September is the month when a nomination for the AERC Board of Directors (BoD) needs to be sent to the AERC office. In even years (this year), it's a nomination for director-at-large. In odd years, it's for regional director. It's not expensive to nominate -- only $5 -- but there is a commitment on your part in time that can be significant. The term of office is two years.

There are 26 directors for AERC. Some consider that to be a large number for an organization of our size. There are two regional directors per region (nine regions) and eight directors-at-large to make up the 26. Regional directors. One of the regional directors handles ride sanctioning in the region and the other is on the Hall of Fame selection committee. Regional directors are elected by the members of their region. Regional directors work to ensure that things go well in their regions and that their membership is represented on the BoD.

Directors-at-large. The directors-at-large can come from any of the nine regions. Most are from the U.S. but some have been from Canada. They are elected by the membership of AERC. They represent the general membership, not just the region they happen to reside in.

One description of the duties of board members is: "The board of directors shall have the power to conduct, manage, and control the affairs and business of the corporation. The board of directors shall establish the rules and policies for the guidance of the officers and for the management of the affairs of the corporation. The board of directors shall have the power to incur indebtedness."

What does this really mean if you are considering serving on the BoD?

The BoD meets face-to-face twice a year: at the annual convention and at a midyear meeting. In addition there are eight or nine monthly conference calls which typically last 60 to 90 minutes. Travel and living expenses for the midyear meeting are covered up to $500 per BoD member. The convention is at your own expense but registration and seminar fees are covered by AERC.

Board members often chair or serve on committees but there is no requirement that this happens. BoD members at rides are available for questions from members and to act as a resource in questions concerning rules or mediating possible conflicts that could lead to protests. BoD members should be looking for input from members concerning issues that affect AERC. BoD members should contribute to the discussion of issues on the BoD email list and, as individual AERC members, participate in online forums.

What can you personally get out of serving on the board? I think that varies from individual to individual. Some view it as a chance to return something to the sport that we participate in. One director expressed it this way: "My father taught me that you should not just be a taker -- you should be a giver as well." Others may feel this is the best way to affect the future of a sport that we all enjoy.

Challenges face us -- the loss of trails, growing population needs, and increased costs to participate are just a few of them. You have an opportunity to directly play a role in how AERC responds to these challenges if you are on the BoD.

Another reason can be that you enjoy interacting with people and making things happen. It can make you aware of the breadth of activities that it takes to make an organization like ours successful.

I'd like to encourage you to nominate for the director-at-large position if you feel that any or all of the above applies to you. The time commitments after the amount needed for meetings is up to you. Plan to spend additional time doing this to benefit our membership. Consider it a part-time but unpaid job that can have a great deal of satisfaction associated with it.

Your nomination with $5 needs to be received in the office by September 30, either by mail or by calling the office at 866-271-AERC with your Visa/MC number.