Small Changes in the AMA
 

I started this thread based upon a reply by vpresely to one of my posts in the AMA Insurance Summary 2003 thread in which he stated he would rather see small changes in the AMA rather than some of the bold and large scale changes than have been discussed in this forum.

SO............If you where the one making small gradual changes in the AMA where or what you change and why. Lets skip insurance and the safety code for right now as they have been and will continue to be beat to death in other threads.

Lets keep the ideas small and within the framework of how the AMA is presently established.

Let me start by recommending that the current frame work for electing DVP and even the President needs to be changed to make it "easier"(really not the right word) for new blood to be elected. The current review process within the AMA to be qualfied for most of the posts, especially AMA President,is harder than running for the President of the United States.

I would change it to be; if you wish to run for an EC or higher you must have been a sitting club officer(Pres,VP, Sec Treasurer or Safety Officer), a Hall of Fame Member, a Contest Director, a Leader Member, a Life Member, or a National AMA Event Title Holder (excluding Junior Divisions). If you meet one of those criteria you qualify.

Why? As with any senior position you can surround your self with or reach out to people within the organization who have the skills in some of the lesser know or less popular aspects of our hobby (IE SIG's) when decisions or information is required. Also, those individuals that I listed above, by the nature of their activities, have shown an level of involement that I feel more than qualifies them to run.

As for the back ground and resume review that must be done; that is no longer nessesary because we have a paid staff in Muncie that is doing all of those function. We may have need those requirements a few years back when the rules were written and those talents were need because they where doing all of the work that Muncie now does.

Is there some background that needs to be done? Yes, we do not really want a Felon, Child molesting, cheat running AMA. But neither must the person have a Masters in Accounting and participated in all aspects of the hobby and like to build his/her own transmitter in their free time.

Thats my sugjestion any others?

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Maybe some modification to the election process would be good...

Instead of the EC making the list of candidates and limiting to 2... change it to some form of "primary" within the districts. (yep... that would mean you would have to send 2 ballots in... and we can't get people to send one in now...) The nominees ALL being on the priary ballot if thy meet the requirements. (maybe 100 candidates... maybe just 1 or 2...) Then the top 2 from the primary being on the final ballot.

The changes wouldn't be worth much unless we got the members to actually send in ballots... and send them to the correct place.

Florida's infamous "Chad" fiasco is nothing compared to the percentage of ballots (out of those that do get sent...) we have sent to the wrong address when all you have to do is tear the thing off... make a check mark and drop it in the mail.:eek:

*********

Maybe the premise behind the "Republic" was a better idea than some think... Average IQ = 100... 1/2 of all people don't have that high an IQ... (by definition)

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Candidate allocation: each candidate for election to an EC District VP position be allowed to have 5000 spaces for the in-house magazine column. The Pres. and EVP would be allowed 7000 spaces. Each would be allowed one picture, column size.
This would give the voters a better understanding of the candidates. The incumbent has eleven columns each year to dazzle the populace with. The wanna'bee only has a few hundred words.

Change the Nominating Committee's nominee selection to include all applicants that produce 2000 signed signature petition of AMA members for a District VP and 4000 for a National Office. These nominees will be over and above the current limit of Three (3).

Better financial help for the FAI Teams and a He-l of a lot more publicity for them both coming and going.

Initiate a program to promote Model Aviation as a worthwhile SPORT and Recreation for all. Get outside media attention. Increase the opportunities for local clubs to obtain and retain flying facilities.

Keep the web updated. Delete the superficial "Members Only" section. Purely nothing but HYPE. Waste of time and effort.

Staff the Insurance Section with a competent Insurance Person and staff.

Restore the "Instant" membership with FAX applications.

Initiate for quick completion, the addition of an AMA Foundation for all functions of the Tax Exempt entity. Set AMA free to LOBBY for modeler's needs.

SO Much more.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I'll bite on this as I have had some definite ideas.

