ORIGINAL: combatpigg
Maybe the real question here is, how small can the AMA get and still remain viable? //SNIP//
I don't know what this bottom line is, but for the AMA to remain forever as my hobbys' insurance agent, I'm pretty sure they don't need the help of any park flyers.
Those points are excellent discussion topics. Some factors that might also be considered are:
1. There has to be some profit within the insurance program to pay the overhead, if insurance is all that AMA should handle.
2. AMA is neither an AMA agent or an insurance carrier. AMA provides individual member insurance along with other lesser insurance units under a major policy for the AMA as a whole, which has a significant deductible.
3. IMO, AMA could survive a very large belt-tightening operation and become much more healthy. But then so could I!
4. All of the current investment programs of AMA promise far less potential than that which a significant increase in membership of at least a 5% annual growth rate will return.
5. People cannot join that which they do not know about. Local governmental units cannot be bothered by small groups that they never hear of. Favorable publicity begets acceptance by other local groups, which can pay dividends for model clubs searching for facilities.
I support several organizations simply because I believe in their cause and actually other than some funds each year, I contribute almost no personal effort. I feel that there are others that do the same. There are about 10 members of my 130+/- member RC Club that never come to any meeting or to the field. Their $150 annual dues go a long way to keeping up the field.
Those funds are part of the general funds which allow the Club to provide better for the individuals that do use the facility, such as contracted mowing.
So if the membership desires for AMA to assist in certain areas, provide better individual benefits, then the overall ability of AMA to fund those items is of paramount importance. Insurance is NOT getting cheaper, especially in the liability area. The cost of living will not go down, thus administration will not get any cheaper. The increasing cost of fuel within this country has and will continue by the square to have a major effect on how we live and operate within this country.
There are TWO major items that will keep AMA Viable: (1) MORE MEMBERS & (2) REALIGNMENT OF THE BUREAUCRACY TO MAINTAIN THE AMA's CORE RESPONSIBILITIES. It CAN be done.