One very important point is that that the AERC is "OUR" organization,
it's a volunteer group, it doesn't belong to anybody but us. No "Thems"
are involved! Well, what "Thems" there are, are the kind folks that
accept nominations, and that we subsequently vote into board positions.
Or those more inconspicuous "thems" (small "t") that volunteer for
committees! So, it's a few of our "thems" and a lot of "us's".
Having been a board/committee member for a non-profit club, I know it's
tough to make some of these calls, and board politics can range from
fierce to utterly apathetic. It can be hard getting things done. I feel
that soliciting feedback from the membership on any topic that impacts
wallets (or mom-and-apple-pie issues) prior to taking action is really
important. Maybe this was done, but I didn't notice it.
Perhaps we need to make suggestions for alternatives. Come up with ideas
and do-able ways of implementing them. They should be easy to manage,
because the deal here is to support a fun hobby.
Some good ideas that have been raised are:
o *Increase and Enforce Non-Member Fees*. I personally would like to
see the LD rides stay where they are or just slightly higher,
because they are the magnet for our sport, it introduces folks to us.
I like friendly introductions. Once folks are into 50's and above,
they're serious.
o *Increase Sanction Fees and Pass the Cost On* on a per-ride basis.
I like this because it's a use fee, I don't mind paying $5 extra
per ride, and if little Kadance turns out to be a Trail Trooper and
I end up at the end of the year paying $50 to $100 extra in use fees,
I'll be so excited - I won't care!!!
o *Raise Money Other Ways* like clinics. I was talking to Cathy at SR
Saddles about throwing a local saddle fitting clinic, and she and
Steve are all for that type of activity. AERC could sponsor this type
of clinic and charge a per attendee fee to help cover specific
organizational needs. Like new computers.
o *Sell Merchandise* I buy a slew of Western States Trail stuff at
Tevis every year, a new mug, a t-shirt, a new map (or 3!) another
new mug... if AERC had more really catchy graphics and transfer
that to more merchandise, I bet it would sell like hotcakes.
Someone at the rides could volunteer to sell it.Where to get the
graphics? We have lots of riding artists, give awards and national
recognition to chosen artists in exchange for their contributed
artwork. Merchandise is also promotional.
As I said earlier, I really support the club in spirit, but I'm highly
resistant to forking over that much money to AERC if I'm just doing 2 LD
rides and 2 50's a year. BTW, I've heard that the majority of members are
way down here in the low miles category with me. I'm also interested in
national and international events, but not to the tune of a 44% increase.
And it's true that this is the "cost of a tank of gas", but in my case it's
gas that I'm putting into someone elses truck. I personally contribute to
over 40 clubs, magazines, charities and do-gooder organizations a year,
most non-profit, and that $65 means a great deal to any one of them. They
are *all* important to me, and many are important to other trail riders.
This habit of mine amounts to a huge outlay of money every year, I'm far
from rich, very dime that goes out has a piece of me wrapped around it!
I intend to put my money were it does the most good. AERC is a hobby. If
if it costs that much to join, and I ride consistently, I pay. If it looks
like I'll do 1 or 2 50's, I'll volunteer to help rides. But that $65 will
go to support the folks that support trails acquisition and access.
Later! Linda
Gilroy the Garlic Capitol...
sorta famous for raising a stink at this time of the year :*o