18th Edition ABATE of Indiana’s Guideboo©ABATE of Indiana Inc. k …for Successful Motorcyclist Leadership ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook 1 e ABATE Officers, m Volunteers and Friends o c Welcome to the wonderful world less lives and been recognized future generations. of motorcyclists’ rights. We have with scores of awards. The social Thank you for your dedication l an incredible organization in events produced by our people, and commitment to becoming ac- e ABATE of Indiana and there is a ranging from the smallest and tively involved in the premier state great deal to be proud of. How- most intimate county gathering to motorcyclists’ rights organization. W ever, we must remain vigilant and the Midwest’s Best Biker Fest… It is a lot of work but it can be ex- not let our guard down as we still the Boogie®, are truly second to tremely rewarding. What you put have much work to do. none. into it is up to you. To paraphrase ABATE of Indiana is quite Most importantly, we work to the Peace Corps, “It’s the tough- diverse, in that we have several ensure that motorcycles continue est job you’ll ever love.” high profile causes. We are leg- to have a place on the road, not Ride Safe, Ride Free, endary for our philanthropic activ- just in museums. Motorcycling is Jay Jackson ity and have contributed millions a legitimate means of transporta- Executive Director of dollars to numerous state, local tion that many of us consider a and national (as well some inter- way of life. Our members must be national) charities. Our efforts in kept informed of legislative activ- motorcycle safety and awareness ity that impacts our lifestyle so have resulted in saving count- that motorcycling is preserved for LAPORTE 2 2 LAGRANGE STEUBEN LAKE PORTER ST. JOSEPH ELKHART ABATE Program 1 1 1 NOBLE 3 DEKALB 2 MARSHALL KOSCIUSKO 0 STARKE and Region Map WHITLEY ALLEN JASPER NEWTON PULASKI FULTON 4 4 MIAMI WABASH N WHITE CASS GTO WELLS ADAMS 0 Region 0 Testing Sites: Training Sites: 3 NTIN 1 Region 1 1 Crown Point 1 Crown Point BENTON CARROLL GRANTHU 2345 RRRReeeeggggiiiioooonnnn 2345 23456 EKFLKaoleokfrnkhatdo ayWmaertlatlotvyeinl lAeerea 23456 EKFLMaolokufrkhanto aycWmerietatotyen Aerea WARRPEAFOUNTAINNRKE TIPPECANOEMGOOMNTE5-RY54BCOLOINNTEON HOW9THAIAPR1TM4D6OILN3TON MADISON7 DELAWAREHENBFOR6LAYRCDK- RWJA5AANYYDNOELPH8 6789 RRRReeeeggggiiiioooonnnn 6789 17890 ERCI(tnhliadwcrreihomaemon eladoolpcnoadlt iisons) 17890 I(TSWtnehedarryreisaemehn Hiolnaouapgcrutoaotlteinisons) VERMILLION8V1IG11O 2CLAY PUTON6WAEMN MMHENDRICKSOONRRGOAENBRMARIONO1WJOHNSONN★711B0ARHTSHELBYHANOC-OCKDRUECS7AHTUR FFERATTAYEN-KLDINUENA1IR3O-N 10 Region 10 11 Terre Haute 11 Clarksville SULLIVAN GREENE 15 LOMEW RIPLEY BORN 11 Region 11 12 Washington 12 Evansville 9 16 JENNINGS 17 OHIO 1123 RReeggiioonn 1123 111345 ECBvlloaaronkmssvviniilllgleeton 1134 RCiacrhmmeolnd 1KN3OX 12DA1V0IESS MARTIN OLARWANRGENECEWAJASCHIKNSGOTONN SCOTT JEFFERSON SWITZERLAND Freedom Hall 16 Seymour PIKE DUBOIS 9 CLARK ★ 17 Versailles GIBSON 10CRAWFORD FLOYD ABATE State Office HARRISON 1114 LRanaewdc rrDeeainrttci oeBn iCkaeol PuSnactrhyko ol POSEY VANDERBURGH12813WARRICK SPENCERPERRY 2 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook T Table of Contents a b What is ABATE of Indiana? 4 The Legislative Process 40 l What Does it Take to be A Letter Writer’s Guide e Involved in ABATE? 5 to Congress 41 The Wheel 7 Legislative Glossary 41 Maintaining an Efficient When You Write Your o Organization 8 Legislators 43 Conducting Effective Meetings 9 Membership Booth/Public Relations Checklist 44 f Running an Election 10 Standard Event Budget Form 45 Guidelines to Using C Robert’s Rules of Order 11 Chairman’s Checklist 46 Guidelines on Becoming Tattooist Agreement 47 an Effective Leader 13 Flyer Request Form 48 o Tips for Handling Those ABATE Property Use Agreement 49 Difficult People 14 n Region Monthly Report 50 Dollars & Sense: Fundraising 15 Entertainment Contract 52 Planning Your Runs 16 t Request for Certificate Standard Event Budget of Insurance 53 e Overview 17 Officer Acceptance Form 54 ABATE and Gaming Restrictions 19 n Officer Resignation Form 55 Standard Rules for ABATE Events 19 Event Waiver Form 56 Basic Standards for Security 20 t Event Sanctioning Form 57 Basic Information about s U.S. Copyrights 21 W-9 Form 58 Booking Entertainment Questions Most Often Asked for your Event 22 at the Office 59 Rules and Regulations Hoosier Motorcyclist on Alcohol 23 Advertising Rates 60 Liability and Risk Management 24 ABATE of Indiana By-Laws 61 Recognized State Motorcycle ABATE of Indiana Policies 64 Rights Groups 25 Website/Facebook Guidelines 67 Event Suggestions 26 Sanctioned Events 30 ———————————————————— Flyers and Hoosier Motorcyclist This guidebook is a compilation of Magazine 31 information from ABATE of Florida, Public Service & Media Releases 32 ABATE of Pennsylvania, the American Motorcyclists