Albert Jackson Challenge: Let’s Support Our Organization!

by Albert Jackson, SCI# 038
Atlanta (GA) Downtown Improvement District

Hello, my fellow public safety cyclists and members of IPMBA!  I hope that all of you are staying safe while we work our way through these unforeseen and uncharted waters of service coupled with surviving in a time of risk and commitment.  Like you, I am still on the front line of service to the community as “essential personnel”, helping to maintain our district and continuing to live up to our mission statement:  Keeping Downtown Atlanta Safer, Cleaner and More Hospitable.

In this time of service, I challenge all of you to help make sure that IPMBA remains at the forefront of training, information and leadership of public safety cycling.  As you have heard, the 2020 IPMBA Conference has been cancelled.  This will have a significant impact on the organization’s financial situation.  To help ensure another year of the service that we expect, I am asking each member who can to join me in an effort that is both grassroots and basic. 

I am pledging to contribute $100 each month for as many months as it takes to equal the amount that I would have spent for classes, workshops, and maybe even SOME of what I would have spent on the silent auction AND in the exhibit hall.  (The hotel costs and meals just “ain’t happnin’”.  My wife does look at the bank statement on occasion.)  Just imagine how much it would benefit the organization to have these funds coming in without subtracting the overhead of paying our vendors first!

And if you could take some of the items leftover from previous conferences off their hands, that would help with cash flow also since these items have been paid for and are still in inventory.  I know that some members may have cash flow problems, but those of us who are still essential, handling overtime and getting hazard pay may be able to spare a little bit to help the greater good.  And it doesn’t have to be in bulk. 

If you can, I know the office and executive board would be grateful, and we as an organization would be stronger for your efforts.  So, “Come on people!  You didn’t wake up this morning to be mediocre!”  Join me in this challenge to sustain and grow IPMBA. 

Be sure to renew your membership for 2020.  Make the pledge to contribute to the organization each month for awhile.  Get that conference jersey, hoodie, polo and that extra pair of socks that would not fit in your luggage going back home the last couple of years.  I challenge you, and I pledge to see you next year on two wheels!

Who's in?  Post your pledge in the comments section!  

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