IMBA: Possible new direction for the MMBA

[dirt]

so the big reason for all this is for finances as I have had no problem doing the memberships?

Finances and legal issues are a big part of the equation. But, their membership program is much more advanced and more aggressive then ours currently is. Anyone who is an IMBA member knows how aggressive and persistent they are in getting people to renew. Their aggressive renewal program, coupled with their efforts to gain new members, helps keep membership numbers up and grow the organization. And, because of their size, they can do this at a much lower per unit cost then we could ever hope too.

The fulfillment is just one part of the whole membership part of the organization, and the only part we are really successful at. But, the rest is very important too, and currently falls into the category of tasks that don't have volunteers to manage. One of many things in that category.

[Tom L.]

so the big reason for all this is for finances as I have had no problem doing the memberships?

Finances and legal issues are a big part of the equation. But, their membership program is much more advanced and more aggressive then ours currently is. Anyone who is an IMBA member knows how aggressive and persistent they are in getting people to renew. Their aggressive renewal program, coupled with their efforts to gain new members, helps keep membership numbers up and grow the organization. And, because of their size, they can do this at a much loser per unit cost then we could ever hope too.

The fulfillment is just one part of the whole membership part of the organization, and the only part we are really successful at. But, the rest is very important too, and currently falls into the category of tasks that don't have volunteers to manage. One of many things in that category.

Freudian slip? What are waiting for on this? It seems like the way to go.

[dennismurphy]

On a related item- if the MMBA chapters become IMBA units and there is, essentially, no more MMBA (except perhaps on paper via the charter which may or may not be revoked or voided) ............ will we still have an annual expo? or does that become moot?

[Di_bear]

On a related item- if the MMBA chapters become IMBA units and there is, essentially, no more MMBA (except perhaps on paper via the charter which may or may not be revoked or voided) ............ will we still have an annual expo? or does that become moot?

Well, some of the state-level projects that we currently have are projects that we want to keep. We want the Advocacy committee to stay in place as a resource for all of the chapters/clubs. We want a lobbyist, but we need to figure how we can make this more cost effective or whether partnerships might be the way to go. We absolutely do want to keep the expo.

I foresee the state board coming out of this planning process as a bunch of broken down, grey-haired.....

There is so much to discuss and plan, and it will take a little while to dot all of our i's and cross our t's. I believe that our by-laws will stick around, but we will also have to take a really hard look at them and rewrite them so that we have the best possible outcome. We may have to look into having some sort of written agreement between our "IMBA Chapters" to help to sustain the statewide projects. We may even have to determine if some of the chapters can stand alone as IMBA clubs, or if some mergers will be called for.

Some areas have the mindset that they need their own chapter for their one or two trails, but the reality is that it is much more efficient to have fewer chapter boards and allow those who focus on one or two trails to simply be trail coordinators. You don't need all of the headaches to be efficient. I mean, the whole reason why we have a hierarchy is so that trail coordinators/workers can concentrate only on that...at least that's my take on it. (I hope that makes sense.)

So, Tom, that is why we can't pull a Nike and "just do it."

Dennis, I believe we want to keep the MMBA around, but we have to figure out the gruesome details. That is a process.

[Scotty]

On a related item- if the MMBA chapters become IMBA units and there is, essentially, no more MMBA (except perhaps on paper via the charter which may or may not be revoked or voided)

THAT'S what I view as a big problem. I'd rather see a small, principled organization in Michigan that isn't afraid to fight for trail access and p!ss a few people off now and then to make things happen. When the IDENTITY of the organization becomes "IMBA" the tone of the MMBA will change. Maybe there could be more "members" because of that, but what difference will it make if those members aren't motivated toward action?

When I say "action" I don't mean trail work days.

[FrankenFuel95]

pic of Dwain


What does Dwain Abramowski think about this move? It is after all, his baby.

[jonw9]

On a related item- if the MMBA chapters become IMBA units and there is, essentially, no more MMBA (except perhaps on paper via the charter which may or may not be revoked or voided)

THAT'S what I view as a big problem. I'd rather see a small, principled organization in Michigan that isn't afraid to fight for trail access and p!ss a few people off now and then to make things happen. When the IDENTITY of the organization becomes "IMBA" the tone of the MMBA will change. Maybe there could be more "members" because of that, but what difference will it make if those members aren't motivated toward action?

When I say "action" I don't mean trail work days.

What is the difference between more "members" that aren't motivated, and the unmotivated membership that exists now?

Maybe we should all do what Scotty suggests and just keep playing music while the water rises around us.

[YetiDad]

I don't see how you become part of IMBA and retain any sense of MMBA. It just does not make sense. Where does funding come from? Why would chapters work with you and IMBA both?

I never agree with Scotty but I do on this, no one from IMBA will fight our fights the way our current group does, it is just not what they do. So if there is no funding how do we pay for a lobbyist, and if there is no state level hierarchy how do we keep up the good fight in Lansing?

I guess the group needs to evolve but most groups as they mature have the same problems MMBA has right now. I guess I am asking what other ideas were brought forward besides IMBA? What other options are truly out there? Is this really what is best for Michigan Mountain Biking?

Thanks

[Scotty]

What is the difference between more "members" that aren't motivated, and the unmotivated membership that exists now?

So is giving 60% of their membership dues to somebody in Colorado some kind of punishment for the lack of motivation?

Part of the "motivation" problem (if there even is one) is the feel-good attitude of the MMBA, combined with the random "you all don't do enough trail work" guilt trips. This reminds me of the "racers don't support the trails" blah blah blah I hear all the time. By that I don't mean that working to get people out to the trails isn't something that needs to be done. It does, but why would people not be motivated to spend their free time digging ditches? Maybe people don't feel so motivated by guilt.

MMBA members and cyclists in general are not the problem. It's the people who try to keep us off trails who are the problem.

[Slimm]

based on a cursory review of the IMBA chapter stuff, it looks to me like the individual chapters are still going to have a fair amount of administrative work that will have to be performed by chapter volunteers.

if someone stepped in and offered to take over the administrative tasks causing the volunteer burnout, what, exactly and specifically, would they be commiting to take on?

[scat silvurz]

When the IDENTITY of the organization becomes "IMBA" the tone of the MMBA will change.

I doubt ANY government officials will even know the that the "M" was changed for an " I "

[Roy]

It is sad to see this grate organization go down without a whimper much less a fight!
"Possible new direction" is spin for "we give up, or "we want to spend more time with our families."
Take MMBA back to a clean sheet of paper, don't sell the store to IMBA!


Roy

[dauber76]

The MMBA will not be going away. We will still have our chapter structure and a continuation of a state board. The proposal would just pass off 90% of the administrative and business functions of our organization to IMBA. Again, the MMBA is not going away.

[dauber76]

With all the discontent on here regarding the potential merger with IMBA, I guess we will have a lot of people running for a state board position either through their chapter or one of the at-large positions. Anybody? I'm waiting.

That is the luxury of this system. If you don't like how something is done, there is an easy way to fix it. Step up and get involved.

[jonw9]

With all the discontent on here regarding the potential merger with IMBA, I guess we will have a lot of people running for a state board position either through their chapter or one of the at-large positions. Anybody? I'm waiting.

That is the luxury of this system. If you don't like how something is done, there is an easy way to fix it. Step up and get involved.

Can't we just continue to complain about how easy it is to fix, how unbelievable it is that the MMBA is giving up, that the board doesn't do much anyhow, but then sit back and wait for somebody else to step up and take on the work? Not to mention complaining the whole time about how long it is taking to change to the way certain individuals desire?