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January HeartBeat

By SHAWNA Hall

we begin this new year of

2026, I am excited to write this chapter health article. Coming from serving as an officer in a small chapter, as an Area Rep for seven chapters, as State Coordinator in Alabama( 24 chapters), and now as an Evangelist serving seven states, I have seen a fair number of ups and downs in chapter health.

I’ d like to take the opportunity to share, as an outsider looking in, a chapter I have personally seen go from many members to turmoil to almost no members, and now to a thriving, healthy chapter. I want to highlight what I have seen and believe is helping them thrive as a healthy chapter. 1. They enjoy spending time together. This may seem very rudimentary, but it is key to success in building a healthy chapter. It isn ' t a chore to go to a meeting or event because they look forward to riding, serving, and laughing together. The ladies have monthly meals together where they do ministry

crafts and fellowship, they ride together to CMA events, and they enjoy life together.

2. They ride motorcycles. They ride their bikes to chapter meetings and ride together after. If guests come on bikes, they are invited to ride with them and experience the chapter ' s culture firsthand. They ride to events, to serve, to eat. THEY RIDE.

3. They regularly attend local bike nights. Being at local events regularly as a chapter allows them to form relationships with other bikers. Non-members can see that they enjoy hanging out together, that they are active, and that they can even witness them doing ministry.( praying for people and doing bike blessings) Members are also prepared to share information about chapter meetings and other events they plan to attend.

4. They serve together in their local area. Serving is an integral part of this chapter ' s success. They regularly hold " serve events " where they spend the day doing outreach in their community. It may be helping an older person do yardwork, visiting a local nursing home, or setting up at a local church for their fall festival, among other events. They are experiencing life together, building memories, earning the right to speak with the people they serve, and building a positive, inviting culture.