Chapter Formation discussion forum

[F. F.]

Welcom to the Utah Chapter (formation) forum. Just a reminder....
This forum:
Is not to announce your events.

Is not to announce Local Trail Runs (yet).

This forum is provided by NAXJA to facilitate formation of a Utah Chapter. If you want to promote a gathering or trail run, feel free to elsewhere. NAXJA offers a venue to do this. It is located at: http://www.naxja.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=56 This forum is not for that. It is for discussions and meetings that deal with forming a NAXJA Utah Chapter.

After a Chapter BOD has been elected, they can decide upon what is allowed to be posted in the chapter forum. However, until a Chapter is formed of NAXJA Members, this forum needs to focus on forming the Chapter.

Good luck, have fun, and hope to see a new Chapter.

[Kejtar]

Good luck guys :D

[Tom R.]

Thanks Remi. I'm already getting the word out, so hopefully we'll be talk'n bidness soon.

Tom

[JEEPZZ]

Let's get this thing rolling. I'm still waiting to hear from Joe since he was collecting all the Utah guys emails after the Friday dinner.
It was good to finally meet you Tom although it was just briefly. I know that Keith wants to get this thing moving too.

-Todd

[Tom R.]

I emailed Joe asking that he contact all concerned. Should be soon. First order of business will be to elect BOD and either adopt the national organization's bylaws (easiest) or modify them and submit for approval.

Tom

[XJEEPER]

Did I read that right Tom? We are considering being a part of the Northwest Chapter?

We have plenty of NAXJA members/potential members here in Utah to have our own Chapter, and I think we should include options to gather those fromremote areas in the surrounding states that may not have a big presense, like Eastern Nevada, Western Wyoming, Southern Idaho?
Good to see all the interest. I met some folks from Logan that were interested in a local chapter too.

[ECKSJAY]

Originally posted by XJEEPER
Did I read that right Tom? We are considering being a part of the Northwest Chapter?

We have plenty of NAXJA members/potential members here in Utah to have our own Chapter, and I think we should include options to gather those fromremote areas in the surrounding states that may not have a big presense, like Eastern Nevada, Western Wyoming, Southern Idaho?
Good to see all the interest. I met some folks from Logan that were interested in a local chapter too.

I like the Regional idea. I mean, I'd LOVE to have folks from ID and MT join up but heck, wouldn't it make more sense to have something regional? Maybe ID, Eastern OR, MT, etc... Folks from Western MT might have a difficult time meeting up with those of us from Western WA...

My NW Chapter proposal still stands...but hey, it's up to masses. I think a straight UT Chapter would be cool, too. I was kinda wondering why there wasn't one before. ;)

[TRNDRVR]

Originally posted by XJEEPER
Did I read that right Tom? We are considering being a part of the Northwest Chapter?

We have plenty of NAXJA members/potential members here in Utah to have our own Chapter, and I think we should include options to gather those fromremote areas in the surrounding states that may not have a big presense, like Eastern Nevada, Western Wyoming, Southern Idaho?
Good to see all the interest. I met some folks from Logan that were interested in a local chapter too. Copy and paste!!!
I think that portion of his paragraph is from an ass chewing he gave someone over on the NW board that was wanting to put together a trail run.:confused:

:edit: Its already been corrected.

[Tom R.]

Originally posted by TRNDRVR
Copy and paste!!!
I think that portion of his paragraph is from an ass chewing he gave someone over on the NW board that was wanting to put together a trail run.:confused:

:edit: Its already been corrected.

I saw that too, but ignored it thinking it was a copy & paste issue.

The potential territory the Utah chapter will encompass is something we should discuss. My initial thought is that Utah has enough members for a Utah only chapter. The other concern is that these western states are comparatively large and may make it difficult for some folks to participate in local events. Would it be difficult to manage a chapter that covers a large area? Maybe. Likewise, I understand some places just don't have the members to form their own chapter. So flexibility may be in order. If we include certain surrounding states, it's possible they will gain enought new members to the point they can break away to form their own chapter.

Please keep the ideas coming.

Tom

[XJJPR]

You guys just need to name it something else. If we all have to look at a forum called Utha Chapter it's going to make us sad were not in Moab everytime we see it. It just won't be fair. :( You guys live just way to close.

