Now is your chance to serve AERC and give back to the sport that means so much to so many of us. This fall AERC members will elect eight directors-at-large to serve on the AERC board of directors. See below for how and when to submit nominations to the AERC office.

Being a board member is like doing one-day 100-mile endurance ride:

1. It's a significant commitment of time and energy.

2. There are a few low points when the task seems too daunting and the obstacles too great.

3. You experience a real feeling of accomplishment when the job is well done.

Note that if you are considering running for the board, the time commitment is real. The board has a one-hour conference call six to eight times per year, two half-day meetings during the annual convention, and a separate day-long midyear meeting. There is preparation time as well as follow-up action items.

All board members are expected to serve on one or more committees. Many BOD members chair committees. Those committees have specific functions to perform. Typically they meet in person at the convention and by phone during the year. The board and each of the committees have their own very active electronic discussion groups.

Board members are expected to be in regular communication with the membership, with the other members of the committees they serve on, and with other board members. Much of this communication is done by e-mail. Moreover all of the material for the meetings and conference calls is distributed electronically, so board members must allocate time on a regular basis for e-mail.

For those of you considering running for the board, I recommend that you review the AERC bylaws (available at either www.aerc.org/upload/2003Bylaws.pdf or by mail from the office). Candidates should understand the obligations and responsibilities of board members, and the basics of AERC finances. We do provide a short training section for new board members on AERC finances before the annual meeting at the convention each year.

Note that board members serve without financial compensation other than modest reimbursementÑup to $500 for travel and hotel expenses for the midyear board meeting.

Directors-at-large have a duty to represent the broad needs of the membership across the entire organization, not the interest of a single group or single geographic area. An ideal candidate should understand the needs of our members, our sport, and AERC, then be able to translate that into action plans and financial plans.

Furthermore, the ideal candidate may champion an area of special interest such as membership enhancements, trails advocacy, education or research. On the other hand, I recommend that you not nominate for the board if you have a single "axe to grind." People who have done so are usually not effective and usually are frustrated. Taking a broad viewÑand then championing an area of special interestÑcan really move AERC forward and be tremendously satisfying.

So does serving on the board mean you are sometimes fulfilling your board duties when you would rather be riding? Yes. Is it a great way to serve the sport that is an important part of your life? Absolutely! If you are willing to make the commitment and want to help shape the future direction of AERC, now is the time to consider nominating for the board.

Board resignation: Mountain Region director Susan Horne has resigned her position; the remainder of her term will be filled by Joe Long. Thank you, Susan, for your service -- we will miss your input on the board.

We welcome Joe Long to the board. Joe brings a wealth of experience to AERC. He previously served on the BoD for 14 years, including two years as president. Joe is the person who first computerized AERCs records. Joe and his great horse Kahlil Khai are both in the AERC Hall of Fame.