It has been a long winter; I hope to see some good weather soon for riding.
The Legislature is busy trying to balance the budget. Many of the Legislators are up for election. Its time to find out who the candidates are that support our issues and as individuals get involved in helping them get elected in November. Our Legislative efforts are an on going task. The rights of motorcyclists and who we really are need to be promoted all the time.
Abate of Washington has been busy getting ready for the major ridding season. The Swapmeet is done and we are now promoting the Spring Opener. Ticket sales and promotions have begun. It looks like it is going to be a big event with great attendance. Get your tickets now. The Spring Opener and Swap meet’s is a good way to have fun and help support ABATE of Washington financially.
Patience is a virtue. One of my goals when elected to the State Coordinators position was to change how ABATE of Washington treated some of our past members, our volunteers, officers and workers. I heard comments like: “We eat our own.” Too often I saw that happening in the past... When someone made a mistake, did something we did not like or did not think like he should. The cry was “Our way or the Highway”.
We have mended many of those wounds. Life is to short... If we mistreat our members who volunteer to help get things done, we will discourage others to volunteer. I think we have come a long way in this area and still have room for improvement. Yes, sometimes people do not get the job done. They withdraw and do not communicate. It becomes very frustrating and we may feel that its time to be a Bull in a China Closet. Life happens and people have problems. Jobs, Family, health and relationships change. The key as Brothers and Sisters is to take the time to find out and have some empathy with what is happening. They may have the best of intentions to do the task they volunteered to do however they are in overwhelm. Our task is to solve our problem by helping them to relieve the stress.
1. Get them to realize the problem 2. Get them help, or 3. Get them to resign to relieve them of the task. Remember to always, try to do it with respect and dignity.
We are a Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments. (A.B.A.T.E). As a Brotherhood we are a family, we care about each other. Sometimes we do not agree, just like any family. We need to agree to disagree, decide and be united as much as we can.
Teamwork- If we work as a Team and are united with one voice saying the same thing, our message will be clear and strong.
“Respect and Dignity”
Lets Get ERR Done,
Mick Gillispie
State Coordinator
A B A T E of Washington