Good luck, it will be great to gett all the chapters going we can. Then we can have chapter challanges, like the Ca/Co event, every year. :D

mark
orgs mfg

[TRNDRVR]

Originally posted by Mark Hinkley
You guys just need to name it something else. If we all have to look at a forum called Utah Chapter it's going to make us sad were not in Moab everytime we see it. It just won't be fair. :( You guys live just way to close.

Niener! Niener! Niener! :D

[itzak]

Hi Guys I'm here and waiting to help with whatever we need to do to get this started. Ithought we ought to call it the "Moab Utah Chapter" but that might remind those So Cal members that it's only a few hours away form us. So I guess it's got to be " The Utah Chapter" !!!!! Do you think we could make Moab a once a week run ?


itzak

[ACE]

I'll be e-mailing everyone I talked to in Moab, sometime this evening. I think I had 14 people give me their e-mail addresses. If anyone knows someone that was not in Moab but still wants to be part of this Chapter, point them here or have them e-mail me here: emdenvw@yahoo.com
The name of the Chapter deserves some consideration but I don't think that really matters that much. I've got a business card from a guy in Ely, Nevada that wants to be part of the Chapter and I don't see anything wrong with that.
This is a good start. Thanks BOD for putting this up.

Joe F.

[FarmerMatt]

You could name it the Sierra Wannabe's cause you know you wat to be cool like us. :D

Matt

[XJEEPER]

I thought of Sierra Wanna-bees, but it's a little wordy..........maybe we could call it the Nut Shakers or the Grape Nuts so we could all be more like you!:)
Hope the grape harvest went well and we missed your sorry butt in Moab........Jenny and the kid too. The CO/CA Grocery Getter Thrashfest 2003 was....OFF THE HOOK!!

[JEEPZZ]

I still kind of like the sound of the Rocky Mtn Chapter.
-or how about Slick Rocky Mtn Chapter :D

[ACE]

I think we should go ahead and call it the Utah Chapter. This doesn't mean that those from neighboring states can't join does it? If we need to expand the name later, couldn't we go ahead and do that?

[bigjoe]

What we call it and who's a part of it doesn't really matter does it? I know we have a lot of people from neighboring states that may want to be a part of this and I don't see any reason they can't. If they want to make the drive and attend meetings, events, and local community activities then they should be able to do so. Let's don't exclude people just because they don't live in Utah. We're too close to too many states to do that.
I like the Utah Chapter name.
Wether you're from Idaho, MT, Wyoming, Nevada etc... It shouldn't matter.
I'll get off my soap box now,
Later,
Joe

[TRNDRVR]

Lets quit straddling the fence here boys, we'll call it the "MOAB" Chapter. :D

[bigjoe]

Originally posted by TRNDRVR
Lets quit straddling the fence here boys, we'll call it the "MOAB" Chapter. :D

That has a nice ring to it Dan!
Besides that's what we're most noted for.

Joe

[xjblue]

I do wannabe as cool as FarmerMatt! But Moab chapter would be cooler than sierra chapter! :cool:

I agree with the idea of allowing folks from bordering states to join up. I know there are enough in Colorado to have thier own chapter and hopefully they will get on it!

One idea is Colorado can be the Rocky Mountain East chapter and we can be Rocky Mountain West chapter, other ideas are; we can be the Central West Chapter Or Uintah Chapter, or Ute Chapter (Ute chapter of the North American "Cherokee/Commanche" association.... hummm.... ) Lake Bonneville Chapter has been suggested. Fremont Chapter, Wasatch Chapter, Greater Western chapter, Great Salt Lake chapter, Great Basin Chapter,
Canyonland Chapter, Zion Chapter, Redrock chapter, Slickrock chapter, beehive chapter, :rolleyes: just brainstorming here.
I think simple is better, Utah chapter is simple, and inclusive of all this state has to offer us.

[DeadEyeJ]

Okay, okay. Since I'm in command here I am going to quell this argument.

UTAH CHAPTER

it is. Nobody is going to feel excluded or offended by this, and it represents the central body of the new chapter.

The important things to discuss here IMHO are who becomes our BOD, where do we meet, and who is really in it for the long haul?

Just my 2 cents, Jared

PS, I'M IN FOR THE LONG HAUL, BUT DON'T MAKE ME A LEADER.

[xjblue]

Just so we can all be on the same page. According to the bylaws you need to be a member of NAXJA in order to participate in organization of, or become elected to a position for, a new NAXJA chapter. In other words if you don't belong to NAXJA then you don't have an official say or bearing in club matters.