Association, ABATE of ABATE Event Insurance Indiana and various other sources. Premium Guide 33 All content is accurate as of the date Making your own Event of printing and is subject to change. Promotional Flyers 34 ©2012 ABATE of Indiana, Inc. Boogie® is a registered trademark of ABATE of Indiana ABATE of Indiana, Inc. All rights re- Legal Services Program 35 served. The ABATE of Indiana logo is ABATE Motorcycle Safety registered with the U.S. Copyright of- Division 36 fice and can only be used for ABATE Lawrence County of Indiana events and sanctioned Recreational Park 37 activities. ABATE Products 38 Printed October 2012 ABATE’s Position on Motorcyclists’ Rights 39 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook 3 n What is ABATE of Indiana? o American Bikers Aimed Towards Education i t c Members receive a patch for their Every current member of Mission Statement first year in ABATE, and year pins ABATE is automatically provided u ABATE of Indiana, Inc. is a thereafter, along with a bumper with a $3,500 accidental death politically active, not-for-profit, sticker promoting motorcycle and dismemberment policy from d charitable organization that safety and awareness in Indiana. American Income Life at NO is dedicated to the estab- In addition to all of this, members COST. As long as your member- o lishment, preservation, and are eligible for many benefits and ship is current, you are covered! defense of the rights, liberties discounts in our various promo- As a member of ABATE, you r and freedoms of ALL motorcy- tions held throughout the year. will have the opportunity to meet clists, through the promotion ABATE of Indiana offers a and interact with over 25,000 t of education and motorcycle motorcycle rider education members, at our over 180 sanc- n safety. program that utilizes a nation- tioned events, who share the ally recognized curriculum and is same interest — the freedom of I operated under the direction of motorcycling in Indiana. the state of Indiana. With 16 sites ABATE of Indiana is a 501(c)(3) operating statewide, we give both Accomplishments not-for-profit safety, educational, novice and experienced riders the Our motorcycle safety program charitable and advocacy motor- ability to ride with tremendous has trained over 100,000 riders cyclist organization. confidence. since its inception in 1979. In ABATE of Indiana represents Members are encouraged to 1986, the program joined with the approximately 20% of the regis- be legislatively informed. ABATE Indiana Department of Education tered motorcycles in Indiana with has a continued presence at the (now with the Bureau of Motor a membership of over 25,000. Indiana Statehouse monitoring Vehicles). A 67% reduction in ABATE has a full-time staff, legislation and representing your motorcyclist fatalities is attrib- 350 volunteer officers and over interests as an Indiana motor- uted to the program, proving to 200 nationally certified safety cyclist. ABATE was primarily Indiana legislators that education instructors, dedicated to serving responsible for the 1976 repeal is the key to saving lives. ABATE the interests of all motorcyclists. of the mandatory helmet law has also been the driving force in and continues to ensure motor- promoting Motorcycle Safety and Programs & Benefits cyclists’ freedom of choice. We Awareness Month. ABATE has Members receive a sub- were also instrumental in passing distributed over 750,000 bumper scription to ABATE of Indiana’s legislation that allows the pro- stickers for its motorcycle aware- monthly “Hoosier Motorcyclist” gram to utilize a part of motor- ness campaign. newsmagazine. This quality pub- cycle registration fees, which In addition to promoting mo- lication keeps members informed enables us to provide accessible torcycle safety, ABATE has also on upcoming events and issues motorcycle safety education in been involved with raising money affecting motorcyclists in the the Hoosier State. for charities and those in need. state and nationwide. Members We began, and continue to In the past, we have raised over also have the opportunity to at- run, the first ever ABATE Legal $8,000,000 for many local and tend local meetings, voice their Services Program, with on-the- regional charities, including the opinions in our magazine and scene investigative teams and Muscular Dystrophy Association, become involved with the sport attorneys who ride and believe in Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, of motorcycling. Members will the motorcyclists’ life-style and American Diabetes Association, enjoy the largest ABATE event rights. Hoosier Burn Camp, and Riley in the Midwest: our incredible ABATE of Indiana members Hospital for Children. ABATE has three days of the “Boogie®” held are offered the lowest insurance also donated tons of food and the third weekend in July at the prices through the ISU-Underwood truck loads of toys each year at scenic Lawrence County Recre- Agency. By calling 800-852-5447, Christmas time, through our holi- ational Park. Plus, outstanding members can receive the lowest day toy programs. members are recognized each insurance rates available, and the February at our Awards Banquet. friendliest assistance on claims. 