CVMA: More Than Just Staying Current

 

Part B: More Than Just Staying Current

My last post was about annual dues and what happens when members fall off the books.

This is really Part B of that conversation.

Over the years, I've told more than a few members the same thing: if life gets busy, at least pay your dues and make it to one qualifying event each year. That's all the bylaws require to remain an active member. You don't even have to ride in—just own a legal motorcycle and stay connected.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that.

In fact, I know we have a handful of members who do exactly that. They aren't hurting anyone, and they're operating completely within the rules.

My perspective has simply changed.

What I really want to know is who those people are.

Not so I can criticize them. Not so I can pressure them into doing more. Just so I know they're okay.

If I know you've intentionally stepped back because life has taken you in a different direction, I won't be calling for welfare checks because you missed another meeting. I won't be texting to ask where you've been. I won't keep trying to convince you to come to every ride.

I'll respect that.

Where I struggle is understanding why someone wants to remain a member if they no longer have any real interest in participating.

Is it the friendships?

The mission?

The opportunity to help veterans?

Or is it simply about wearing the soft colors and being recognized as a member?

Maybe that's enough for some people. Personally, I don't really understand it.

For me, the patch has never been about recognition. It's about belonging to an organization whose mission I believe in and whose members I've come to consider family.

Now, before anyone thinks I'm preaching...

I'm not as "all in" as I once was.

I still ride more than most. I probably own enough CVMA gear to outfit a small platoon. But life has changed.

My wife and I love to travel to the Carribean and elsewhere via a plane, not on 2 wheels.

I still work full-time.

We're building our dream home.

Family always comes first.

Like everyone else, I've got a lot on my plate.

The CVMA isn't my entire life anymore—and honestly, it shouldn't be.

But it is still an important part of my life.

I'm proud to wear this patch.

I'm proud of what this Association stands for.

I'm proud of the people I've met, the veterans we've helped, the miles we've ridden together, and the friendships that have been built over the years.

I don't see that ever changing.

Everyone has to find the balance that works for them. There is no requirement that says you have to attend every meeting, every ride, or every event.

But I do think every member should occasionally ask themselves one simple question:

"Am I still here because I believe in the mission... or am I just maintaining a membership?"

The answer is different for everyone.

For me, as long as I'm able, I'll continue wearing the patch with pride—not because I have to, but because I still want to.

30 JUNE : That time of year again ..

Every year around this time, our chapter goes through the same process—National dues come due, memberships are reviewed, and unfortunately a few members fall off the roster.

Without fail, there are usually one or two people who are surprised, insist they didn't know, or have reasons why it wasn't their fault.

Over the years, my perspective has changed.

Life happens. I completely understand that. Jobs change. Families grow. Health issues come up. Financial priorities shift. Motorcycles get sold. Interests evolve. None of that bothers me.

In fact, over the past few weeks I've had several conversations with members who were honest about where they are in life. One is selling his bike and moving on to a different chapter in life. I respect that. Another shared that after having children, he simply isn't comfortable riding anymore because his priorities have changed. I completely understand that too.

I even had a Life Member tell me he was considering stepping away because he just wasn't feeling it anymore.

My advice was simple: don't make a permanent decision because you're in a temporary season.

If you still own your motorcycle, pay the $10 annual chapter dues, stop by a meeting once in a while, get your annual swipe, say hello to your brothers and sisters, and keep the door open. You don't even have to ride in. Maybe next year—or the year after—you'll rediscover what brought you here in the first place.

I've seen that happen before.

What is much harder to understand is someone who disappears for an entire year, never participates, rarely (if ever) rides with the chapter, never volunteers, never supports the mission, and then suddenly becomes passionate about keeping their back patch only after they've lost it.

Membership in the CVMA® is about much more than wearing a patch. It's about commitment to our mission, supporting veterans, building friendships, and being part of something larger than ourselves. Nobody expects everyone to attend every event, but participation matters. Effort matters. Staying connected matters.

When someone chooses not to invest in the organization for an extended period, it's difficult to believe that urgency only after membership has lapsed reflects a renewed commitment rather than a desire to simply keep the patch.

As leaders, we have an obligation to be fair—not only to those asking for another chance, but also to the members who consistently show up, volunteer, ride, support our veterans, and pay their dues year after year without being reminded.

The patch is something to be earned every day, not something to be remembered once a year when dues are due.

To everyone who continues to support the mission—thank you.

And to those who may have lost a little of their enthusiasm, don't disappear. Stay connected. Come to a meeting. Grab a cup of coffee. Join a ride when you're ready. We'd much rather help you find your way back than watch you quietly walk away.

Vets Helping Vets.