Dues increase coming? 1 million spent on government relations.....
08-22-2015, 07:38 AM
#851
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 348
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
IMHO that's perfectly normal. The fact that inactive members are still financially supporting the club speaks volumes about their commitment to the club and hobby.
We all go through different phases in life (e.g., single, married, kids, empty nest, retirement) that affect the amount of time we're able to dedicate to the hobby. We need to remember that perhaps some inactive members now were very active 20 or more years ago and now they're letting someone else fill that role. By rotating roles (including officers) it gives everyone the responsibility to have a strong club. The clubs that concern me the most for long term viability are the ones where the same officers have been in place forever.
We all go through different phases in life (e.g., single, married, kids, empty nest, retirement) that affect the amount of time we're able to dedicate to the hobby. We need to remember that perhaps some inactive members now were very active 20 or more years ago and now they're letting someone else fill that role. By rotating roles (including officers) it gives everyone the responsibility to have a strong club. The clubs that concern me the most for long term viability are the ones where the same officers have been in place forever.
08-22-2015, 07:44 AM
#852
Here is an example (yes, it is an extreme example, but just intended to provoke some thoughts): Your local club membership is THRIVING , there is $$ in the treasury, but NOBODY will run for or hold office, nobody will show up to mow the field, maintain the mowers, take initiative to hold fly-ins, public demos, reach out to the local CAP, Boy Scouts, schools, etc. Is this "strength in numbers"? On the opposite side, local club membership is at an all-time low, membership dues are high but every member participates in the club in one way or another and the club holds some form of public outreach on a regular basis, is active in local politics, charities, etc. Which club is more likely to be successful in advocating for saving their flying "rights" in the face of increased pressure from public outcry, Gov regulation, etc.?
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 07:53 AM
#854
I respectfully disagree.
The goal of a business is to create a PROFIT.
The AMA (and our local clubs) are NON-PROFIT organizations and exist ONLY to support their respective members as those members collectively see fit.
Not exactly, there are many laws that apply to non-profit organizations that don't allow those organizations "to support their respective members as those members collectively see fit."
Regards,
Astro
The goal of a business is to create a PROFIT.
The AMA (and our local clubs) are NON-PROFIT organizations and exist ONLY to support their respective members as those members collectively see fit.
Not exactly, there are many laws that apply to non-profit organizations that don't allow those organizations "to support their respective members as those members collectively see fit."
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 07:56 AM
#855
08-22-2015, 08:04 AM
#856
[h=1]AMA Vision[/h]We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of modeling and are committed to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through:
Affiliation with its valued associates, the modeling industry and governments.
A process of continuous improvement.
A commitment to leadership, quality, education and scientific/technical development.
A safe, secure, enjoyable modeling environment.
[h=1]AMA Mission[/h]
This vision is accomplished through:
Affiliation with its valued associates, the modeling industry and governments.
A process of continuous improvement.
A commitment to leadership, quality, education and scientific/technical development.
A safe, secure, enjoyable modeling environment.
[h=1]AMA Mission[/h]
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities.
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
This pretty much sums up the AMA. Nobody is "forced" to join our ranks. I am of the opinion that if one's goals don't align with the intent of the group and one is not willing to be a part of the group through active participation then one doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) join.
Regards,
Astro
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
This pretty much sums up the AMA. Nobody is "forced" to join our ranks. I am of the opinion that if one's goals don't align with the intent of the group and one is not willing to be a part of the group through active participation then one doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) join.
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 08:13 AM
#858
You are pretty much right on. However I would like to add to that mix that often those members, especially new ones, that do not participate in work days or as officers can be overwhelmed and somewhat intimidated by those that are currently performing those functions. Been more than one occasion when an individual will exhibit a talent/skillset and our club approaches them to utilize that resource and they are honored to do so, overwhelmed and intimidation is no longer an issue. Of course you have those that find any excuse not to help, just move on.
08-22-2015, 08:19 AM
#859
I tried that here:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/ama-...l#post12088070
This was the response I received:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/ama-...l#post12088071
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/ama-...l#post12088070
This was the response I received:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/ama-...l#post12088071
08-22-2015, 08:21 AM
#860
Originally Posted by Ace Dude
Not exactly, there are many laws that apply to non-profit organizations that don't allow those organizations "to support their respective members as those members collectively see fit."
For the sake of keeping this thread on an informative path, I will ask once again that you please respond with comments that support and reflect your opinions, not with rhetorical remarks that have no purpose but to spin this thread from discussing the topic at hand. I am not spending my time on here to argue with you. I am here to provide MY insight to other modelers in order to try and find solutions to the REAL problems that face our hobby today.
It is becoming increasingly and painfully obvious that your purpose here is completely different than mine. (and I am NOT talking about us simply having different opinions!)
