What if...you decided you had more important things to do than attend the EC4WDA Annual Convention? Well, that's pretty simple! It would directly effect wether we could even conduct the business of the Association. Without your attendance we may not have enough delegates to create a forum, then we would not be able to conduct the duties as set forth in our bylaws. If you aren't there then you would not be able to be a part of the decision process that will set the course for the next twelve months. If you aren't there you wouldn't experience the fellowship that happens during the weekend. Important, yes.

What if...no one wanted to run for club offices? Or Region offices? Or Association offices? Offices equal leadership. Without a rutter to guide the ship it would run aimlessly through its' journey. Every officer of this Association, be it Regional, Club or Association level has volunteered to do a job. Sometimes it is a thankless job, but as is the case with all volunteer organization many times just the self satisfaction is reward enough. Sometimes the leadership may have to make decisions that may not settle well with members, but that Officer that had to make that decision did the best they could with the information they had to work with. You have put your trust in that person, please support them. If you do not agree with that decision that's okay too. Express yourself in a professional manner when you offer your opinion and it will be better received. Important, yes.

What if...we decided not to do a Raffle each year? Wow, now there's a good one. Let me start by saying THANKS to each and every one of you who helped build the Jeep, who helped transport the Jeep, and especially to anyone who helped sell any tickets, whether on your own or at any of the numerous events where the Jeep was displayed. Because of your devotion to this project we will have a record breaking profit year! (Give yourselves a big round of applause). So, what if we didn't do these projects each year? Two words, dues increase! Yep, this Association requires funding to operate. Our membership wants us to look at other benefits for the membership, that will also take funding. We have been able to maintain our Treasury with these projects but we have not been able to "bank" a lot of "extra" funds. If we can get a couple more of these great profit projects we will be able to provide more benefits. For example, some behind the scene activity into some possible land availability for our members has already been under some investigation. That is in very infant stages, but if it would come true we need to have some funds available. That is just one possible benefit that can be achieved by these great profits. Important, yes.

What if... we didn't have a Rules Committee that kept up with the ever changing technology in vehicles that require us to make adjustments to keep the Competition side of this Association run fairly? Or a Sanctioning Committee that didn't keep up with the changes needed to keep our tracks safe for these vehicles? These committees are in place to keep us not only current but to keep our members safe in the competition environment. These committees are made up of club members who dedicate their time to the fairness and safety of our sport. Want to make a difference? Volunteer, get involved. Important, yes.

What if...we didn't have the Junior programs in the Regions? What would happen to the Association in the future? These Juniors are the future leaders not only of this Association but of this sport. It is your job to mentor and help these young people. To help show them the definition of sportsmanship. This year begins a new chapter in our Association. With the inagural presentations of the Garneau Awards we will be honoring one Junior from each Region that has demonstrated outstanding charictaristics this past year. Our children today are the leaders of tomorrow. Important, yes.

We need to have guidelines, we need to have volunteers, we need to have rules and regulations. We need to have a future. This Association has so much to offer. It's there for the taking.