MORE

I've been a member of the Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts, MORE, mountain biking club for five years. The club promotes trail advocacy and social events for mountain bikers in Wash. DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Gradually, I've become more involved in the organization as the years have gone by. In the beginning I supported the club by becoming a paying member. Then, I decided to provide my free labor by shoveling dirt, clearing debris, and pruning trees on trail work days. Last year I upped the ante again by volunteering to become a forum moderator on their website, a position I currently hold. At the beginning of 2011, I made a resolution to become even more involved with the club. Last night I decided to get involved in the political arena by attending the monthly Board of Directors meeting.

It was a great experience. I was able to view first hand the business conducted by Board members. I learned alot by participating in conversations about the club's budget, volunteer needs, trail projects, and sponsorships. At the conclusion of the meeting, which lasted 2.5 hours, I left with an increased awareness of how the club spends money, who is spending it, and having a better understanding of how difficult it is obtaining permission to build trails. The volunteers that serve on the board deserve a big round of applause for selfishly donating their time to promote a sport that I enjoy. Applause, applause, clap, clap. Keep up the good work.