There is strength in numbers.

WORBA is a statewide group, however, that doesn't mean the Board of Directors mantains and advocates for each trail in the state. Local riders have the knowledge, relationships, and vested interest to mnake things happen in their own backyards. A statewide group, as a coalition of local volunteers, is much stronger then those locals acting alone. Administrative taks, such as accounting and database management are easily managed centrally. For those reasons, WORBA has implemented a chapter structure supported at the statewide level.

Our neighbor organization, the Michigan Mountain Biking Association, has nine chapters covering their entire state. This proven formula can work in Wisconsin as well. WORBA needs local groups to form into the local WORBA Chapters. How do the Chapters benefit from being part of WORBA? WORBA is not a pyramidal marketing scheme, it's a volunteer group and vehicle for promoting mountain biking and trails. If you join a chapter, you may be asked to help work on a local trail's maintenance, or to be a sweep rider at a local biking festival, or spend some time at a booth at an area outdoor sports convention, or to take some novices on a ride, or have a dinner party with your congressman, or any number of things that suit your time and skills.

How Chapters Benefit:

Not all of the burden of keeping our trails rest on the local chapters. The statewide organization supplies administrative help, ideas, and clout for the local chapters. Here's some examples:

Use of communication channels: When you need to get the word out regarding an event or work party, WORBA provides mailing labels. Some printing costs are handled by the statewide organization. The Singletrack Sentinel publishes quarterly chapter reports. State runs a Web page (www.worba.org) to which chapters can add pages of their own. Contact the Communications Director for details.

Simplified accounting: Chapters do not need to have their own bank account. The statewide treasurer can track chapter funds within the statewide account, and make those funds available on request.

Voice in WORBA: Each chapter representative have voting rights at the statewide boardmeetings (one chapter, one vote).

Insurance: Activities or events the chapters hold may need to be insured. WORBA can provide coverage, easing financial and legal concerns of chapters.

Use of non-profit status: WORBA is a non-profit organization and files tax forms accordingly. Chapters benifit from that status.

Web site assistance: Your organization can have a presence on the web at www.worba.org, and the amount of work you have to do to maintain it is variable. If you want to send data to the Communication Director and have WORBA insert a page or two, and nothing else, that's fine. If you want to work up six elaborate pages that you change weekly and get WORBA to post them, that's fine too. Need to link to other sites? Want to send other sites your URL? Some technical advice is available.

What does it take to be a WORBA Chapter?
For administrative purposes, the following are required of all WORBA Chapters:

• Name for chapter
  

• Clearly defined territory or regional focus
  

• Designated chapter representative
  

• Quarterly reports for the Singletrack Sentinel.
  

WORBA does not insist on each Chapter following the same administrative setup within the Chapter. What works for one group may not work for another. Goals may be different, but should not conflict with the WORBA mission statement.

Members of a WORBA chapter are defined either geographically or by trail use. For example, Member Julie lives in Minneapolis, and has joined the Hudson Chapter. Bob lives in the Metro Milwaukee area, but only rides in Kettle Moraine, so he joins Southern Kettles chapter.

What does WORBA get out of this?

Having a large membership base is essential for a strong orgainization. With multiple Chapters recruiting members in their areas, WORBAÍs statewide membership base expands. With all those people to contact, WORBA is able to get volunteers to trails and events. With all those names on the mailing list, we can show the legislators how many voters they need to listen to in the biking community.

Local Chapter's events keep WORBA's name in the media, helping develop clout for the entire organization. Because of WORBA, the Chapters have stronger authority. WORBA in turn has influence on the strength of all the Chapters. What's the difference between an affiliated club and a Chapter? An affiliated club has a club sponsorship with WORBA, receives a single newsletter or invitation to work days and events, and can submit articles to the Singletrack Sentinel to be published if space permits. They receive no financial support, insurance, nor benefit from WORBA's non-profit standing. Club members may or may not be WORBA members.

So What's the First Step? If you haven't already joined WORBA, do so. If you are looking for a Chapter in your area, your statewide board members can put you in contact with one. If you are looking to create a Chapter where one does not exist, your statewide board members can help with all parts of the process.