President's Note -- October 2004
 | Another year is winding down and you’ll have received your membership renewal form by the time this column is published. Please return the form to the office in a timely manner to ensure continued membership benefits. In addition to the benefits provided to ODS members, you automatically receive a number of USDF benefits provided under the ODS “group membership” including: the Connections magazine, the ability to compete in recognized competitions, and earn rider medal awards. |
In late August, USDF sent an email soliciting renewal of their “participating memberships”—an upgrade from the ODS group memberships. Participating memberships are required for instructor certification, the “L” program, participation at Regional Championships, and Horse of the Year and All Breed Awards. Unfortunately, the email solicitation implied that a “participating membership” was required to obtain many of the benefits included with an ODS group membership. Please see the chart on pages 100-101 of the 2004 ODS Membership Roster to make sure you have the correct type of membership for the activities and awards you want to pursue next year.
With the ODS membership application, you’ll receive a ballot for a director-at-large position. This is one of three director-at-large positions—with one expiring each year. The term of office overlap provides some continuity and institutional memory. Vote for the listed candidate, or write in your candidate and return the ballot as directed.
ODS Chapters should be holding the election of officers in October. These positions have a direct influence on the way ODS functions. We need committed individuals to represent each of the four state regions on the ODS board of directors. The state is divided into four regions: North, Central, South, and East. Each region has two regional directors on the ODS board. Typically, the board representation is selected by chapter presidents or chapter representatives within a region. Even though a chapter representative or president is not elected as a regional representative, they are most welcome at board meetings for input and discussion purposes. In the event of their regional director’s absence, they may serve as an alternate
When all director positions are filled, (eight regional representatives and three directors-at-large), we have 11 directors. The ODS officers are elected from this pool of directors. I hope this primer helps to clarify how the ODS board is structured rather than to add confusion. Feel free to contact me if you have questions about board representation, or if you would like to be involved with ODS at the state level. We have many committees and tasks where someone can make a difference.
Until next month, good riding!
John