Welcome to part 2 of our Insight Series where we explore the inner workings of R.A.C.
In this part we are going to delve into R.A.C Membership. How to become one, who can become one, and what you need to do to become one. We'll also look at why we have an exclusive (or closed group) Paid Members Facebook page.
These days we are a little more technology savvy (well some of us) and to become a member you won't need to fill out a mountain of paperwork. It can all be done via our website www.racnz.co.nz
If you run into problems - reach out and we'll give you a hand, we can even sign you up during a ride. If you are not quite ready to join, want a bit more information, or simply want to check us out first, hey no problems, we can talk you through what ever you want to know. Our Secretary is the membership guru. We understand that sometimes you need a little time to make these decisions, but we'd love to have you onboard.
So who can become a member? Well, pretty much anyone. You don't have to ride a motorbike even. We welcome all makes & models (of motorbikes & people), people with planes, trains and automobiles (have heard that before!) If you do ride, we suggest that you join us for 1 or 2 first to see if we are a good fit for you, and vice versa. We are an inclusive group and you won't find yourself being refused membership just because you ride a BMW lol. We have some simple rules - leave your ego at home and don't be a "dick" (plus a couple more).
Why would you want to become a member of R.A.C? Good question (no question is a dumb one I say) and there are soooo many reasons. As mentioned above, we are an inclusive group. Maybe you've struggled to find a group you feel comfortable with, or other groups have been above your skill level. Well you've come to the right place! We welcome all riders of different skill levels, and a moto we have is "leave together, come home together". Our members currently range in age from 17 - 82 (although some like to keep it secret!) so there is a wealth of knowledge and experience to tap into. We are a friendly bunch (and like to have a laugh), we are about supporting one another, while doing what we love - riding and helping to make a difference. For those that don't ride - you become a valued supporter & part of what we like to call our "R.A.C Whānau". I feel like I should add...."but wait there's more"
What are the benefits of becoming a member? The obvious answer (to me) is that you become part of a supportive organisation that is dedicated to helping make a difference. Quite simply - isn't it a wonderful thing - in today's often ugly world - to know that you can play a part in lending a helping hand?
We are always looking at ways of adding to the pool of wonderful sponsors who like to give something back to our members. Be it by offering discounts on products or services, or donating goods to be used as ride spot prizes. We have regular "Members Only" events which are a whole heap of fun, AND you are encouraged to bring your family too.
So, down to the nitty gritty of signing up as a member! (I'll let our Secretary explain)
As mentioned, we make it as easy as possible.
First, go into the website and visit the Membership page. Here you will first see a link to our membership rules (the ones on the back of the card are a shorter version of these). As we are a registered charity, we need to have these, and you need to agree with them. We make that simple too, with a tick box in the membership form. We also need your date of birth and contact phone number. It is not because we want to know how old you are, but because of the new anti-laundering laws to make sure we are not signing up non-persons, and laundering money!
We then add your details to our membership list and print out a fancy-looking card that you can use at supporting businesses for your member discounts. Fun Fact - the Manawatu Cancer Society let us use their card printer. We pay for the cards and ribbon, but haven't had to hand over $3,000 for the printer itself. Aren't they awesome!
Once the card is printed we send it off to you with a year rocker and a brochure with your local business partners included (would you like to see other information on this? If so, let us know). You do need to purchase the main RAC badge, but they are only $10 and easily found in the online shop.
Our membership runs from 1 August - 31 July, and we open the doors for our members to renew from 1 July.
As part of being a R.A.C member you are also invited to join our Paid Members Facebook page. This is a closed group. Why? Well, it is so that when we have member only events, important news, or notifications (like an upcoming AGM) for our paid members, we can post it here and know that only those members who need to know, receive it. You also get advanced notice of any ticketed events and raffles, so you can secure your place before anyone else.
There's really nothing more to it than that.
Stay tuned for part 3 of our Insight Series out next week, and as always Ride Safe