I count 7 members so far on the Roll Call thread (I know there are more out there who havn't posted yet) and some have promised to be members soon! The bylaws (which are being rewritten) state we need a minimum of 7 members but It may be more. Ultimately the more the better! How about during the next few weeks everybody gets thier membership sent in meanwhile we can discuss what or who needs to be put to a vote. Then after everyone has had a chance to get thier membership we can hold an election.

[brent]

Originally posted by FarmerMatt
You could name it the Sierra Wannabe's cause you know you wat to be cool like us. :D

Matt no, just cool like you matt, does this mean I have to get a job if I want to be like you :rolleyes:

[brent]

Originally posted by DeadEyeJ
Okay, okay. Since I'm in command here ,,,,, DON'T MAKE ME A LEADER.
:confused: :huh: are you military inteligence too?

[XJEEPER]

Some good points Blue.......not sure where the "in command" comes from in the DeadEye camp........perhaps he's proclaiming his future role as Chapter President.........as soon as he becomes an official NAXJA member?? :)

Let's keep the cart behind the horse for now and just get the BOD and Chapter structure nailed down.......the naming of the Chapter is the easy part.

[WillySLC]

Not to throw water on the fire, but it seems like everytime that the subject of territory comes up we get bogged down. I proposed all this a long time ago and thought the "Red Rock" chapter sounded good and got shot out of the air.

I agree that Utah on it's own has a plenty good supply of XJ's to fill the bill. However, some of our surrounding neighbors may not. So it might not serve the XJ community at large very well to limit our membership to just Utah.

For instance, Idaho and Wyoming might have a difficult time finding a home in a chapter. The large majority of Nevada folks live closer to the SoCal group. I suppose geographical details should be left open to the individual and they should joing up with whatever chapter best fits their needs.

Am I on too much of a soap box? If so, sorry.

WillyS

BTW, in the past we always tried to mix business with pleasure (trail run and chapter formation). I would submit that the fastest way to chapter formation is to have a business only meeting and get it done. Boring, I know, but necessary.

[woody]

Whatever you settle on for a name is fine, but the main points at this stage are just as Tom R and XJEEPER point out: The organization & leadership structure.

The BOD could be 3 or 5 folks (I think 5 is prefferable, but that's y'alls call) and all potential cantidates should be , and it would probably be easiest to adopt the NAXJA bylaws as a start on guidelines for the Chapter. Some of the National B/L articles don't directly apply - or can be reworded/scaled to fit the Chapter. We made a set for the SE Chapter but since the National B/L are under revision, they are on standby.

Another key thing is deciding what sort of activities y'all want to undertake, (regular trail-rides, an annual event, charity benefits, sponsoring competitors etc...), provide for them in your bylaws, and start figuring out the 5 Ws to make it happen.

[Tom R.]

Thanks Woody. Regardless of what we name this chapter (I'm all for the Utah Chapter; Red Rock Chapter coming in close 2nd), the name does not imply, in the most strict sense, what territory it covers. So if we're called the Utah Chapter it doesn't mean Jason in Idaho can't be a member. Again, that's for later.

Let's get back on track. It's recommended we begin by adopting the national bylaws. Now, according to the national bylaws, "Each chapter shall have it's (sic) own bylaws, and will also be governed at a minimum by the NAXJA bylaws. " This usually means we must adhere, at a minimum, to the standards set forth by the national bylaws. Another way to think of this is that we cannot lower the standards, but we have negotiating room to set a higher standard or modify something that's unique to chapters as long as it doesn't have any adverse affect on either the chapter or the national organization.

After we organize I propose we begin work to omit portions of the bylaws that don't pertain to chapters, and modify (w/ national BOD approval) other parts to suit our specific needs. And it's not too early to begin thinking about what our goals/objectives will be. For example, we can take over the annual Moab Fall Fling event, which has consistently been NAXJA's largest event every year. Woody mentioned a few other activities we may consider........things such as local trail rides, charities, or even cleaning up trails--a very worthwhile task!

We'll need to work out other issues as well. Some of these may need to be discussed with the national BOD. I've listed a few below. I think the first question that needs to be answered is whether these requirements apply to chapters. If so, can they be modified?
Each office shall be held for a term of 2 years. Appointments, delegates and committee positions may be held by any member, whether an officer or not.
A minimum of 1 year membership may be required before election to an office can be made.
Before someone can become a member of the national BOD, they must have served as a regular member for one year.

