Re: [RC] AERC National Championship ride FUNDING

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Terry..

You can't have it both ways.  Either the membership DOES want an NCR or
they DON'T. If they DO, (majority rules) then by default they are
telling the BOD that this is valid use of their dues money. It was my
understanding that they DO.

If we are to have a meaningful NCR, the AERC BOD must not just toss
token funds at it, but must actively promote it within the AERC and to
other organizations.  Assurance must be given to the NCR Ride Manager
that they will not lose money putting on the ride.  I have not seen that
commitment to date. IMHO, the attitude I've seen so far is
negative...read that "let's ignore it and eventually it will go away".

If the BOD is unwilling to do whatever is necessary to make it
successful, then let's just drop the concept and move on. 

As to additional member dues, right now the BOD has not seen fit to even
offer the membership the option to contribute additional funds for a NCR
as they have for International riders...all the time knowing that the
NCR has had problems with financial support since it's inception. What
does that tell you that the BOD thinks about the future of the NCR?  Why
spend dues money and solicit funds for something that's going away
anyhow? I personally would be willing to contribute to such a fund.  I
think my AERC dues are a deal. I pay more than that for 6 months of feed
supplements.  Based on your numbers, if 10% of the membership gave $10,
then you would have $4400 to give to the NCR Committee. Since I believe
AERC is a 501 entity, why not solicit contributions for the NCR that are
tax deductible and give THAT to the NCR Committee?  There are a LOT of
things AERC COULD do to make this ride a success....but aren't.  Why?
Beats me...not my job....but it's obvious to the most casual observer
that you guys aren't all on the same page regarding this. Keep in mind
that this is JMHO...I'm just a little backyard two horse guy who ain't
never gonna win a NCR that happens to like this discipline. What the
hell do I know? 

Jim, Sun of Dimanche, and Mahada Magic





Terry Woolley wrote:
> 
Do you think the majority of the riders would be willing to
> add more to their dues to help support the championship ride?  Do you think
> the majority of the membership would not want to see their dues money go to
> help underwrite the ride?
>