Over 300 motorcyclists' rights advocates representing a varied collection or state motorcyclists' rights organizations; a dozen motorcyclists' rights advocates who specialize in motivation, lobbying, communication, and all the nuts & bolts needed to build, strengthen, and hold organizations together in the quest to protect motorcycling and the freedoms it represents.
These individuals are from our shared ranks. They have "been in the trenches" of their home state legislatures and Washington, D.C. They have well over 200 years of collective motorcyclists' rights advocacy experience between them and "quit" is not in their vocabulary! It's time you met this list of freedom fighters and use this link to register for the Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Charles Umbenhaur-- Kickin Ass and Taking Names – Pennsylvania's 35-year winning quest for freedom of choice is the workshop title, and it could just as well be an underscore of Charlie's accomplishments on behalf of motorcyclists' rights advocacy. With over 40 years riding and almost the same amount advocating motorcyclists' rights in Pennsylvania, a charter member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, an inductee into two motorcycling halls of fame (Easyriders Hall of Fame, Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame); recipient of two Lifetime Achievement Awards (NCOM and AMA); plus numerous other awards and recognitions for his years of advocacy on behalf of freedom and motorcyclists' rights. Charles Umbenhaur's workshop, taken from the playbook of his experiences, can be applied to any legislation supported by our grassroots organizations.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Brian "Skinny Bob" Clifford – Riding since the 1990s, but new to motorcyclists' rights in 2015 when he joined ABATE of Georgia because he "found a cause that blended his passions and skill sets." Skinny used his acquired skills from his experience with Habitat for Humanity International and fighting for housing rights for the poor to fighting for bikers' rights. Currently, he works for a nonprofit supporting military and veteran families. His workshop – Media Madness: How to Survive these Wild Times, without exaggerating the comments from his 2019 presentation at the Meeting of the Minds, "…is essential to the movement's future." Attendees will leave his workshop with 2020 media techniques and how to adapt them to drive membership, message and mission. This workshop should be "mission critical" for your SMRO.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Rocky Fox – Do not be deterred by his "zero years riding experience." Instead, look at his ten-plus years of experience as a registered federal lobbyist, plus his experience as a former staff member on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and a member of every SMRO he's visited, and know that Rocky is the non-riding half of our D.C. lobbying team. You'll be "Finding Opportunities for Policy Wins During a Crazy Year" as he brings you a summary of the MRF's legislative accomplishments.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Cathy Brush – Six years riding, six-year member of A.B.A.T.E of Illinois, newsletter and public relations coordinator, among other local and state offices. VP Public Relations of her local chapter of Toastmaster International, Cathy will bring 30 years of customer service experience to her workshop on making good public relations better with a hit list of Do's & Don't for great Public Relations.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Ryan Hubbard – Navy Veteran, 45 years riding experience, and 19 years A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois membership holding a multitude of elected offices including State Coordinator. With ongoing and extensive Federal Election Commission training, Ryan Hubbard's workshop – Political Action Committee? Why the Hell does a Biker Need One? will provide attendees enough reasons to form a PAC that they will wonder how their SMRO survived without one.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Dave "Chubby" Charlebois – Member of ABATE of Wisconsin since 1998, holding a host of state offices, including Executive Director since 2012. His workshop -- With Freedom comes Responsibility – takes our quests for freedom beyond the flash of daily headlines and provides attendees not only food for thought, but direction as well.
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" & who's involved?
Meet Mark Buckner – Active in bikers' rights since the mid-80s including four years ABATE of Colorado State Coordinator, two years MRF Board of Directors and six years MRF President and member of three halls of fame (Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame, AMA Hall of Fame, and MRF Hall of Fame). Mark Buckner's extensive business background gives him more than "street cred" when it comes to working closely with the MRF helping to facilitate the organization's strategic planning goals. His Meeting of the Minds presentation provides attendees with the same information tailored to helping your SMRO become internally accountable with a strategic plan that works!
What's this "Meeting of the Minds" who's involved and why?
It's motorcyclists' rights advocates coming together to meet old friends, make new friends, and hone skills that may have gone soft during the lockdowns. It's brothers and sisters knowing freedom and wanting more information on how to protect their rights, their motorcycles, and their lifestyles. Now's the time to use this link and register for Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.
That's what this Meeting of the Minds is all about. We endured the lockdown. We social distanced. And the MRF never forgot why we were founded – to advocate and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. The 2020 Meeting of the Minds provides you with the tools to help protect your rights, your motorcycle and your lifestyle!!! See you in Indianapolis!!!