Structure of ABATE of Oregon, Inc.
The structure of ABATE or Oregon, Inc. is simple. (See chart below). In most cases the chapters also follow the same structure as the state. It is not required that they do this, as long as the required officers (Coordinator, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, and State Board Representative, who is actually a Member of the Board of Directors) are present.
The state officers consist of a Coordinator, three Vice-Coordinators from the three regions (North, South and East), Treasurer, Recording Secretary, and Membership Secretary. These comprise the Executive board which can make emergency decisions and authorize routine or small expenditures that cannot wait for the next Board meeting. Other officers include the Legislative Director, Products Director, Education Director, Public Relations, State Run Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, Historian, and Web Page Editor.
More descriptions of these offices can be found in the Officers' Handbook. It is
important to note that no money can be spent, except routine expenses and/or
emergencies, without the board of directors' approval.
Bringing an item before the Board of Directors
To have an item brought before the state board and voted on, follow this procedure: A concept is brought out at a chapter meeting. If seconded it can be voted on. If passed by the chapter, the chapter will direct their State Board Rep to bring it to the Board of Directors (State Board) meeting. There, if seconded, it will be voted on by the Board.
The only people who have a vote at the state board meeting are the individual chapters' board representatives that are in compliance with the Rules of Operation. State Officers cannot vote unless they are acting as the board rep for their chapter. In case of a tie the presiding officer, usually the Coordinator, will break a tie. If the motion is passed the Coordinator will take action to ensure the directive is complied with. It should not be assumed that all actions have to be started at the individual member level. Many directives also are initiated by State Board Reps once a need for them is perceived.
Duties of Officers
Following is a list of the state officers and a general list of their duties.
Coordinator: Oversees the operation of the organization and directs officers, members and chapters to ensure the will of the Board of Directors is carried out.
Vice Coordinator: Assists the coordinator by carrying out actions delegated by the Coordinator. Also all three Vice Coordinators have regions of Oregon under them and are responsible for overseeing the chapters within them.
Recording Secretary: Keeps the minutes at state Board of Directors meeting. Also ensures that minutes are published in the newsletter.
Treasurer: Keeps the books of the organization and oversees the books of the chapters.
Membership Secretary: Keeps track of membership information such as renewals and ensuring new members are on the rolls and receiving a newsletter.
Sergeant-at-Arms: Keeps the state meeting in an orderly fashion. Also is in charge of security at all state events. There are three Sergeants-at-Arms, one for each region.
Legislative Director: Keeps membership informed on current legislative events that affect the motorcycling. Also acts as liaison between ABATE and BikePAC.
Education Director: Oversees the education programs in ABATE such as the Motorcycle Awareness Program taught to Drivers Education students.
Newsletter Editor: Responsible for providing a newsletter for mailing to the general membership.
Products Director: Oversees all products which are sold through ABATE of Oregon.
Public Relations Director: Works to inform the public and media of ABATE activities. Also acts as a liaison to the media.
Historian: Keeps the history of ABATE of Oregon, Inc. by pictures, old event flyers, scrap-books, etc.
Run Coordinator: Responsible for planning and running all state events, especially Fossil and Chiloquin.
Web Page Editor: Directs and edits the content of ABATE of Oregon's web page on the Internet. Web page is at http://www.abateoforegon.net
EVENTS
The State Board of Directors meets the second Saturday of each month. All members are encouraged to attend.
STEAM (Seminar to Train, Educate And Motivate) is held early in the year at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. This free seminar has classes which can benefit all members. It is especially useful for chapter officers to learn how things operate.
May Awareness Rally to promote Motorcycle Awareness Month is held the first Saturday in May on the Capitol Steps in Salem, Oregon.
Fossil Campout is over Memorial Day Weekend in May every year near Fossil Oregon.
Labor Day Run is held at Chiloquin Oregon.
Elections for new state officers are at the October State Board meeting, with new officers assuming their positions in January.
ABATE of Oregon Bylaws
- ABATE Bylaws
- State Officer Guidelines
- Chapter Guidelines
- ABATE Financial Policies and Procedures
- ABATE Media Guidelines