From the District Director's ...
It has been an interesting first year as the BC District Directors. As we started out the District Team was quite small, only four (4) of us. There are now seven (7) members on the District Team and we have accomplished a lot.
Out first major event was the BC District meeting at the South Thompson Inn, and I think we can safely say, a great time was had by all. By the time the District meeting was held the District Team had grown and we had quite an agenda to sort out, so we could establish the goals for the BC District and Chapters. The District meeting proved to be an excellent place to work with the Chapter Teams to sort out some of our priorities.
One of the first priorities identified was to bring the OCP (Officer Certification Program) to every Chapter in the District. A tentative schedule was created and to date with the help of Con & Pat, five of the seven Chapters in the District have hosted an OCP. One of the most successful aspects of the OCP events has been too educated and demystify not only the OCP, but how GWRRA works. The feedback from each event has been very positive and everyone agreed they learned something. We hope to get the last two Chapters involved before the close of the year.
Another priority is to build the Core Teams at both the District and Chapter level. For those that have not taken the OCP, the core Chapter Team includes the Chapter Directors, Assistance Chapter Directors, Chapter Educator, Membership Enhancement Coordinator and the Treasurer (all Officers now). The key is to find the right person for the position and then work with the District Team to get them in place.
The Membership Enhancement Team set themselves the goal of finding MECs for every Chapter in the District. A tall order considering they have started nearly from scratch and the position is a new Officer position. The Chapter Directors are working closely with Con & Pat the District MECs to find the right person(s) in each Chapter.
The Rider Education Team discussed the importance of the monthly reports and how to bring more of the Rider Education programs to every Chapter in the District. Some tentative plans have been made, new Seminar Presenters have been trained and ARCs are being planned for many of the Chapters.
The Treasurers also new Officers effective Jan 1, 2011 had a discussion regarding the importance of budgeting and consistency in Financial Statement presentation. The Treasury Team enlightened the group about the appropriate use of Chapter funds and some simple ways to raise funds.
The District Team has done a considerable amount of training since mid-December, with more on the way. We have held four OCPs, and a Leadership Trainer and Seminar Presenter course for those interested in getting involved as active Trainers. I would like to congratulate the candidates and wish them all the success in their coming practicums.
Considering the success of the 2010 District meeting, we are encouraging all Chapters to begin budgeting and planning to get as many of the Chapter Core Team members to the 2011 District meeting as possible. Of course all members are welcome, but as the Treasury Team pointed out Chapter funds should be used to assist the Chapter Core Team members with costs associated with attending the District meeting.
We have an excited riding season coming and Leslie and I look forward to seeing many you in the coming months.
Ride Safe,
John & Leslie Wait.
BC-District Directors
GWRRA
