Auntie ABATE / "Cuz" Report - May 2025

Auntie ABATE "Cuz"

  Editor’s Report

 

SMRO Conferences. Are They Worth It?

They say whatever effort you put into anything is what you’ll get out of it. I can agree with that statement.

I have been going to SMRO conferences for the past 24 or so years. Is some of the content repetitive? Sometimes, but different SMRO’s have different takes on the information and on the situations, and they certainly handle situations differently. We can all learn from each other and learn different tactics at solving problems. I can say that I always take away something very worthwhile, whether it be tangible items from different states or a different way to look at things, ergo a different way to solve a problem.

The STEAM conference recently held in Iowa in April was one of those conferences that I like the most. Probably because it is held with the STEAM states that are in close proximity to each of us and are usually very competitive fundraising wise with each other. Because of that closeness and competitiveness, you tend to grow relationships, so this conference is almost like going to a family reunion every time I go.

The breakout sessions are often repeated so you don’t miss one you really want to attend. Bill and I went to one about the use of Roberts Rules of Order….or how to run a good meeting, or Board Meeting, without having the audience take over the conversation. I think most of us try to use some of the Roberts Rules to a certain extent when holding a meeting, however the book with all the answers in it (Roberts Rules of Order) is several inches thick so it’s not easy to memorize. We all do our best.

I also attended a breakout session that ABATE of Illinois presented about Share The Road. Much of what was presented were things that we have been doing for quite some time. I was hoping to take away a better understanding of how to shake up our driver’s ed teachers so we can make more presentations to teenage drivers. What Illinois still has going for it is driver’s ed is still available in the High School classrooms. Wisconsin has virtually done away with that option and has gone to private driving schools and online testing before moving to behind the wheel training, so little or no contact with actual teenage drivers.

One of my favorite presentations was done by a biker lawyer during the general session and was about the types of insurance bikers need to have in order to protect themselves and their bikes. This was very informative and presented in a fashion that was interactive with the audience which kept you on your toes. I came home to check my insurance policy to be sure I had the right coverage.

So, are Conferences worth it? The Time, The Money, etc. Yes, Yes, They are. I always have a positive take away and if nothing else these conferences remind me that we are all in this together. And working together makes things progress faster and usually on a positive note.

Thank you, ABATE of Iowa, for presenting this conference in such a well-organized manner. See you next time.

“Cuz”