NEVER have a
averages. For example; during an commodities — its people and its meeting last over two hours.
event week, swap meet or what- money.
ever, you may devote every waking Meetings can and should pro- Continued on next page
ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook 5
Sum Up and Restate Key Points
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Make sure no questions remain
If you’ve
and that everyone is clear on the
o information that came out of the
meeting. Every member should
i know what their responsibility is enjoyed ©ABATE of Indiana Inc.
if they are affected by any of the these
t
decisions.
c
Minutes
freedoms
u Always take minutes for the
region records so that they can be
referred to if necessary.
d
you have ABATE to thank!
Evaluate the Meeting
o You might wish to talk to a few

of the members after the meeting
Ridden without a helmet.
r to see how they feel about the
Ridden without eye protection.
proceedings. How can meetings in
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the future be improved? Ridden without a reflective vest.
n Ridden in a group larger than three.
Follow-up on Action
Ridden a bike with ape hangers.
Check on those members who
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were supposed to take some ac- Modified your engine in any way.
tion as a result of the meeting. Modified your drive train in any way.
No matter what technological
Modified your transmission in any way.
advances appear in the future,
Modified your exhaust in any way.
there will be no substitute for
face-to-face meetings. The reason Modified your suspension in any way.
is readily understandable; meet- Put non-OEM tires on your bike.
ings provide immediate human
Worked on your own motorcycle.
contact and feedback. With proper
planning and mutual consideration Had someone who wasn’t an authorized dealer/service
they can be our best form of group provider work on your motorcycle.
communication. Purchased, considered purchasing, or gone for a ride in a
Meetings are here to stay. Get- Polaris® Slingshot® or other autocycle.
ting positive results from a meeting,
Turned left at a poorly calibrated red light.
whether you run it or attend it, is
an important job skill that all the Ridden in HOV (high occupancy vehicle) lanes in any state.
ABATE leaders need to develop, Enjoyed the same road rights as other motor vehicles.
improve or sharpen. Bull sessions
Have motorcycle insurance through State Farm.
are not meetings. As an individual
Never dealt with motorcycle only checkpoints.
handling the meeting, it’s your job
to get opinions, ideas, suggestions Got a motorcycle endorsement without mandatory safety
and facts voiced and on the floor training.
during the meeting within the realm
Received your motorcycle endorsement without taking the
of business at hand. The rest is
riding test.
conversation for before or after the
Enjoyed motorcycle safety training at an affordable price.
meeting. This can be valuable.
All regions, counties and Not paid a $10 motorcycle only tax on each motorcycle
members are to work within our registration.
by-laws, keep up with membership Enjoyed the protections of “moped” registration.
and financial matters and maintain
Enjoyed having to pay for a motorcycle endorsement once
contact with the state office and
for life instead of with every license renewal.
other regions. Keeping this in mind,
an individual region will have to Ridden dirt bikes on state-owned land with a friend from
work their region program to the out-of-state.
best of their abilities. Each region
may warrant a different approach Stop riding on our dime!
to things based on personalities,
lifestyles, ideas, and location. JoIn ABATE TodAy!
6 ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook
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h
The Wheel
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Building the organization
S
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The Wheel is an analogy Largest spoke, one of the largest members of ABATE. r
developed by Mike Farabaugh1 to programs in the county In order for both wheels to turn
u
help in conveying the many ben- • Freedom Hall the spokes of the second wheel
efits of ABATE of Indiana. It also • OHV programs must be put in place. These
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helps show what types of people • “Hoosier Motorcyclist”: Our are the people that need to be
benefit from these programs. best communication link to the informed about our programs and
In order for “the Wheel” to membership benefits. t
work, all the pieces and spokes • Website/Internet presence • Independent Riders
u
must be put in place. • ABATE Legal Services: Nation- • Retired Riders
When presenting “the Wheel”, al phone number 800-25-RIDER • Harley Riders
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start with the hub of the Wheel, • Legislative Information • New Riders
this is the state office. Every Network Committee (LINC) • Import Bike Riders e
function of ABATE utilizes the re- • Insurance and Other Dis- • Women Riders
sources of the state office which counts • Confederation Of Clubs

consists of 8 full-time people, and • The Boogie®: The Midwest’s • Legislators
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numerous volunteers and part- Best Biker Fest • Tour Riders
timers; they are as follows: • Toy Drives • OHV Riders
f
• Executive Director • Community Charities • AMA Riders
• Operations Director • Membership Drives • Dealers
• Editor • Seminars • Sport Riders A
• Office Manager • Sanctioned Events • Dirt Racers
• Mailing & Membership • Accidental Death and Dis- • Street Racers
B
Secretary memberment Policy • Military/Civic/Social Groups
• Motorcycle Safety Director • Toll-Free 800-23-ABATE • Non-riders
• Motorcycle Safety • Awards Banquet • Wannabes A
Administrator • Supporters of Motorcycle • Minority Riders
• Graphic Artist Riders Foundation (MRF) • Kids
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• Accountant • Local meetings • Etc.
