IMBA's state representative network expands and defines advocacy goals

IMBA Trail News
Volume 11, Number 4
September-October 1998

IMBA's individual membership has more than doubled during the past year and the number of requests from affiliated clubs and land managers for mountain bike advocacy assistance has increased dramatically. In response to this growing need for access assistance, IMBA has redefined and expanded its network of dedicated volunteer state representatives.

Since the end of '97, IMBA has appointed 27 new state representatives to join the experienced group of 10 original reps. Advocates from at least three more states are being considered for positions. IMBA expects to have a total of 40 U.S. state reps by the end of '98.

IMBA state reps serve as liaisons between IMBA's staff and our clubs and members who need local assistance. A rep's primary role is to provide information, contacts and strategic advice to help clubs keep existing trails open and build new trails. Reps also cultivate working relationships with representatives of local, state and regional land management agencies, mountain bike advocates, and other trail user groups. Finally, reps stay informed and keep IMBA apprised regarding trail access and regulatory developments within their designated region.

The state rep network is the backbone of IMBA's U.S. advocacy work. These folks are an invaluable source of information and dedicate countless hours of personal time toward effecting positive change in their local trail communities.

Leadership Summit goals

At the inaugural Leadership Summit in Tennessee last May, state reps and IMBA staff and board members identified the following network goals:

1. IMBA state reps should feel connected to and appreciated by IMBA staff and other state reps.
   
2. An IMBA state reps newsletter or other communication device will be created by Summer '98.
   
3. Each state representative will produce a quarterly one-page update that tracks.
   
   a) Significant trail closures in their state;
   b) Significant threats to mountain bike access (legislative, political, social);
   c) Trail openings/re-openings;
   d) Volunteer trends;
   e) Media highlights.
   
4. IMBA will strive to designate 40 U.S. state reps by the end of '98.
   
5. Mountain bikers in every U.S. state will be encouraged to make at least one proactive effort with hiking, horse or other trail user groups in 1998.
   
6. IMBA will distribute a master list that describes the special areas of advocacy expertise that each state rep possesses.
   
7. IMBA will host another representatives summit in '99.
   

IMBA is seeking candidates to represent California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Montana, South Dakota, Arkansas, West Virginia and Delaware. Interested? Contact IMBA's Boulder office.