I think I've covered enough to keep us busy for a while. Perhaps we can keep each major topic running on a separate thread to maintain some organization. Let's hear it!

Tom

[woody]

*Each office shall be held for a term of 2 years. Appointments, delegates and committee positions may be held by any member, whether an officer or not.

One year terms may be better to start with?[i/]

*A minimum of 1 year membership may be required before election to an office can be made.

[i]If someone is mature and has leadership experience (in a four-wheeling club?) I don't see strictly requiring one year in NAXJA to hold a Chapter office.

*Before someone can become a member of the national BOD, they must have served as a regular member for one year.

The Chapter President - or a designated rep - will represent the Chapter on the National BOD. This is distinctly different than someone who is running for/elected to a national office.

[xjblue]

Thanks Woody and Tom R. for keeping us pointed in the right direction.

Other issues to consider under the Events/Bylaws topics; insurance (do we want/need our own or is there coverage under NAXJA, how does all that work?), and a website & costs/dues for both (itzak mentioned someone was offering a site for free if I recall correctly) but that can all be addressed as we tackle these main topics.

Seperate threads idea sounds good, might as well get started!

[woody]

I think to start with, you don't need seperate incorporation and insurance. Later on as the Chapter (and it's treasury) grows incorporation may need to be considered, but for the frmation stage, try to keep things simple :)

[Tom R.]

I agree Woody. If our events are NAXJA sponsored then we are supposed to be covered with insurance.

[poomba]

I'm for letting nearby 'out of staters' (hey, paid 40k for this English degree, I'm gonna ab-use it), join a 'utah' chapter. No one asked what state I was from, before pitching in to help on the trail...
As for territory, it's true we've got a lot of land..but population..well, a chapter is people, and don't see why someone who wants to come on over from Montana/Idaho/Nevada or wherever they know what a snowflake is, would be that bad an idea.
I prefer a 5 member board..helps break up deadlocks..and also, spreads the delegating authority around, for when people are doing that real life thing. Insurance..ponder..is there some sort of bonding needed, for those that handle cash (fees, dues, bribes), so they don't roll up in a Rubicon, while I'm still trying to sell plasma for new lug nuts?
At any rate, don't have the time to devote to leadership, but I can spare a weekend every month or two, for cleanups (keep BLM on our side), or whatever the members decide should be our focus. Just keep the dues reasonable, cuz ya know..plasma doesn't sell like it used to..it's a bloody shame, it is...:bawl:

[Tom R.]

A five member board works for me, too. As for money issues, members send in dues to the national organization, not the chapter...at least for now. With the exception of the 20th anniversary event, we usually have a registration fee for the Moab Fall Fling. Other possible inflows of cash might be chapter T-shirt sales, fund raisers for charities, or...? The insurance is liability coverage in the event someone decides to sue NAXJA for their own negligence. It prevents the individual members from being sued.

[XJEEPER]

I've had similar thoughts regarding the 5 member board, many hands make light work.

[ACE]

5 member board sounds good to me. Anybody feel differently? I also think we should just adopt the NAXJA bylaws for now. Anybody feel differently? We can always modify them once the Chapter is formed.
Should we have a vote on this now in a sticky thread?

[itzak]

I agree 5 member bod . use xaxja bylaws let's get this thing going .

itzak

[Tom R.]

Before we do this, I'm working on getting existing chapter bylaws. This may help us avoid "reinventing the wheeling," so to speak. Also, I think some contents of the bylaws are under review and may change, which could affect the chapter. Woody should be sending the document to me soon.

Tom

[TRNDRVR]

Any progress on this matter besides me becoming me]aer #714?

[Tom R.]

Sorry, I just got back from a business trip. Should have something posted soon.

Tom

[TRNDRVR]

Originally posted by Tom R.
Sorry, I just got back from a business trip. Should have something posted soon.

Tom
Thanks Tom. I'll look forward to seeing it.

[XJEEPER]

Originally posted by TRNDRVR
Any progress on this matter besides me becoming member #714?

....bout time, stinkin' bandwidth moocher!

We're about done stealing.......er, finalizing the bylaws and we should have something solid in the next couple of weeks......for a guy that's gonna be nominated as Chapter Latrine Monkey, you sure are anxious.:D