As we begin the New Year, it is time to reflect on what we have accomplished and to look forward to the future of A B A T E of Washington. In the last 2 years we have added 5 new chapters. We have grown in membership.
We have filed complete tax returns with all chapters reporting. We have a Treasurer who does accounting professionally. (Koeta Imhof) We are making our records more complete, so we will be able to apply for Grants and get better protection with our Liability insurance. We are getting members with experience to fill committee positions. Jay Frazier, past chapter coordinator is now our Quartermaster. He is working on updating our property records and improving our storage of ABATE property.
We had put down our deposit for Spring Opener and thought all was OK. Scott Robinson found out that we might not be able to hold Spring Opener. Columbia Gorge Chapter and your executive staff went into action and we made a presentation to the County Commissioners and followed with a number of meetings with the Sherriff’s department. We have overcome the concerns of the Klickitat County elected officials and have been embraced to come back to Goldendale. We adhered to taking the high Road and let them know who we were and avoided who we were not. We, this year do not have to go before the County Commissioners for approval of our Spring Opener in June.
We are taking a more proactive approach with our Public relations (Don Cuda). We have continued our philosophy to take the high road and tell people who we are and not to defend what we are not. Don has reported to the press with paid articles when necessary.
We have had a successful Black Thursday last year and are on our way to another successful Black Thursday this year. We have worked with other organizations as a coalition to work our legislation in Olympia. Our Legislative program is becoming more effective with our LAO (Donnie “Breeze” Landsman) and the Chapter LAO’s.
We have established the Citations committee, which you will see more of as the materials are organized.
We have gained control of our Web hosting, we own our ABATE addresses as a corporation, have our data base so we can mass communicate to our membership that have emails, and are now in position to incorporate the new technologies and tools of Websites and E mails. Our Webmaster and communications Officer (Mike Middleton) has much more to offer to ABATE for us to be more effective.
We have through our accidental life insurance program given out over $8,000 to our member’s beneficiaries.
We have changed the bylaws to make it easier to run for Deputy Coordinators, to run, qualify for and make the requirements more in line with the other positions
We have made many changes to be in line with the operations of ABATE of Washington as a business and corporation. We now review agreements and contracts with our legal council. We have used our legal council Marty Fox to respond to violations of our rights and represent us when necessary.
We have recognized the contributions of our members and Officer’s at STEAM. We have introduced new management tools for all of ABATE to use to run projects and our Organization. (CCPG and CCW)
We have filled all committee Chairs and are creating new ones.
We have a long way to go but we are heading in the right direction. We have a much better foundation to build on. Our strength will come with unity, and working together. The more Chapter members from all of the Chapters are working together on projects and committees for ABATE of Washington the stronger we will be. All of ABATE needs to encourage and build our leadership. Give our members a chance to grow and learn what ABATE is about. A good example is the Legislative program. By each LAO from each chapter participating in the State Legislative Committee, each Chapter learns more about our common issues and can educate and participate in a united effort. Another example, our new State Membership booth Committee Chair (Vicki Kosko) will need interested members to set up and man booths all over the state throughout the year. By the way, Vicki put together with Don Cuda and Rona Smith a booth at the Olympia Toy Run. Thanks to all those that helped make the booth a success.
In the near future we will be sending out and posting on the website a participation questioner to find out your interests and talents.
I ask each and every one of you to support our Legislative program. Black Thursday is January 21, 2010. This is the day we let our elected Senators and Representatives know our issues, one on one. After Black Thursday, we need to lobby and promote our legislation. Get informed and work with your LAO Chapter and State. This is a short session, time will fly and we have a lot to do.
Lets Get ERR Done,
Mick Gillispie
State Coordinator
A B A T E of Washington