• LINC Director • Stickers, pins and patches The more spokes we have, the
• DIRT Director • Family: 20,000+ members stronger the wheel becomes. This E
• Lobbyist with same concerns and goals is why we always strive to add
• ABATE Entertainment Director • MDA: Contributed over benefits and programs as well as
• ABATE Legal Services $5,000,000 to this cause alone more members. It all adds up to a
• State Swap Meet C oordinator • Many others stronger organization.
Attached to the hub is the As you can see many benefits The stronger the organiza-
sprocket, the teeth of the go with joining ABATE of Indi- tion, the more effective we are in
sprocket are the region directors, ana. After the wheel has been reaching our goals.
responsible for what operations constructed, it will now turn. We Our main goal and objective
and directions ABATE continues. have to connect it to the people is in protecting the rights and
Before the wheel can turn, that will benefit from ABATE. Our freedoms of these two wheels for
the hub must be attached to the connection to the people will Hoosier motorcyclists in Indiana
rim and tire with the spokes. The be the chain that surrounds the and across the country.
spokes will represent each pro- sprockets and connects the two It’s our responsibility to make
gram and benefit that members wheels. The chain represents the sure our kids and grandkids enjoy
receive from joining ABATE of county reps, workers and active the freedom and experience of
Indiana. We have over 20 spokes members of ABATE. These are riding on two wheels.
to support the wheel in Indiana. the key people in getting the word
1Michael “Balls” Farabaugh was the first
• Motorcycle Safety Division: to non-members and inactive executive director for ABATE of Indiana
ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook 7
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Maintaining an
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Efficient Organization
A
B Central State Office take course. the outside world.
1. Must be open & functioning. 3. Communicate with lead- 2. Let public know what you
A 2. Must have a phone (toll-free ers of other organizations about have to offer.
number preferable). safety. 3. Become involved with your
a. Better communication. 4. Rider education can change community.
b. Membership problems the Harley attitude - the image
f can be taken care of that only Harley riders are in your Professional Education System
o instantly,or channeled in the organization. 1. Seminars, Conferences and
right direction. Workshops.
3. Paid staff. Public Relations 2. Motorcycle Riders Founda-

4. Revenue from events help 1. Establish good relations with tion’s Meeting of the Minds.
e
pay for it, everyone pitches in. press and local officials. 3. Hoosier Motorcyclists’
2. Publicize events with other Roundtable.
r Leadership motorcyclists, motorcycle organi-
u 1. Must be strong & committed. zations and general public. Teamwork
2. Must have good communi- 1. Everyone should work
cation skills. Legislative Representative together for the goals of the
t
3. Honest, sincere, up-front, 1. Creates a good identity at organization.
c does what he/she says. the state level. 2. Eliminate negative attitudes,
a. Trust your leaders; if 2. Helps to make you look they have no place in an organi-
u they screw up, solve the more professional to membership zation.
problem, learn from it, and and public. 3. Right or wrong, stick together.
forget it. Sincerity overules 3. Grassroots efforts (ie. 4. Believe in yourself, be posi-
r
mistakes. ABATE Day at the Statehouse) tive, you have a lot to offer.
t b. By forcing too many 5. Eliminate gossip, don’t allow
guidelines on your leaders, Rallies, Events, Fundraisers it. If a problem arises, bring it up
S
you cannot progress. 1. Yearly calendar of events. and deal with it.
2. Sanction all events in
Newsmagazine November for following year. A central office-based orga-
e 1. Most important form of 3. Central office does flyers for nization is a must. Growth will
communication. all events. only come with the central office
h 2. Everyone contributes - if you 4. Central office helps with accountable for all and runs as
feel it’s newsworthy, others will too. promotion. a business from the top down to
a. Proceeds forwarded the bottom. We are a team, not
T
Insurance Programs to the central office for individuals, and everything we do
1. ISU-Underwood Agency. accounting can then be should benefit the organization as
2. American Income Life. returned to the region. a whole.
3. Motorcycle. 5. Some events should be
4. Accidental Death and members only.
Dismemberment Policy.
Meetings
Legal Services 1. Preferably located in a
See page 35 for more informa- facility that is accessible to all
tion. members.
2. Everyone should leave with
Motorcycle Safety a new idea.
1. Highly beneficial and cred- a. CPR classes.
ible to an organization, safety b. Public speakers.
opens doors. c. Slide shows.
2. Set good example of motor-
cycle safety, be involved in what Charities
you talk about, get members to 1. Good communication with
8 ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook
M
e
Conducting Effective Meetings
e
Prepare yours. improperly. t
1. Set a personal goal for the 4. Use “Robert’s Rules of 4. Apologizing for yourself or
i
meeting. Order” (see page 11) or some the organization.
