FINAL WORD

from Thunder Roads Ohio March 2020

by REASONS TO RIDE Motorcycle Magazine and Ride Guides

BUCKEYE THUNDER RUN

Like a Good Neighbor

Is your club a good neighbor, or are you a bad neighbor? No, I’m not talking about geographically, I’m talking about mentally. We all know the MC Culture of “owning territory”. Everyone is possessive with regard to their areas. No, it’s not because most of them are protecting their illegal enterprises in their “hood”. Every street thug in every neighborhood is offering those services without any regard to any MC or otherwise. It’s primarily done to protect recruiting. You can’t all be in the same neighborhood or sometimes even the same City and be competing for membership or support.

So how does your club handle it when a new club wants to move into the area? Do you immediately run them off with a Big Fat “NO”? I’ve seen this done in many a city or county. Do you know what that gains your club? Not a damn thing. No chance of future recruitment. No Chance of Support at your events. If you are the perceived “Dominant” of an area it means that you have earned the respect of other clubs. So why would you tell every new club that wants to do their thing No? Ah yes, it goes back to that territory thing. But what if in your conversation with said new club, you simply asked for them to show your club the respect you’ve earned, and not set up camp on the same reservation. But if they will be in

the community, for them to come and show some support. I didn’t say “own them” or “brand them” I said make them feel welcome so that they will support your club. Nobody wants to feel like they are owned. You cannot “Demand” support and expect it to be genuine or long lasting. But you can request support and if you treat Men like Men, with Dignity, they will respect and support you. Hell, some of them may even want to Be You! That is how you sustain a nation. Not with Wars. Not with ridiculous demands. With Respect.

Most of those guys have absolutely no idea what the MC Life is actually about. Yes, 90% of them will fail within the first 1-2 years. Teach them the ways of proper protocols. From them you might find new worthwhile brothers for your nation. You might nurture a future club that wants to wear your clubs support or affiliate patch. You may even find a friend or a new resource you didn’t know before.

The next time “Larry and his 5 buddies” want to start their own RC out of their garage or tattoo shop and come to your club out of respect for your approval, I’d suggest you encourage them. Teach them. Welcome them. Gain Support from them, sustain your future from them.. Bea good neighbor.