Alamo Dressage Association Membership

So what Benefits do you get for being a Group Member of USDF??  Well let us explain -

GMO members enjoy all the benefits of their GMO and USDF through one membership process, allowing the member to also be a member of the only national organization devoted exclusively to dressage.

USDF GMO Member benefits to the individual include:

·         Monthly issues of the award winning USDF Connection magazine.  Dressage training tips and other useful educational articles in the USDF Connection can help improve performance in dressage, whether strictly a dressage rider or an eventer.

·         Eligibility to compete as rider or owner at USDF-recognized/USEF-licensed shows without paying USDF non-members fees.

·         Eligibility for rider awards (Rider Performance Awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal, Freestyle Gold, Silver and Bronze Bar, Master’s Challenge).  Rider receives patch, pin, or picture frame, personalized certificate, honorary presentation at USDF Salute Gala, publicity in the Salute Gala program, listing on Web site, (both current year and historical lists), and listing in Yearbook issue of the USDF Connection

·         Eligibility to compete for Adequan/USDF Pas de Deux year-end awards.

·         Access to “members only” sections of USDF Web site

·         E-news sent by USDF, which helps GMO members stay in touch with what is happening at USDF and in the sport of dressage.

·         A USDF Group Member card which can be used at USDF competitions and an online membership card available for printing, at any time, free of charge.

·         Discounted registration rates at USDF events.

·         Links to GMO contacts on the Web site and a complete list of GMO members.

·         Eligibility to earn USDF University recognition certificates.

·         Member discounts to USDF Adult Clinics throughout the country

·         Representation at the BOG through the GMO delegate.

·         Eligibility to receive a Ruth Arvanette Memorial Grant, which funds convention attendance.

·         Eligibility for the GMO Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.

·         GMO youth members under the age of 22 are eligible for the USDF Youth Volunteer of the Year Award, USDF Shining Star Awards, and USDF Arts and Creativity Contest.

·         Eligibility for the “L” Education Program—GMO members normally get first opportunity to attend. 

·         Able to attend other GMO activities that are supported by USDF, and therefore, either directly or indirectly benefit from the dressage education that USDF provides.

·         Grants funded by The Dressage Foundation are available to USDF GMO's.

As a GMO the USDF supports us by -

·         Being able to market your club as an affiliate of the only national organization devoted exclusively to dressage.

·         The opportunity to enhance your GMO’s benefits package by including USDF Group member benefits.  This can be a valuable marketing tool. 

·         A listing on the USDF Web site, a direct link to your website, and direct-linked contact information to help people get in touch with local clubs in their area.

·         Access to your complete GMO roster on the USDF Web site.

·         GMO Council representation which provides a platform for GMO interests and concerns.

·         Educational support such as educational events at the convention geared specifically to GMOs, and other educational materials such as the GMO Handbook.

·         Eligibility for USDF University accreditation of GMO hosted educational programs. USDF can help promote GMO University accredited events and to provide resources.

·         Access to the GMO Handbook online, which contains information on finances, insurance, membership, volunteers, publicity/marketing, and more.

·         Networking opportunities such as the Yahoo newsgroup, the USDF forum, and GMO roundtable discussions so that GMOs can learn from each other.

·         Access to the USDF Press Page on the USDF Web site, which provides downloadable logos, news and ads for use in GMO newsletters and Web sites.

·         Representation at the Board of Governors General Assembly and a voice in the governance of USDF.

·         Ability to apply for USDF GMO grants through The Dressage Foundation Violet Hopkins Fund.

·         Ability to host USDF programs such as L programs, Instructor Certification programs, FEI Jr/YR and Adults Clinics, etc., which provide an opportunity for your club to host national programs that directly benefit your members.  Hosting L programs and Continuing Education Programs directly benefit GMOs by providing an increased number of better qualified judges for schooling shows.

·         Eligibility to compete in USDF GMO Newsletter and Web Site Awards.  Winners receive recognition at USDF’s annual convention, on the USDF Web site, and in the USDF Connection.

·         Eligibility to nominate an exceptional volunteer for the GMO Regional Volunteer of the Year Award.

·         Opportunity to provide your specific GMO awards by using the USDF national rankings. 

·         GMO president receives a copy of the USDF Directory (a Participating member benefit).   

USDF has improved many services to GMOs recently:

  ·         Free dressage brochures for events available upon request

·         Support for demos and special presentations

·         GMO Officials e-news

·         GMO Points Program provides an opportunity for your club to receive free USDF store products that can be used for prizes, awards, and promotions.

·         RSS news feed available to add to your Web site, which automatically populates your own Web site with news, photos, and other features.

How can a GMO influence the Direction  of USDF?

·         Become a part of the USDF democratic process by staying informed and involved.

·         Become involved in the GMO Council or contact your GMO Council representative.

·         Attend the convention.

·         Become a GMO delegate to the convention.

·         Contact their Regional Director or pertinent Council Coordinator.

·         Participate in discussion on the GMOPrez List, a Yahoo newsgroup for GMO officials.

·         Stay in touch with USDF via the Web site and USDF Connection in order to stay informed of USDF improvements in programs and services and to be able to take advantage of USDF benefits.

BECOME AND ALAMO DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION OR A AUSTIN DRESSAGE UNLIMITED MEMBER TODAY!

Our 2009 Membership Chairman is Valerie Larson-Lohr,  Feel free to contact her with any questions!

Membership benefits include free sponsored educational seminars and lectures; The Stall Street Journal newsletter.  We also offer cash back incentive programs for education and a detailed awards program. 

Here is a sample of our newsletter that you would receive!

Join the ADA and the enjoy the fellowship of other dressage enthusiasts in your area.