Regardless of one’s stance on motorcycle clubs, rider associations, riding groups, or one-percent clubs, it’s nearly impossible to ignore the surging use of technology to reach out across the motorcycle base in the nation. In some instances, simple email proves useful for coordinating events, or the more sophisticated computer/cell/social networking/BB’s technology helps members interact and reach like-minded constituents, create grass-root initiatives and develop coordinated “calls to action.”
Such is the world of Bandido “Gimmi” Jimmy who is the National Commander for US Defenders, a grass root organization that helps educate motorcyclists on legislation strategies. This past weekend in a capacity filled WaCoC meeting, “Gimmi Jimmy” shared learning’s and presented concepts and ideas which have obtained legislative results elsewhere in the U.S. regardless of motorcycle club discipline or background. The Defenders program is about training constituents, developing strategies around letter writing campaigns, email campaigns, reaching out and touching (telephoning) state and national legislators and even canvassing motorcycle rally crowds who will then take that information/training back to their motorcycle clubs or riding groups to implement a motorcycle-centric “call-to-action” on biker legislation. The Defenders program is not a Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) such as the TMRA, TMRA II, ABATE, AIM, MRF and the AMA, but is manageable units of Motorcycle Clubs and Independent Riders manpower.
So, what does this really mean? Simply put, the Defenders are working cross-club i.e. Bandidos, Hells Angels, Gypsy Jokers, Mongols, independents, motorcycle riding groups/associations and women’s clubs for the improvement of motorcycling! They are helping energize grass root initiatives and providing methods for riders to protect rider rights from legislators who think it’s okay to indiscriminately tell us what to do…telling us what to THINK can’t be far behind, right?
There are some serious issues confronting the motorcycle community beyond the routine “drum beat” of helmet laws. For example; association rights, enhanced “affiliation” penalties, inattentive driver penalties, accident coverage, noise abatement, intellectual property rights, exhaust mandates, ordinances to eliminate rallies are just a few. Being organized to conduct legislative business in a professional way prevents misunderstanding or being marginalized on the sidelines while others do our thinking and make decisions.
If you want to get involved with grass root initiatives attend the next regional CoC meeting in your state or contact their offices. If you have questions concerning the US Defenders Program you can contact Defenders Lt. Commander, Companero Paul.
Photo courtesy of Jay Janner American-Statesman
Northwest Harley Blog 
I like this idea! It shouldnt matter what patch or who you are, what you ride or who you ride with…the word here is “ride” and we all want to do that. There are so many of us, its time we unite and do good things.
Now, I happen to be a person who is for the helmet law. I do believe that common sense should prevail however, with the rider age getting up there in years and accident reports on the rise, we arent always using common sense in place of emotion. Sometimes we have to give up things for the greater good. Like our craniums!!
Good for Bandido “Gimmi” Jimmy! This could be a great venue for some great conversations, ideas, and change. Maybe we wont be considered a bunch of biker trouble makers but a group with brains and enough sense to be organized. Bet they didnt see that one coming…LOL..
[…] Here’s a blog that has information associated to this blog post from a fellow blogger….and rider, Northwest Harley Blog…https://nwhog.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/expect-the-unexpected/ […]
My Harley was stolen by the #1 mc’s of oregon. Beware they are coyotes scavengers and vermin not the wolves they appear to be. I was a dear friend and family member of these guys for 6years protected them and went to jail for them and they returned the favor by physically assaulting me and stealing my business property, my birth certificate, ss card, clothes, sex toys and girls bike a 2009 Harley Sportster 1200 on Christmas Day. I’m a girl. Wow thats tough. What a joke! They should be embarrased and asshamed that a) they hurt / beat up a girl to steal a girls bike and stuff b) are so weak they had used a girl plan it out for them c) they are so desprite they steal from they’re own d) are hiding from me holding them accountable for they’re senile actions if they needed the $ that bad I would have helped them make some. Please email me akanj333@gmail.com if you see my bike or my property anywhere as I WONT GIVE UP TIL I GET IT BACK along with an appology for their disrespect & complete disregard for HONOR!
on March 16, 2013 at 4:11 pm | Reply Teresa Taylor
I will retract this statement as I was mistaken as of the parties envolved. And appologize for the misunderstanding