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 08:24 AM
#861
AMA Vision
We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of modeling and are committed to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through:
Affiliation with its valued associates, the modeling industry and governments.
A process of continuous improvement.
A commitment to leadership, quality, education and scientific/technical development.
A safe, secure, enjoyable modeling environment.
AMA Mission
We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of modeling and are committed to making modeling the foremost sport/hobby in the world.
This vision is accomplished through:
Affiliation with its valued associates, the modeling industry and governments.
A process of continuous improvement.
A commitment to leadership, quality, education and scientific/technical development.
A safe, secure, enjoyable modeling environment.
AMA Mission
The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguarding of modeling activities.
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
This pretty much sums up the AMA. Nobody is "forced" to join our ranks. I am of the opinion that if one's goals don't align with the intent of the group and one is not willing to be a part of the group through active participation then one doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) join.
Regards,
Astro
The Academy provides leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education, and scientific/technical development to modelers.
This pretty much sums up the AMA. Nobody is "forced" to join our ranks. I am of the opinion that if one's goals don't align with the intent of the group and one is not willing to be a part of the group through active participation then one doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) join.
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 08:29 AM
#862
For the sake of keeping this thread on an informative path, I will ask once again that you please respond with comments that support and reflect your opinions, not with rhetorical remarks that have no purpose but to spin this thread from discussing the topic at hand. I am not spending my time on here to argue with you. I am here to provide MY insight to other modelers in order to try and find solutions to the REAL problems that face our hobby today.
It is becoming increasingly and painfully obvious that your purpose here is completely different than mine. (and I am NOT talking about us simply having different opinions!)
Regards,
Astro
08-22-2015, 09:10 AM
#864
08-22-2015, 09:34 AM
#866
If you have to resort to name calling, you've already lost.
If you think a non-profit can do whatever it wants to "support their respective members as those members collectively see fit." Your words, not mine, then perhaps you need to brush up on ALL the requirements for a legal IRS approved non-profit organization.
Often times we're our own worst enemy when it comes creative problem solving. Failure to recognize the value that ALL members provide irregardless of the level of participation is, IMHO, a real problem, especially when looking at the big picture today.
Lastly, this is getting way off topic again.
If you think a non-profit can do whatever it wants to "support their respective members as those members collectively see fit." Your words, not mine, then perhaps you need to brush up on ALL the requirements for a legal IRS approved non-profit organization.
Lastly, this is getting way off topic again.
) Lost? Lost what?
08-22-2015, 10:02 AM
#868
Second, please point out the specific law you keep referring to that doesn't allow for a non-profit to, "support their respective members as those members collectively see fit"
Unless you are trying to get off-topic, you realize that in the context that I originally posted that, I was referring to supporting that groups' mission and vision statement and not $upporting their members monetarily!
Astro
08-22-2015, 11:19 AM
#869
08-22-2015, 12:49 PM
#870
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: El Paso,
TX
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This pretty much sums up the AMA. Nobody is "forced" to join our ranks. I am of the opinion that if one's goals don't align with the intent of the group and one is not willing to be a part of the group through active participation then one doesn't have to (and probably shouldn't) join.
Regards,
Astro
Regards,
Astro
Mike
Last edited by rcmiket; 08-22-2015 at 03:35 PM.
08-22-2015, 05:17 PM
#872
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: El Paso,
TX
Posts: 5,277
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mike
08-22-2015, 06:30 PM
#873
Here's my opinion. The dues increase sucks. If i didn't need a A.M.A. card, I wouldn't renew my membership. In my own personal economics, it is a questionable increase expenditure. But A.M.A doesn't care.
08-22-2015, 07:16 PM
#874
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
You would probably also have two pages of people who agree with you too....sorry you can't seem to get past a general disagreement of opinion. Have I gone back and used your name like you just did with mine? Continue to be amazed at the amount of people who cannot accept a difference of opinion and take is so personally. Spent a glorious day flying and getting sunburned...and even flew with people who agreed and disagreed with me, and still had fun.
08-22-2015, 07:30 PM
#875
Banned
My Feedback: (8)
At the risk of turning this into a two pager, I would say that most people join the AMA in order to fly at most organized sites. Chances are they don't even realize what the amount of coverage they get is, or how it is applied, they just know that it's required by most flying sites and it has to be purchased. I've never visited a site that doesn't require it, although I've read about such sites here and elsewhere. Must be nice to own a piece of land large enough to have a club on, and decide to keep it a private club. One club I belonged to has been looking for a plot of land for the last 6 years and has a nice chunk of change to put down for it..can't even come close to finding something. Perhaps they need to look at dumps...I flew on a huge field today (two actually in one club), perched on top of a closed landfill. What a sweet field!