[RC] AERC and what we do with our funds - Dean A. Conti
>"..... to hire a
lobbyist who will help persuade politicians to keep trails accessible and
open yet more public lands to trails....."
>Perhaps a Ridecamper
with legal training can address this issue. I think that I remember that
non-profits are not allowed to lobby for legislation, or are severely
restricted.
>Don't get me wrong, if
the legal issues can be solved I will make a yearly donation towards an AERC
lobbiest in Washington.
>ED
Our family also belongs to
the local chapter of Back Country Horsemen and as an organization they do a
couple of things that AERC might consider adopting:
1) Besides the standard
basic membership charge they also offer several different “titled”
memberships with ever increasing fees. You don’t get anything additional
except your name printed once a year in the newsletter. A considerable
percentage of the membership chooses to send in extra money.
2) They offer a non-tax deductible
fund that members can contribute to that is used specifically for lobbying.
I would challenge all AERC
members that are financially capable to be dues paying members of Back Country
Horsemen. (AERC as a group is a member). BCH exist primarily for horse camping
and trail riding. They work hard to keep trails open, both in the political and
physical realm. The members of our small local chapter volunteer thousands of
hours each year on trail maintenance and creation. They deserve our unqualified
support and gratitude.
A suggestion to the ride
manager that a couple days ago said she would not offer her ride again because
of financial loss due to a last
minuteForest
Service charge. I am personally concerned with the financial condition of every
ride I attend. If I was at a ride and was told of this predicament I would
gladly put cash into the “hat”. IMHO the most valuable and hard to
replace asset of AERC is the Ride Manager group (with trail access as a close
second).
This sport is by no means
inexpensive and I can understand how many could be straining their financial
capabilities. Once again, IMHO, the members that have the financial flexibility
should actively and happily agree to carry some extra financial burden.
