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[RC] BOD - Margie BurtonHi Bob, I certainly understand your concerns...when I was not on the board I wondered what in the world the BOD even did! I mean, how much work could this really be. And I had some grave doubts about the sanity of some of our directors. So I ran for the board. WOW...what a wake-up call. First I have to say I still doubt the sanity of many of these people...after all, I get board emails that were written in the wee hours of the morning (while I'm sleeping) when the director finally finds time from his/her regular job, family, and hobbies to get on the list. And the very directors I thought were out to ruin this sport are the ones I have great admiration and respect for now. There are 25 people on this board who all have a life outside of AERC but you'd never know it. And yes, I know there are 26 directors but I don't put myself at their level yet and probably never will. What we discuss on the Board list is (in the Central Region and many others) relayed to the members who attend the regional mini-conventions. The directors have an open-forum type meeting on Sat. or Sunday morning for several hours and try to update the members on what's happening. Also, our addresses, phone numbers and email are available in each issue of EN. We even answer questions at rides - when the time allows. I spent Sat. evening after my ride (around the camp fire) answering lots of questions. And Bob, you are so right...this is the time to be talking to your directors about any and all concerns because that is what goes on the agenda. What we discuss on the BOD list is input received from AERC members. We will be discussing ride manager concerns, LD concerns, equine health issues, rules and more. And all of these topics came from members. Remember, this board is comprised of regular AERC members who are doing their best to keep this organization grounded and viable. I would like to repeat that I have discovered a greater respect for the people on this board - most especially those who give of themselves year after year. Their passion, energy, talents and commitment constantly amaze me. And I would like to publicly thank those long-standing members - people like Dane, Maggie, Louise, Susan, Vonita, Barney, Steph, Maryben, Dr. Jim, Randy and so many, many more. They keep putting in the hours and energy needed to help this organization run smoothly. And you know they've been around awhile when, like Madonna, they are recognizable by their first names! For myself, this will be my last year. I have learned much about myself by sitting on the AERC BOD and I find I don't have the drive and passion of those I just mentioned. Like many, I would prefer to ride and relax (play with grandchildren, travel, ----------[fill in the blank]) and leave the tedious everyday housekeeping work to others. These hard-working people don't have a secret agenda. Their personalities and opinions may vary (strongly and frequently!!) but they are all striving for the same goal and that is to keep AERC a sound and healthy organization. Bob, I applaud your desire to be one of the ones to help keep AERC headed in the right direction. Please come join a committee or run for a Board seat...we need more members like you who are willing to give of their time and energies. Thank you so much for your input. Margie Burton Central Region Director -----Original Message----- From: ridecamp-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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