4 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook I What does it take n t to be involved in ABATE? r o ABATE is an acronym for averages. For example; during unorganized, unplanned meetings American Bikers Aimed Towards an event week, swap meet or which only end up causing tension, d Education. ABATE is also an whatever, you may devote every frustration and confusion. Ineffec- acronym for A Brotherhood waking hour to ABATE and then tive meetings waste an organiza- u Against Totalitarian Enactments. lay off for a while. Again, it has to tion’s two most precious commodi- ABATE is an organization of work with your schedule. Each ties — its people and its money. c volunteers. individual will have to determine Meetings can and should pro- The word “volunteer” is the key and justify their time to ABATE. duce acceptable plans, worthwhile t as to a person’s ability to suc- The key is to ORGANIZE goals, profitable decisions, and ceed or fail as an ABATE officer. YOUR TIME. Do not waste it! foster a climate that encourages i Not only do you always have to Establish from the very beginning teamwork. o remember your time is given free- when it is most convenient for the ly, but most everyone you deal membership to reach you. Have a Purpose n with in ABATE also gives their Other than an expected regular free time, and when the demands Promotion meeting of the membership, is a become too high, we reach what We have devoted several proposed committee meeting, etc. is referred to as “burn out.” pages elsewhere to promotion really necessary? Some meetings Organize your thoughts before and have tried to cover all the have become more of a tradition you become a “volunteer” officer angles. It’s best to approach this rather than being held for a specific in ABATE. Understand a need concept with a few suggestions reason. Committee meetings prior for 5, 10, or 20 hours per week and considerations before and to a big event are critical for key devoted toward a cause. Can you after your events. people with responsibilities. work an hour or two each day Establish a budget and game into your schedule toward ABATE plan with input from all interested Consider the Logistics affairs without disrupting your individuals and previous expe- Coordination, location, con- entire lifestyle? rience. Notify the state office venience, and attendees. Plan all Consider that you will be dealing as soon as your information is aspects well in advance and have with all types of bikers in ABATE gathered for flyers. Advertising, an agenda. and a multitude of personalities: flyers, etc., should be out at least American brand riders (Harley- 60 days prior to the event. Notify the Membership Davidson, Indian, Victory); import In some cases, reassuring Give at least two weeks notice, riders (BMW, Ducati, Honda, folks there will be no problems include specific location, time and Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc.); with our people puts them at date, contact number and map. clubbers; AMA groups; retreads; ease. Successful events provide TT riders; touring riders; bikers who a superb opportunity to change Draw Up an Agenda and don’t ride; ladies who ride; ladies “John Q. Public’s” mind about Stick to it! who don’t ride; all age groups; “bikers.” Obviously, the reason Determine all the topics for wannabees; dirt bike riders; sport for your promotion should be to discussion and results to be ac- bike riders; dealers; legislators; sell ABATE, promote motorcycling complished by the meeting’s end. your neighbors; independents; and and raise funds to support our The general Order of Business is: on and on… cause and mission. Anytime you (1) Minutes; (2) Reports of Standing have a promotion, have someone Committees; (3) Reports of Select Time who is aware of the ins and outs Committees; (4) Unfinished Busi- If you can organize your time of ABATE available and ready ness; (5) New Business; (6) Good and delegate projects with the to sell membership and answer of the Order. proper diplomacy, and if you have questions. good people behind you, then we would estimate a region or county Meetings Continued on next page could develop and operate a suc- No activity is blamed for wast- cessful program spending 10-15 ing more time than the monthly hours per week within this group. meeting. These are only estimates and The finger is rightly pointed at ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook 5 Evaluate the Meeting ions, ideas, suggestions and facts n Key Officer Should You might wish to talk to a few voiced and on the floor during Preside Over the Meeting of the members