image: Ten years of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition leadership: Ted White was SCBC's first Executive Director. Christine Culver took the handlebars and grew SCBC into the solid, change-making organization it's become. Gary Helfrich carries the bike torch forward into 2012.

This is it!

Thanks to generous donations from about 70 people, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has raised $6,300 toward a $10K matching donation that we must meet by 12/31/11 at 11:59 p.m.

Will you do your part?

Folks, in order to start 2012 strong with our advocacy program ready to rock, we've gotta raise $30,000 by January 27th, 2012.

To ring us into the new year on a high note, a few bike angels came forward with a $10,000 matching grant.

That means, your money is DOUBLED when you contribute anytime before you clink your champagne flute, before you kiss your sweetie or a stranger, before you sing Auld Lang Syne at midnight January 1, 2012.

Funding for bike projects is threatened! A State court yesterday ruled that California can dissolve local redevelopment agencies (which can be a significant source of funding for local bicycle projects). The U.S. Congress is threatening to pass a transportation plan that eliminates dedicated funding for bicycle projects. Here in Sonoma County, a small but vocal group is trying to repeal funding for the SMART Pathway and train.  There's so much at stake!

That means SCBC needs to stay tough and stay engaged in order to protect -- and expand! -- our community's ability to build our shared dream of a bicycling paradise that riders of ALL LEVELS AND AGES can enjoy.

We know you have a lot of priorities and that there are many worthy groups to support. Please include SCBC on your list of worthy groups.

We know that Sonoma County is populated by thousands of avid cyclists and that you might think someone else will make the contribution we need.

Please don't wait for someone else to step up. Do your part to keep Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition in the fight. It's up to all of us to make our bike dreams come true.

Our average contribution has been $90. Can you match that?

Whatever the amount -- $90, $500, $50, $1,000, $25, $10, $5... it makes a difference. One person said, "I found $12 in my coat pocket, and decided to send it to SCBC." Wonderful!

Please make your tax-deductible contribution now before time runs out on that $10K match.

Sonoma County can be the most exciting, safe, and accessible bike community in the world. We all share the vision; let's work together to create the legacy.

Thank you so much, and Happy New Year from all of us at Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition.

D0 YOU WANT TO MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE FOR BICYCLING?
RUN FOR THE SONOMA COUNTY BICYCLE COALITION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

If you’re a Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition member who’s been looking for a way to do more to make Sonoma County the best place to ride a bike, consider running for the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors.

Note: We neglected to note in our last update that our Board very much needs a member who is a Certified Public Accountant, and would benefit greatly from the addition of a member who is an attorney.

Overview:
For 10 years, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition has been promoting bicycling for transportation and recreation in Sonoma County because it’s good for the environment, public health, the economy… and it’s fun to ride a bike! As a dues paying member, you've supported this mission by lending your voice to a growing group of people who want Sonoma County to become a bike paradise.

As a Board Member, you’ll have the opportunity to do more. As the leading bicycle advocacy and education organization in Sonoma County, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition relies on a core group of dedicated volunteers, experienced professional staff, and a skilled, committed volunteer Board of Directors.

The Board makes sure Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition grows and thrives by ensuring SCBC’s financial sustainability, defining and refining strategies to carry out SCBC’s mission, and fulfilling important governance duties that form the foundation of a successful nonprofit organization.

Board Member Position Description:
As a growing non-profit organization, it is critical for Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition to be represented by a Board of Directors composed of members who understand and are willing to carry out their duties and responsibilities. Board members must be eager to spend their time, energy, and skills in the interest of the organization. The term is one year (February 2012 – January 2013), and this is a volunteer (no compensation) position. The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors has historically been a collegial group, and it is important that this collegial culture carry forward. In other words, we want the Board to have fun doing its good work.

Key Duties & Responsibilities of the SCBC Board of Directors:

• Fundraising: Fundraising is the most important responsibility of a board member. As a member of the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Board of Directors, you agree to use your connections to spur interest in and support of Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Board fundraising activities include major donor solicitations, sponsorship solicitations, and fundraising events. Experienced AND inexperienced fundraisers are welcome – we can help you gain the skills you need to raise funds.
• Membership Development: Membership is the heart of our organization. Board members agree to actively participate in growing our membership, as well as increasing participation in events and programs by current members.
• Oversight of Programs: The SCBC Board of Directors is responsible for general oversight of the organization’s programs, including fiduciary oversight (approving the organizational budget, etc.). This role is strategic and does not extend into administration of policies and staff.
• Strategic Planning: The board works with the Executive Director to create or update the strategic plan, and evaluate the implementation plan presented by staff.

Attendance:

• Monthly Meetings: The Board meets on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in Santa Rosa. Meeting attendance is required, and a maximum of 2 meetings per term may be missed.
• Annual Retreat: Board members are required to attend an annual retreat. The retreat is generally in early July, and provides training for board members as well as an opportunity to assess progress during the year and evaluate future opportunities for the organization.
• Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition Events: Board Members are required to participate as volunteers in Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s major events. We generally produce 4-5 major events per year.

The 2012 – 2013 Board of Directors will be elected at the Annual Membership Meeting on Friday, January 27^th at 6:00 p.m. at Steele Lane Community Center in Santa Rosa.

If you are interested in running for the Board, or learning more, please contact SCBC Executive Director Gary Helfrich at gary@BikeSonoma.org or call 707-545-0153 between December 28^th and January 11^th.

Thanks for considering taking on this important role!

Thanks, Eric Black for this rad video!