2. Collect and prepare materi- modified version, whatever you 5. Being unfamiliar with infor- n
als and handouts. and others are comfortable with mation.
3. Develop and write down an to ensure your meeting has 6. Using audio visuals unpro- g
agenda. structure and procedures. fessionally.
4. Be informed. 5. In forming an agenda try to 7. Seeming to be off schedule. s
stay with a logical progression 8. Not involving participants.
Conduct such as, past, present, or future. 9. Not establishing personal
1. Start on time. 6. Have someone take notes. rapport.
2. Outline what you want to (Secretary) 10. Ending late.
cover. 7. Start your meeting by read- 11. Appearing disorganized.
3. Recognize visitors. ing the minutes from last meeting. 12. Not establishing a positive
4. Follow your agenda. 8. When a controversial image.
5. Maintain order. subject comes up, take time to 13. Not covering the promised
assure everyone that they will objectives.
Wrap Up have their turn to speak, one at a 14. Not scheduling and honor-
1. Ask if you have forgotten time. ing breaks.
anything. 9. Let everyone express their 15. Practicing bad habits.
2. Restate any decisions or opinions. If there are no changes 16. Not checking environment.
plans made. and you see no middle ground or 17. Not updating material.
3. Make sure anyone who compromises then move on. 18. Not admitting mistakes.
has taken a job or responsibility 10. If you cannot answer a 19. Using inappropriate humor.
knows what it is. question, write it down and follow 20. Using inappropriate
up on it after the meeting. language.
Effective Meeting Rules and 21. Coming off as an expert, a
Guidelines: Twenty-Two Deadly Sins know it all.
1. Limit or eliminate drinking. 1. Appearing unprepared. 22 . Using poor grammar,
2. Never allow a meeting to 2. Starting late. pronunciation and enunciation.
last over two hours. 3. Handling questions
3. Ask for ideas, then offer
ABATE Chain of Communications

(or… How to get answers to your questions.)
Board Advisory
ABATE Membership (Region Directors and Committee
Executive Director)
(3 elected, 1 appointed)
County Region State Office
(Reps, Secretaries, (Directors, Secretaries, (Executive Director,
Treasurers, etc.) Treasurers, etc.) Operations Director,
Membership Secretary,
Safety, Newsletter)
ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook 9
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Running an Election
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t The primary purpose of an the day of elections. Committee room, they make sure that all bal-
election meeting is to elect the should be selected the day of lots are collected. This committee
e
officers that will lead and take elections before any election. also has been informed of the
care of business for the upcom- 3. After committee selection, total number of eligible voters at
e
ing calendar year. Business other you are now ready to accept the meeting. Ballots are counted
than election business should be nominations for region direc- and announced before anything
M held to a minimum and taken care tor. All nominations for this or else is done.
of after elections are concluded. any office require a second. All 5. After the announcement of
Voting should be done by secret nominations receiving a second voting on region director, proceed
ballot. This type of voting insures are recorded by the secretary. to next position to be filled. Use
a true and fair election. When no further nominations are the same procedure used for the
made, ask for a motion to end office of region director. Remem-
Election procedures: nominations for office of region ber to nominate and vote on each
1. All people coming to the director. A second to this mo- office separately. This allows the
meeting should be checked tion is required and approval of candidates that lost to run for
for current membership cards. membership attending. Secretary another office if they choose to.
Ballots are given to those who then calls out the names of each 6. It is important that this meet-
qualify to vote. See by-laws for candidate. At that time, the can- ing be conducted in a very orderly
requirements of voters at election didate has a short period of time manner and kept as simple as
meetings. to present himself as to why he or possible. This reduces confusion
2. Officer elections should be she would be the best person for on candidates and what office
held using written ballots rather the office. they are running for. Candidates,
than show of hands. Select a 4. After the candidates have as well as voting members, will
committee to count the ballots. presented themselves, it is time leave a well conducted election
This committee should consist to vote. Members of the ballot feeling that they have had a fair
of two to four people that have counting committee then collect and honest election.
no interest in running for office the ballots. Before leaving the 7. For details on eligibility of of-
ficers, voting members, and what
months elections are to be held,
check the by-laws for ABATE of
Indiana or call the office for spe-
cific region election procedures
(as they are required to be on file
Did
at the state office).
8. The election procedures
and policies for each region and
county are to be on file at the
you
state office. This must be done
at least 30 days prior to the first
nomination meeting. Ideally, time
is sufficient to publish the proce-
Know?
dures in the “Hoosier Motorcy-
clist” prior to the first nomination
meeting.
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10 ABATE of Indiana’s 19th Edition Guidebook