after the meeting the meeting within the realm of o Don’t dictate. Explain or hand to see how they feel about the business at hand. The rest is con- out your agenda and timetable proceedings. How can meetings versation for before or after the i prior to the start of the meeting in the future be improved? meeting. This can be valuable. t and mention there are intentions All regions, counties and of sticking to the agenda. Encour- Follow-up on Action members are to work within our c age idea exchange so that every- Check on those members who by-laws, keep up with member- one has a chance to participate were supposed to take some ac- ship and financial matters and u and lend something to the goals. tion as a result of the meeting. maintain contact with the state Use Robert’s Rules (See pages 11 No matter what technological office and other regions. Keeping d and 12). Don’t go over 60 minutes advances appear in the future, this in mind, an individual region without a break. NEVER have a there will be no substitute for will have to work their region pro- meeting last over two hours. face-to-face meetings. The gram to the best of their abilities. o reason is readily understandable; Each region may warrant a dif- Sum Up and Restate meetings provide immediate hu- ferent approach to things based r Key Points man contact and feedback. With on personalities, lifestyles, ideas, t Make sure no questions remain proper planning and mutual con- and location. and that everyone is clear on the sideration they can be our best n information that came out of the form of group communication. meeting. Every member should Meetings are here to stay. I know what their responsibility is Getting positive results from a if they are affected by any of the meeting, whether you run it or decisions. attend it, is an important job skill that all the ABATE leaders need Minutes to develop, improve or sharpen. Always take minutes for the Bull sessions are not meetings. region records so that they can As an individual handling the be referred to if necessary. meeting, it’s your job to get opin- 6 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook T h The Wheel e Building the organization S t The Wheel is an analogy devel- Largest spoke, one of the largest members and inactive members r oped by Mike Farabaugh to help programs in the county of ABATE. u in conveying the many benefits • Freedom Hall In order for both wheels to turn of ABATE of Indiana. It also helps • Lawrence County the spokes of the second wheel c show what types of people ben- Recreational Park (LCRP) must be put in place. These efit from these programs. • “Hoosier Motorcyclist”: Our are the people that need to be In order for “the Wheel” to best communication link to the informed about our programs and t work, all the pieces and spokes membership benefits. u must be put in place. • Website/Internet presence • Independent Riders When presenting “the Wheel”, • ABATE Legal Services:: nation- • Retired Riders r start with the hub of the Wheel, al phone number 800-25-RIDER • Harley Riders this is the state office. Every • Legislative Information Net- • New Riders e function of ABATE utilizes the re- work Committee (LINC) • Import Bike Riders sources of the state office which • Insurance and Other Dis- • Women Riders consists of 8 full-time people, and counts • Confederation Of Clubs o numerous volunteers and part- • The Boogie®: The Midwest’s • Legislators timers; they are as follows: Best Biker Fest • Tour Riders f • Executive Director • Toy Drives • OHV Riders • Operations Director • Community Charities • AMA Riders • Editor • Membership Drives • Dealers A • Office Manager • Seminars • Sport Riders • Mailing & Membership • Sanctioned Events • Dirt Racers B Secretary • Accidental Death and Dis- • Street Racers • Motorcycle Safety Director memberment Policy • Blue Knights • Motorcycle Safety • Toll-Free 800-23-ABATE • Non-riders A Administrator • Awards Banquet • Wannabes • Graphic Artist • Supporters of Motorcycle • Minority Riders T • Accountant Riders Foundation (MRF) • Kids • LINC Director • Local meetings • Etc. • DIRT Director • Stickers, pins and patches The more spokes we have the E • Lobbyist • Family: 25,000+ members stronger the wheel becomes, this • ABATE Enettainment Director with same concerns and goals is why we always strive to add • ABATE Legal Services • MDA: Contributed over benefits and programs as well as • State Swap Meet Coordinator $5,000,000 to this cause alone more members. It all adds up to a Attached to the hub is the • Many others stronger organization. sprocket, the teeth of the As you can see many benefits The stronger the organiza- sprocket are the region directors, go with joining ABATE of Indiana. tion, the more effective we are in responsible for what operations After the wheel has been con- reaching our goals. and directions ABATE continues. structed, it will now turn. We