We seem to have blamed everybody for the ills facing the clubs and the hobby in general. Since this particular thread pertained primarily to
"building" lets play with that a bit. It is no secret that the small foamies have become very popular. Let's also consider that most club fields are not in the center of town or within walking distance of wherever it is folks live. Attracting young folks into this hobby requires parental involvement if only for the ability for the youngster to get to the field to fly. Without transportation, a young persons only choice is to head for a neighborhood baseball, soccer, football, or track facility to fly his little heli or foamy fixed wing. Parents today very likely both have jobs so with after school activities and the inevitable bunch of chores that every family has, weekend time becomes precious. Face it -- many parents today don't know which end of a screwdriver to hold because they never learned. Having never had to fix things, how on earth can we expect that person to mentor his child in aeronautics and building things. If it doesn't come in a box needing only some batteries, neither parent nor child is interested. We have Dads and Moms at our field at various events and while they may be interested in getting involved, the child has zero interest because it isn't a video game or a movie. The opposite also applies. Young folks may be interested but Dad simply doesn't want to be involved because they must be there for the duration of the activity. Our club participates in a Home & Recreation Show each March and a Civil Air Patrol event in the fall. We display various aircraft, have club and AMA brochures. pictures of events, etc., on display and visitors can try their hand at the simulator. If the child is interested, Dad and Mom aren't. If Dad and Mom think it's a great idea, the child has no interest. Unless we bring both factions into the mix, there will always be us "old duffers" many of whom build and fewer younger folks. Those younger folks who do drive, invariably are in love with helicopters or foamy fixed wing. They want nothing to do with engines, and don't have a clue about the dangers inherent with LiPo batteries and the very sharp electric props. As the old saying goes: You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
Finally, how clubs are run will always and forever be an issue with some folks. Our club "owns" our facility and we work very hard to keep it looking nice, and a welcoming place for all. This is not the only thread where fingers are pointed at club officers, specific members, older members, special people, etc. Before one bashes any of these folks, take a good look in the mirror. There is a pretty good chance part of the problem (in some cases a good bit of the problem) lies in what is seen in the mirror. Many of the older clubs were formed by the now older folks who did whatever it took to make it happen. New blood is generally welcomed as the old timers can't continue to work like they used to. Unfortunately, those old timers tend to get stuck in their ways and have a tough time letting go. My suggestion is to relish the effort they put forth and what they believe in. As a new comer to a club, the old timers don't know you so it should not surprise you if they are a bit suspicious. Befriend them. No -- it doesn't always work. The companies I worked for over the years had many new policies and procedures under consideration and input was asked for. The response "this is the way we always did it" was almost certainly reason to get you reassigned or fired. The reason these policies and procedures change is becomes times change and what worked in the past is no longer efficient. Don't change things for the sake of change however. Work at making changes for the betterment of the club. Work with people -- not against them. Compromise is required when there are more than two or more people standing on the same turf. OK -- I'm done.