Lets start simple and at the grass roots. Currently Leader Members are appointed by VP's or by getting several other Leader Members to sign off on the application that they know and approve of the candidate. Nothing else will fill that position. Currently there are something like 3500 Leader Members and the count is declining as they age and pass on. Lets change this to something that is meaningful within the hobby!

Lets automatically make all sitting club presidents Leader Members on their SECOND term. Look at the logic. We KNOW they have some leadership capability or they wouldn't have gotten a second term. We know they have been in the hobby longer than last week because of the second term. We also know that several other people in the hobby feel they have some capabilities that are worthwhile. Yes, I know we are bound to get a few that were put in the slot because they could be 'managed', but by and large we should get some real winners because club presidents help make clubs work.

Lets get all the technically qualified nominations out to club presidents and let them select the best 3 candidates for the election. Along with this we should no longer identify the incumbent on the ballot. This should fix the 'good old boy' problem many see with the AMA appointment process, er election process.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Interresting idea... let people know about the people who are running for the offices BEFORE the ballots arrive. Can't do anything but improve the people's ability to think about the decision (and maybe give them time to ask the candidates questions if they include e-mail addresses...)
The current nominating committe system is seen as a "good old boy" networknow... may as well just get rid of it. 2000 signatures on a petition? not going to find many people that could get that many before getting the space in tha magazine... (lower number needed there.)
Actually support FAI teams the way other countries do?[X(] (Hossfly's been visiting Mars...:eek: ;))
That's a hard one to do... Its EASY to get negative media attention. difficult to get positive national media attention. Maybe a couple of TV commercials in prime-time? (expensive...)

There was a time when the NATS were national news... now you don't see them mentioned in the back pages of newspapers 500 mi from the site hosting the NATS.
Or just make the members only sections such as the Model Aviation archives WORK! (I've been trying to get in there for 2 months... "Temporarilly unavailable."[:'(])
Can't comment... have no idea on how thier staffing in that area is now.
Or at least make an over-night variant that works...
The lawyers are going to get in the way here.... (eliminate the lawyers and you save the world. ;) )

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

AMA for the day...would like to see the AMA allow for those that are not "full time" AMA members a chance to participate in events. Maybe a small fee collected by the CD or club officer...a little paper work to document...NBD

Prorated fees...Decrease year end work load and give flexibility to new or intermittent members.


Optional greater insurance coverage for the loss of models due to theft or fire etc...


Regular polling of membership to garner direction… MA could serve as medium...


Drawings to give members a expense paid trip to Muncie...to help fuel interest and publicize. We have it might as well use it.



Actual AMA rep here...to give specific answers to specific questions...no philosophical discussions allowed.



AMA to ask more questions and compile information as to the desires of members as it relates to products and their needed improvements that manufactures can draw from.


Charge seniors more since they have more money…OK just seeing if you are still awake:D

Have more but tired gotta go sleep now

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Polling of membership... Dist 8 is doing better at that than other districts (I think...) Dr. Frank requests input from the Dist-8 e-mail list regularly. (And when I ask him for info... he sends more than enough to cover the question... he once sent me copies of HIS notes on an EC meeting along with the agenda and minutes.)

The polling of membership opinions is a matter of getting the VP's to cooperate by doing the polling... (and getting members to respond...:eek: See the note about ballots.)

Prorated fees and other than Jan 1 renewals... we are overdue. Its the 21's century... we have computers. it would not be that hard. Its probably an issue with the insurance program...:eek: I bet its just easier to get the group policy on the Jan 1 renewal basis.

The insurance on fire/theft of models seems a bit outdated... How long has it been $1000? Its EASY to have $3000 or more in a contest quality model. (not sure how homeowners works on stuff stolen from the car... some policies will cover part of what is stolen from a car, because my parents collected on a stolen camera. (and busted rear window)... maybe the $1000 would cover most deductibles?) The option would be nice though.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Whow I'm impressed. Let's keep it going.