have Our main goal and objective Before the wheel can turn, to connect it to the people that is in protecting the rights and the hub must be attached to the will benefit from ABATE. Our con- freedoms of these two wheels for rim and tire with the spokes. The nection to the people will be the Hoosier motorcyclists in Indiana spokes will represent each pro- chain that surrounds the sprock- and across the country. gram and benefit that members ets and connects the two wheels. It’s our responsibility to make receive from joining ABATE of The chain represents the county sure our kids and grandkids enjoy Indiana. We have over 20 spokes reps, workers and active mem- the freedom and experience of to support the wheel in Indiana. bers of ABATE. These are the key riding on two wheels. • Motorcycle Safety Division: people in getting the word to non- ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook 7 E Maintaining an T Efficient Organization A B Central State Office you talk about, get members to Charities 1. Must be open & functioning. take course. 1. Good communication with A 2. Must have a phone (toll-free 3. Communicate with lead- the outside world. number preferable). ers of other organizations about 2. Let public know what you a. Better communication. safety. have to offer. b. Membership problems 4. Rider education can change 3. Become involved with your f can be taken care of the Harley attitude - the image community. o instantly,or channeled in the that only Harley riders are in your right direction. organization. Professional Education 3. Paid staff. System 4. Revenue from events help Public Relations 1. Seminars, Conferences and e pay for it, everyone pitches in. 1. Establish good relations with Workshops. press and local officials. 2. Motorcycle Riders Founda- r Leadership 2. Publicize events with other tion’s Meeting of the Minds. u 1. Must be strong & committed. motorcyclists, motorcycle organi- 3. Hoosier Motorcyclist 2. Must have good communi- zations and general public. Roundtable. cation skills. t 3. Honest, sincere, up-front, Legislative Representative Teamwork c does what he/she says. 1. Creates a good identity at 1. Everyone should work to- a. Trust your leaders; if the state level. gether for the goals of the organi- u they screw up, solve the 2. Helps to make you look zation. problem, learn from it, and more professional to membership 2. Eliminate negative attitudes, r forget it. Sincerity overules and public. they have no place in an organi- mistakes. 3. Grassroots efforts (ie. zation. t b. By forcing too many ABATE Day at the Statehouse) 3. Right or wrong, stick together. S guidelines on your leaders, 4. Believe in yourself, be posi- you cannot progress. Rallies, Events, tive, you have a lot to offer. Fundraisers 5. Eliminate gossip, don’t allow Newsmagazine 1. Yearly calendar of events. it, if a problem arises, bring it up e 1. Most important form of 2. Sanction all events in No- and deal with it. communication. vember for following year. h 2. Everyone contributes - if you 3. Central office does flyers for A central office-based orga- feel it’s newsworthy, others will too. all events. nization is a must. Growth will T 4. Central office helps with only come with the central office Insurance Programs promotion. accountable for all and runs as 1. ISU-Underwood Agency. a. Proceeds forwarded a business from the top down to 2. American Income Life. to the central office for the bottom. We are a team, not 3. Motorcycle. accounting can then be individuals, and everything we do 4. Accidental Death and Dis- returned to the region. should benefit the organization as memberment Policy. 5. Some events should be a whole. members only. Legal Services See page 35 for more informa- Meetings tion. 1. Preferably located in a facil- ity that is accessible to all mem- Motorcycle Safety bers. 1. Highly beneficial and cred- 2. Everyone should leave with ible to an organization, safety a new idea. opens doors. a. CPR classes. 2. Set good example of motor- b. Public speakers. cycle safety, be involved in what c. Slide shows. 8 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook M e Conducting Effective Meetings e I. Prepare 3. Ask for ideas, then offer improperly. t 1. Set a personal goal for the yours. 4. Apologizing for yourself or i meeting. 4. Use “Robert’s Rules of the organization. n 2. Collect and prepare materi- Order” (see pages 11 and 12) or 5. Being unfamiliar with infor- als and handouts. some modified version, whatever mation. 3. Develop and write down an you and others are comfortable 6. Using audio visuals unpro- g agenda. with to ensure your meeting has fessionally. 4. Be informed. structure and procedures. 7. Seeming to be off schedule. s 5. In forming an agenda try to 8. Not involving participants. II. Conduct stay with a logical progression 9. Not establishing personal rap- 1. Start on time. such as, past, present, or future. port. 2. Outline what you want to 6. Have someone takes notes. 