NEW STATE ASSOCIATIONS FORMED IN ARKANSAS AND VERMONT FOLLOWING NOHVCC WORKSHOPS

   Since 2003, the NOHVCC Association Development Workshop program has helped form 15 new OHV state associations. Arkansas's new organization is finalized while Vermont is progressing toward incorporation following a series of workshops in their states. The names of the new organizations are the Arkansas Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Association and the Vermont OHV Recreation Association (proposed).

   "It's a pretty simple cause and effect," says NOHVCC Project Coordinator Jack Terrell. "When off-highway motorcycle, ATV and 4WD enthusiasts in a state organize and speak as one, good things tend to happen when it comes to the health and the future of OHV recreation in that state. One of the primary goals of the NOHVCC is to have a strong OHV association in all 50 states and every year we get closer and closer to that goal."

   Many strong state associations have been in place for some time, but others were non-existent. Since the NOHVCC first started their Association Development Workshop program in 2003, they have held workshops and established state associations in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii (Maui), Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

   Terrell ads, "There's still plenty of work to be done on this front and I foresee holding many more Association Development Workshops in the coming years. Sometimes there are breakdowns and the primary OHV advocates in that state ask us to come in and assist them in a reorganization effort. And our workshops themselves are constantly evolving as we learn more about what works and what doesn't from our experiences in each state."

   The NOHVCC OHV State Association Development Workshop program, subtitled “The Six-Month Plan,” includes the process and resources to develop, enhance, or re-establish a recognized, statewide, inclusive association of off-highway vehicle recreation interests within six months.
   Program services include advance planning, releases, contact point, agendas, registration, facilitation, and notebooks. The NOHVCC works with a state planning team, including the State NOHVCC Representative, to ensure that the developed association meets specific state needs.
Association Development Workshops may include sessions and material on:

• Identification of the State OHV Community Status
• Mission, Objectives, and Vision Development
• Meeting Management
• Leadership Techniques
• Effective Communication
• Election of Officers
• Committee Development
• Fund Development and Management
• Goal Development and Achievement
• How to Work Effectively with Land Managers
• Understanding the Political Process
• AMA “Ride Into Political Action” Seminars

   The following groups were instrumental in the formation of the last two Association Development Workshops;

Arkansas: The American Motorcyclist Association, AR Trail Voyagers, Razorback Riders, River Valley Dirt Riders, Rock Crawlers 4WD, Arkansas Hare Scrambles Championship Series Racing, and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council.

Vermont: The VT Jeep Association, Cycle Conservation Club of Vermont, Vermont Trials Club, Montshire Trail Riders, VT ATV Sportman’s Association, Topsham Trailriders and Green Mountain Plonkers.

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