Glad you are satisfied with AMA, SSRC....:

However I am NOT; I disagree with your thesis very much. AMA promises to be engaged in both NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL recognition of our sport. They do almost NOTHING. [:@]
The Bylaws charge AMA with publication of research and scientific journals. AMA publishes a commercial magazine at an expense upon the membership employing far too many staff.
Of course one can nit-pick some AMA activities as filling Bylaws purposes of the AMA, however IMO AMA does not nearly enough.
Where in these Mission / Vision / and the original Bylaws Purposes does it say that AMA is supposed to be an insurance provider? Of course that is needed, but it is not promised or required. It should not need total emphasis.

AMAVision

We, the members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics, are the pathway to the future of aeromodeling 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; and,
• A safe, secure, enjoyable modeling environment.

AMAMission

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world-class association of modelers organized for the purpose of
promotion, development, education, advancement, and safeguard of modeling activities. The Academy provides
leadership, organization, competition, communication, protection, representation, recognition, education and
scientific/technical development to modelers.


ARTICLE II

Purposes

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Academy of Model Aeronautics,
Inc., Articles of Incorporation, the primary object of the AMA is to
promote and foster educational and scientific advancement in model
aeronautics, to give recognition to model leadership and to provide
guidance and direction of national model aeronautic affairs by those
individuals who, through their accomplishments in the model field, have
demonstrated their qualifications for such responsibility. More particular
purposes are listed below, but shall not be considered exclusive.
(a) To encourage the study and discussion of scientific problems and to
disseminate scientific news and views.
(b) To organize and sponsor discussion conferences and the
presentation of technical papers at such conferences.
(c) To encourage through recognition, leadership in model aeronautics.
(d) To recognize leadership of unusual quality by the conferring of
special honorary titles.
(e) To encourage joint discussion directed toward group agreement on
development needs relating to model aviation.
(f) To keep model leaders informed through the publication of scientific
journals and news bulletins.
(g) To encourage the contribution of articles on the development of
model aeronautics for the AMA publication.
(h) To associate interested organizations and individuals for group
support of education and development needs related to model
aeronautics.
(i) To guide and direct national model activities to the end that model
aeronautics may be advanced in the United States in a manner that will
best serve model aviation as a whole.
(j) To guide and assist in the acquisition and retention of flying sites for
the further growth and development of model aeronautics.
(k) To establish and maintain official regulations governing the conduct
of model airplane records and contests and issue sanctions for same.
(l) To direct the technical organization and conduct of national and
international model contests held within the United States and to act
through the National Aeronautics Association as the aeromodeling
representative in the United States for the Federation Aeronautique
Internationale.
(m) To license model aircraft and fliers thereof for competition.
(n) To promote recognition in the United States and abroad of all
officially sanctioned competitions and records which are conducted by
AMA Contest Directors.
(o) To have as its guiding principle, Of, By, and For the Model Airplane
Enthusiast.
(p) To operate through the National Aeronautic Association in
representing all activities of United States Aeromodeling to the FAI,
such operation to be in accordance with a written agreement between
AMA and NAA.



AMA does very little that it is supposed to. Even the NATs is an Archaic experience. As badly as I hate to say it, things need to be upgraded to move with the times. If the SIGs cannot provide adequate entries to make the efforts worth the expense, then change the events and move on to higher ground. The DVPs need to examine the Contest Boards and rather than just adding bureaucrats, delete the old and revise to new events. _ell the General Sections of the RB has had no significant changes since I started competition flying over 50 years ago, other than a few changes made around 1965. I initiated several of those.

Right now, AMA may be in a position to initiate some changes. There is a new ED that may have a fix on things. If we could get a new President next year that has the gonads to break some sides off the box and make some real moves to make the nation aware of just what aeromodeling is, then there could well be some real advances for this sport. Guys, It's up to you. READ PAGE 160 OF YOUR APRIL "[MODEL AVIATION."

BTW, for those of you that suffer with the "ME ONLY" syndrome, then this "ME" may not be very good for you. I love all aeromodeling. Oh, Have I told you lately, that I have been nominated for President of AMA? Well if enough nominations show up, Heck I just might accept, but those DVPs rather face a grizzley bear than me as a Pres. so never fear, you won't nominate, and without a bunch of nominations, they won't place me on the ballot, so you can still gripe next year.