10. Ending late. cover. (Secretary) 11. Appearing disorganized. 3. Recognize visitors. 7. Start your meeting by read- 12. Not establishing a positive 4. Follow your agenda. ing the minutes from last meeting. image. 5. Maintain order. 8. When a controversial sub- 13. Not covering the promised ject comes up, take time to as- objectives. III. Wrap Up sure everyone that they will have 14. Not scheduling and honor- 1. Ask if you have forgotten their turn to speak, one at a time. ing breaks. anything. 9. Let everyone express their 15. Practicing bad habits. 2. Restate any decisions or opinions. If there are no changes 16. Not checking environment. plans made. and you see no middle ground or 17. Not updating material. 3. Make sure anyone who compromises then move on. 18. Not admitting mistakes. has taken a job or responsibility 10. If you cannot answer a 19. Using inappropriate humor. knows what it is. question, write it down and follow 20. Using inappropriate lan- up on it after the meeting. guage. Effective Meeting Rules 21. Coming off as an expert, a and Guidelines: Twenty-Two Deadly Sins know it all. 1. Limit or eliminate drinking. 1. Appearing unprepared. 22 . Using poor grammar, pro- 2. Never allow a meeting to 2. Starting late. nunciation and enunciation. last over two hours. 3. Handling questions ABATE Chain of Communications (or… How to get answers to your questions.) Board Advisory ABATE Membership (Region Directors and Committee Executive Director) (3 elected, 1 appointed) County Region State Office (Reps, Sectretaries, (Directors, Sectretaries, (Executive Director, Treasurers, etc.) Treasurers, etc.) Operations Director, Membership Secretary, Safety, Newsletter) ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook 9 g Running an Election n i t The primary purpose of an counting committee then collect election meeting is to elect the the ballots. Before leaving the e officers that will lead and take room, they make sure that all bal- care of business for the upcom- lots are collected. This committee e ing calendar year. Business other also has been informed of the than election business should be total number of eligible voters at M held to a minimum and taken care the meeting. Ballots are counted of after elections are concluded. and announced before anything Voting should be done by secret else is done. ballot. This type of voting insures 5. After the announcement of a true and fair election. voting on region director, proceed to next position to be filled. Use Election procedures: the same procedure used for the 1. All people coming to the office of region director. Remem- meeting should be checked ber to nominate and vote on each for current membership cards. office separately. This allows the Ballots are given to those who candidates that lost to run for qualify to vote. See by-laws for another office if they choose to. requirements of voters at election 6. It is important that this meet- meetings. ing be conducted in a very orderly 2. Officer elections should be manner and kept as simple as held using written ballots rather possible. This reduces confusion than show of hands. Select a on candidates and what office committee to count the ballots. they are running for. Candidates, This committee should consist as well as voting members, will of two to four people that have leave a well conducted election no interest in running for office feeling that they have had a fair the day of elections. Committee and honest election. should be selected the day of 7. For details on eligibility of of- elections before any election. ficers, voting members, and what 3. After committee selection, months elections are to be held, you are now ready to accept check the by-laws for ABATE of nominations for region direc- Indiana or call the office for spe- tor. All nominations for this or cific region election procedures any office require a second. All (as they are required to be on file nominations receiving a second at the state office). are recorded by the secretary. 8. The election procedures When no further nominations are and policies for each region and made, ask for a motion to end county are to be on file at the nominations for office of region state office. This must be done director. A second to this mo- at least 30 days prior to the first tion is required and approval of nomination meeting. Ideally, time membership attending. Secretary is sufficient to publish the proce- then calls out the names of each dures in the “Hoosier Motorcy- candidate. At that time, the can- clist” prior to the first nomination didate has a short period of time meeting. to present himself as to why he or she would be the best person for the office. 4. After the candidates have presented themselves, it is time to vote. Members of the ballot 10 ABATE of Indiana’s 18th Edition Guidebook
Description: