Concerned
Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina, Inc.
Freedom is NOT a
spectator sport!
CBA/ABATE of NC, Inc.
A State of the Organization Message
Working Together for the Benefit of All Motorcyclists
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CBA/ABATE of NC is recognized as the premier Motorcycle Rights Organization (SMRO) of NC. Nationally, CBA/ABATE is recognized by, The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). We are also recognized at home as the legislative arm of NC’s Motorcycle Rights community by the North Carolina Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, and NC Bike-PAC.
This recognition
has not been bestowed upon us lightly. Since 1971, CBA/ABATE of NC has served
the motorcycling community of North Carolina as champion for the preservation of
freedoms, and defender against oppressive legislation. CBA/ABATE has earned a
reputation as the “go-to-MRO” in North Carolina through our persistent
interactions with our legislature, active involvement with governmental
agencies, and the effectiveness of our broad-reaching network of
grass-roots-activist members. While we may not be admired by all, we have
certainly earned the respect of NC motorcyclists, and those who would seek to
limit our freedoms.
The original (1970's) definition of the acronym “ABATE” is: A Brotherhood
Against Totalitarian Enactments. We define Totalitarian Enactments as laws
established without the consent or consideration of the people. The Boston Tea
Party was prompted by a totalitarian act perpetrated upon the colonists by King
George. The Rally cry against King George, Taxation without representation,
still serves as a shining example of the philosophical foundation of our
organization. CBA/ABATE of NC continues to pursue that
time-honored tradition... “don't make laws about us, without seeking our
involvement.” To that end, we remain actively involved in our government.
An important part of being involved is having an established message and organized activities to help share that message with our lawmakers. Individual CBA/ABATE chapters have organized Constituent Teams that conduct lobbying trips to Raleigh. These teams speak with their local elected officials and share our concerns and desires. Much of our success can be attributed to the activities of these teams, and to the efforts of individual members maintaining awareness of the issues and contacting their legislators.
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Working Together for the Benefit of All Motorcyclists
No one person can take credit for all of the work being done on behalf of motorcyclists of North Carolina. As with all things CBA; it takes the whole team, working together, to get the job done.
This position paper has been prepared to help provide the public with information, alleviate misunderstandings, and seek your involvement in the process.
CBA/ABATE’s decision making process operates in an open environment with full disclosure. Information flows (in both directions) between chapters and the state organization, is considered and discussed in open committee meetings, and voted on by individual chapter members who are represented at the state level by their chapter leadership. Every member has a voice.
Strategic plans are developed by each committee, voted on by the membership, and presented annually to the public through our CBA newsletter, FRONTLINE. The strategies and methods used in our legislative goals, and activities have been developed, discussed and determined through a systematic democratic process. Every member has an opportunity to contribute their ideas, and discuss their concerns before ideas become policy. There are no hidden agendas.
Once an idea or strategy becomes policy, member-volunteers fulfill the obligations inherent in implementation and follow through. The results of all activities are shared with the membership. There are no concealed actions.
Looking into the future, we have prepared ourselves to meet the new challenges with a renewed vigor. We are prepared to meet all challenges with the help and support of the motorcycling community of North Carolina, and our friends and champions in the North Carolina Legislature.
We know everyone
may not always agree with all of our democratically derived policies, and/or
every piece of legislation we support or oppose. But this is where the process
has led us. If you are not pleased with any aspect of our policy or activities,
we challenge you, the NC motorcyclist, to become a part of something bigger than
yourself. Get involved and work cohesively for the benefit of all motorcyclists
of NC.
We may never all agree on everything, but we will always agree that we all like
riding.
Remember, UNITED WE STAND............DIVIDED WE FALL, let's put our differences aside and work towards common goals that will benefit the motorcycling community. .
Randy Norris
President
Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina