Sharpy01
Posts: 600
Joined: 9/9/2003
From: Kenora, ON, CANADA
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Jim_McIntyre
Not to be outdone, MAAC, like AMA, has a small vocal few who consider themselves the armchair overseers who "know best what Canadian modellers want". Funny enough, though they've tried for many years, they can't scrape together more than a handful of followers who do no more than take pot shots at thos who actually volunteer to further the organization. 
But enough on that, MAAC is certainly smaller than AMA, but IMHO they do a bang up job promoting the hobby across our vastly dispersed population. Are they perfect? No. But, if you'r willing to invest the time, it is possible to make a difference. MAAC is small enough to still be influenced by a few dynamic members.
Population distribution results in the majority of modellers being concentrated in the Southern Ontario area. This results in a lot of the impetus for MAAC comes from the large groups in that area. This is often viewed as discriminatory and leads to silly us vs. them east vs west (which is silly because Ontario is far from the true east, coast that is). Sadly, that pattern is not limited to modelling....
And before my usual opponents chime in, yes, I am from "the centre of the universe" (Toronto area). 
You'll note the bold area within Mr McIntyre's post related to the largely held notion that the majority of members within MAAC are "concentrated" in Southern Ontario. Unfortunately, the statement is not true. The link below are some stats from 2002 and give or take a few percentages, they hold true from year to year.
http://mbz.portage.net/national/MembershipBreakdownApril2002.html
When totals for Southeast, Southwest, Ottawa Valley and Middle zone are compared to the total numbers, it's more like 43%, which is far from "majority". Much of the problems that seem to exist is those who seem to have a need to hold onto some mythical model aircraft power base instead of considering themselves as part of the whole. Truth is, that Alberta and BC are growing quicker in numbers than those areas and from the manitoba border west, about 39% of the membership resides, which makes both regions almost equal partners so there really is no point to try and pursue the east/west thing.
Most of the disagreements within the structure have not been about east or west, it's been about changes to the organization's priorities. I suspect, much like any organization, there are some who wish to retain status quo and will resist those who wish to make any changes.
....chuckle.....some will say, "stop complaining and get involved if you want changes".............they only mean that if you wish to maintain status quo. They are not interested in your "involvement" if you are seeking change. I speak from experience after accepting the challenge to get involved............wow.......... I have since escaped.
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Thanks for this addition. - 
