MRF Rep Report - August 2025

Jennifer Abraham

Is There Anybody Out There?

June’s article had another membership give away in it. Congratulations to Jane Jacobson and Keith Hamilton for being the winners of a 1-year membership. It pays to read the articles. Hopefully, you aren’t skimming them just to win something; there’s a lot of important information written here. Our volunteers work tirelessly to bring you up-to-date information so you can stay informed and know what to do to keep our livelihood safe and free.

Speaking of volunteers and information, the Meeting of the Minds will be here before we know it. That’s our annual international conference where we all gather in person to share ideas and knowledge. We motivate each other and get fired up to continue doing what we do. If you’re planning to go to Shreveport, LA Sept 25-28th, be sure to get registered ASAP. And check with Steve Panten or myself to see who all is going. We can share hotel rooms to save costs. If you’re on a scholarship, the requirement is at least two people per room. ABATE of WI has no less than four members who will be presenting at Meeting of the Minds, so that shows you how effective we are.

Nominations are open for the John “Farmer” Eggers award, which will also be presented at Meeting of the Minds. The John “Farmer” Eggers Award is given to an individual who works behind the scenes on behalf of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation in the manner that “Farmer” did, and who has shown extraordinary dedication to the MRF. The only people who are not eligible for this award are current and past MRF Board members, since “Farmer” never served on the MRF Board of Directors. This does not exclude MRF State Representatives, MRF Assistant State Representatives, Assistants to the MRF Board of Directors, leaders of state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, or deserving individuals. Our past state secretary, Marlene Bautch received the award in 2014. RIP Marlene.

There’s also a significant discount for Meeting of the Minds attendees if you are ages 18 - 35. You get a 35% discount on your registration! All registration prices go up after 9/10. We need to be securing our future freedom fighters, and this conference is the best way to teach them, and everyone, what the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is all about.

Next year, we, ABATE of WI, will be hosting Meeting of the Minds. If you’re interested in volunteering for next year’s event, going to the one this year is a great way to find out how it all works and what’s expected of you.

Meeting of the Minds is also where we set our Legislative agenda for 2026. This session is open to everyone, and each state gets a vote on what we work on in the coming year. 2026 is coming fast, and if we’re going to own the future of rider rights in this country, our legislative strategy needs to be bold, airtight, and battle-ready. That starts in Shreveport. That starts with YOU.

You ride free because someone fought. Now it’s YOUR TURN.

Stay vigilant, my friends!

Jen

Jennifer Abraham

ABATE of WI, MRF State Rep

MRF Assistant to the Board

ABATE Region 2A Treasurer

(920) 207-4679