What is A.B.A.T.E.? A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 23, 2004 A.B.A.T.E. of ILLINOIS Seminar 2004

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Mission Statement   To preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted, motorcycling environment, and to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois, and ensure through professional management that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these resources is available for this and future generations.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Our Purpose  Political  We make every effort to influence State, National and Worldwide political actions in favor of motorcyclist rights.  Safety & Education  We conduct programs to Educate drivers, seniors, legislators and motorcyclists.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 History  Originally started by Easyriders magazine in 1971  First incorporated in Illinois is 1975  Incorporated a second time in Illinois in 1986  Agreements  Not a club  No back patches

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Our Organization  Membership  Over 12,000 members in A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois  Chapters  Currently 60 chapters throughout Illinois.  Regions  State divided into 6 regions

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Our Organization  Executive Board (E-board)  18 positions charged with conducting the day- to-day affairs of the organization.  Board of Directors (State Board, BOD)  1 members from each chapter charged with setting policy, enforcing bylaws and guiding the organization.  Chapters  Provides input to the State and drives the organization.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Our Organization  Incorporation  The State and each chapter are incorporated by the Illinois Secretary of State.  Tax Status  The state and all chapters filing taxes as a subordinate of the state have the IRS tax status of 501 C4, not for profit, educational

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Governing Documents  Bylaws  Available on web site.  Operations Manual  Available through Chapter President or Board Rep.  Roberts Rule of Order  Webster’s New World Simplified & Applied, Second Edition.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Communications  Meetings  Newsletters  Web Sites  Ondgo  Meeting Minutes  Seminars  Legislative Events  Phone Trees

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Funding  Memberships  Donations  Bike Raffle  Swap Meets  Newsletter Advertising  State Party  Sales

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 What We Are Not  Club  Gang  Charity  Harley Group

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Political Action Committees (PAC)  FEDPAC  Purpose  Donations  ABATE-PAC  Purpose  Donations

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Legislative Programs Endorsements, legislative actions, strategy plans, political events and statements are the responsibility of the State Legislative Department in conjunction with the legislative agenda as voted on by the State Board of Directors

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Chapter Legislative  Chapter Legislative Coordinator Duties  Communicate with State Legislative Coordinator  Organize membership participation in legislative activities.  Service Areas

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Safety & Education  Service Areas

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Safety & Education  Communication  Surrounding Chapters  Reports to State  Officer Changes

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Safety & Education  Conveying Information  Group riding  Parade riding  CPR  First aid  Traveling conditions, being prepared  ERC training offered

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Effecting Change  State Level Changes  Executive Board  E-board member introduces change, makes a motion and obtains a second.  Entire Executive Board votes on it.  E-board must follow directives of BOD.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Effecting Change  State Level Changes  Board of Directors  Direction given to your Board Rep by a majority of members at your meeting  Board Rep. introduces change, makes a motion and obtains a second.  Entire Board of Directors votes on it.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Effecting Change  Chapter Level Changes  Chapter Board  Board member introduces change, makes a motion and obtains a second.  Entire Board votes on it.  Board must follow directives of membership.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Effecting Change  Chapter Level Changes  Chapter Membership  Member introduces change, makes a motion and obtains a second.  Entire membership present votes on it.

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Processes  NO PERSON IS AN ISLAND!  The state and chapters have procedures and policies that must be followed.  Individual officers and members are not empowered to make unilateral decisions or changes.  All officers must communicate with other.  Change must be an mutual agreement.  If in doubt……ASK!

A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois Seminar 2004 January 24, 2004 Conclusion For our A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois to operate at it’s highest potential, we must all communicate with each other. Before we try to change the world, let’s find out what the one we offers first! Before we try to change the world, let’s find out what the one we have offers first!