MORC membership questions

[bikeoutback]

So I was posting/reading another thread and someone posted that MORC members should be able to read/write on forums and be registered on website and the rest of us free lancers should be restriced as guests. Since I'm not entirely opposed to an idea like this although think it would minimize participation but that isn't my point on this thread, my question here then is: How do I become a member of MORC, what are the details and difference between just being registered on this site and being a MORC member (besides the $20 or $25)? I guess plainly what is the advantage for me to become a member, what am I getting for my money and how do I give my money to get it?

[Burke]

So I was posting/reading another thread and someone posted that MORC members should be able to read/write on forums and be registered on website and the rest of us free lancers should be restriced as guests. Since I'm not entirely opposed to an idea like this although think it would minimize participation but that isn't my point on this thread, my question here then is: How do I become a member of MORC, what are the details and difference between just being registered on this site and being a MORC member (besides the $20 or $25)? I guess plainly what is the advantage for me to become a member, what am I getting for my money and how do I give my money to get it?
I'll preface this with we're not currently considering making the website pay to play.

You can join MORC online through the link on the right side of the front page, or you can print out an application found on the right side of the front page and mail it in. We are going to be making joining online easier, and will be pursuing payment with CC.

Registering for the website gives you access to post on the site. That's it.

Joining MORC has a number of benefits. Some tangible, others, intangible.

MORC is an all volunteer, membership supported organization. We use membership dollars to build and maintain trails. We've gotten really good at taking our membership dollars and leveraging other dollars through grant programs and other sponsorships. Specifically, with membership dollars, we purchase tools for trail building, machines (or their rental) to help with the heavy construction, trail building materials (rocks, wood, etc), up until recently, membership dollars covered our newsletter (now funded primarily through advertising), also covered are administrative expenses: postage, insurance for trail work and general liability, the website expense.

Essentially, your money goes to fund MORC. Everything we do comes from money obtained through membership, grants, or sponsorships. Membership is the closest thing we have to guaranteed income, as grants and sponsorships are never givens. Without membership money, we wouldn't be able to effectively pursue the other money.

Beyond the $25, we need members. The larger the number of members we have, the bigger our voice is when we talk with land managers, government officials, sponsors, advertisers.

In addition, many local shops extend a 10% or greater discount to MORC members.

On top of everything, MORC is 501(c)(3), so donations to MORC can be tax deductible (consult your tax advisor).

The intangibles are many, and I won't elaborate on them. Maybe other members can chime in with those. There's definitely no shortage...

[manual63]

There are a few things. Two of them stick out in my mind.

One, the money does help us make our yearly goals....so that is of course important.

Two, it gives us more credibility as an organization. The more members we have, the more we can accomplish, both politically and with other possible organizations or companies who will donate.

How will it help you? The two above things should make this obvious. It will get you more and better quality bike trails. It will help maintain and upgrade this site which is a great source of information. Becomming a MORC member is more than just giving money, it's being a part of and supporting a community and sport you enjoy. MORC does a lot more than just this website and trails and as we grow, we have bigger and better plans for events in the future. We hope to have another Summit and make it bigger. We support some races too. I can't think of everything to list off the top of my head.......but there are too many reasons to list anyway.

[Paul Swenson]

In addition, many local shops extend a 10% or greater discount to MORC members.

Do you have a list of the shops that offer the discount?

I was in a shop that shall go nameless and told they didn't give a MORC discount:confused:

[jeffgude]

Most current membership discount info here:

http://www.morcmtb.org/morcpages/discounts.htm

[SuperClydesdale]

Do you have a list of the shops that offer the discount?

I was in a shop that shall go nameless and told they didn't give a MORC discount:confused:

Paul

Here is the list from this site, but I don't think it is all-inclusive: http://www.morcmtb.org/morcpages/discounts.htm. For instance, I think Behind-Bars also offers a 10% discount on parts.

Mark

[Paul Swenson]

Thanks I guess I missed that page.

[gopherhockey]

How will it help you? The two above things should make this obvious. It will get you more and better quality bike trails.

Among the many great comments this one rings very loud and clear. For those that are not a member looking for something solid, look no further than trails like Lebanon Hills, Theo Wirth, Salem Hills... (to name just a few of many)

Without memberships these trails would not be as they are today. We've all banded together to be able to build places like our XX loops with their teeters, bridges and sustainable trails. Without each of us contributing in a way such as a membership I would not be typing this here right now and likly would not be suiting up later on to go ride Theo at night with my good biking friends.

Believe me when I say that the wonderful feeling a person gets as they fly down something like the dream trail at Leb is magnified many times over when you know you are a part of the club. (and even more when one comes out to do trailwork, but thats a whole other story...)

I joined because I love to mountain bike and wanted more trails... better trails. I even work on the web site so that in some way we get even more trails. There are a lot of reasons, but one of the biggest for me its about feeding my bikes addiction to dirt.

[bikeoutback]

Thanks for the info, I think I worded it wrong when I said "what do I get for my money" should have been where does my money go and that has been explained. I gave the impression more of what's in it for me, after reading the responses I already knew what was in it for me and I understand the benefits of non profit organizations being a member of others, now I just have to do it, which unfortunatly will probably wait till spring in my circumstances but till then I thank all those who welcome me to rides, forums, and other events and thankyou for the openeness of this community/organization.

[Paul Swenson]

I received my new MORC card last night. The only problem with it is the picture on the post card is so cool I don't want to cut it up to fit in my wallet. I also don't want to get a bigger wallet to carry the postcard since that would require a man purse and I'm not secure enough in my masculinity to carry a man purse.

Kudos to whomever took that photo!:banana: