Hi Everyone,
Just a few words of encouragement as the month of August is starting -
The summer has past it's half way point and the riding season is dwindling down so very fast. The last month has been a blur - BUT -
I want to personally thank everyone who has participated in chapter rides and police oriented fund raising activities this summer. Alot of the rides cost money but the benefits have lasting effects and fulfill the Blue Knights International By-Laws. After meeting and talking to Ed Gallant (One of the founding fathers) at the International Convention in Louisville, he reminded me that sometimes we forget the original purpose and goals of the Blue Knights.
Our purposes and goals are to:
1. Provide for the mutual assistance, enjoyment, entertainment, education, physical, mental and social benefit of its members and the general public.
2. To promote and advance the sport of motorcycling and the safety of motorcycling.
3. To serve the interests of motorcycle owners and users.
4. To promote by example and any other acceptable means, safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles.
5. To develop a fraternal spirit between law enforcement personnel and the general public.
I truly believe that the Northern Ohio Chapters are banding together and starting to support each other and the fundraising rides that are held in high esteem by each different chapter. You see, everytime we ride people look at us under a microscope - It is so impressive to see 25-30 Blue Knights from 5 or 6 chapters attending the different events. It shows unity, comradery and friendship that other people can see and then ask "How can I become a Blue Knight", "It looks like they are having alot of fun".
Alot of discussion on the question "How do we increase membership and get younger people to join" was done in Louisville. Many chapters are losing members. Why are they leaving? We all need to do some soul searching and ask ourselves if we have become stale. An Iowa III member told me that a chapter is only as good as it's members. How true that is - Are we supporting the other chapters that are close to us geographically? Are we excited about the things that our chapter is doing? Are we asking our friends, or our fellow workers to ride with us? Do we carry a membership application to give to qualified people that we meet? Do we go to places that others are at to show that we truly are the "Good Guys"? Do we volunteer to help out at Charity Rides? HAVE WE FORGOTTEN WHY WE JOINED THE BLUE KNIGHTS?
OR - Are we doing things the way we have always done them even if they don't work?? And seeing our friends drift away?
Let's turn the page on this book and start to look at ourselves in a more positive way - Scripture states in John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
Do we love our brothers and sisters? Do we love ourselves?
P.S.
I would like to extend my personal thanks to the Board of Governors and the General membership for the "Distinguished Service Award" that was presented at the International banquet. For one of the few times in my live I was completely speechless! It meant alot to Reida and myself that we were singled out of 606 chapters in 30 countries and over 20,000 members. I am honored and privileged to be a member of the best group of people in the world!
Thank You my friends!
Chappie