I agree that we need to FULLY FUND the FIA team costs. Before I get flamed what I mean is that the AMA should fully fund their travel and expenses to the FIA events. This includes Airfare, ground transportation, food, quality lodging, and transportation of their models to and from the events. Once they are selected to the Team I also feel that some sort of monetary stipend be paid to them to help defray costs for them to train prior to the event. Not a lot but something to help with fuel or materials. Lets say $500.00 per person. Not a lot but at that level anything helps. The SIG's should also be "encouraged" to help financally support these individuals.


As for National Media Exposure for the Nats, Scale Master, Top Gun JR Challenge, Joe Knoll (sorry I'm not versed in the Old Time, Rubber and Free Flight events) and other events. How about approaching Inside RC and Radio Control Hobbies to do 1 hour segments on these events. These to new Cable/Satellite shows are probably are best tool in this media. AMA should work with the sponsors (i.e. Megatech, Dubro, SIG and others) to assist us in recommending these events as programs. Also encourage them to run these shows Just before noon on the weekend when good non-rerun programming is hard to find. How many of us have settled on the History Channel or some other channel becasue there was nothing better to watch. This would be different and I know it would attrach viewers. I know I'd watch. Run an add on the Discovery Wings Channel for one of the shows and the full scale guys would watch because the Wings channel is re-run after re-run after re-run. Maybe even the AMA could run an add during one of these events. When you buy add time you are allowed input into the shows programing to help hit you target audience.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Part of the probelm with the lack of response could well be that the members don't feel that they have much of a voice in the candidate selection. If you are told that you can only vote for one of these and you don't feel that either of these candidates are viable for your concerns, why vote at all. By giving members a greater voice in selecting who is running you might get a much better response.
Just my .02 worth

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

;) I like watching the DWNGS (aviation history) channel. :D Lots of neat stuff.

The problem with doing the hour shows on the major events... Certain parties would have a hard tie selling thier $35 videos of the events...:eek: I can't see ANY other reason not to have been doing it already.

********

Aviation history trivia: The first B-1 bomber was a biplane.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

damn jim,
you really wana ignore 1/2, or more, of the ama members?
that is not much of a way to get more folks voting.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I have been thinking about this one... and it SOUNDS great... but is it? (How to say it without creating a problem...:eek:)

Ever see the "We the Willing" poster?

Often (more often than is really good...) the person who gets elected (shanghaied... railroaded...) into a club office was simply the only one willing to take the position. No other qualification really required.

Its not a good thing to have to say... but its the way it works.

Sometimes you get a guy that is VERY good at the job, and doesn't mind doing it for several years. Sometimes you get a "seat warmer" and everyone is hoping like heck that someone else will step up and offer to run in the next club election. (but if no one else runs... the seat warmer might get the post again... and again...)

Sorry... just saying someone has been club pres 2 terms really isn't the best way to qualify people for Leader Member status.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Do you KNOW any Leader Members, much less three of them?

I think the idea is a whole lot better than the current way which is to run all over h*ll's half acre looking for THREE other LM's to sign off the application or kissing some DVP's rear end (especially if you happen to disagree with him).

I do not disagree that there are SOME seat warmers out there, but that can be said about the entire society we live in. MOST club presidents I have seen (in a dozen or so different clubs) did NOT fit your characterization of the class.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I'm Looking to completely drop the Leader Member Requirement. The idea is to make it less hassle for some one who wished to run to run. If they are not interested they do not need to run (at least at this level). Even making it a two termer is two much in my opinion. If they are involved enough to be a CLUB OFFICER (not just president) then they have shown they are involved enough that if they wish to run they should run.

I mean come on, you need absolutely NO qualification to run for US SENATE, CONGRESS, MAYOR, STATE REP or even the PRESIDENT OF THE US other that your age and enough money to run a sucessful campaign. You can even be convicted of a crime and still get elected. Just look a Marion Barry in Washington DC. Convicted of smoking crack and got re-elected as Mayor after he got out of prison. But if you want to be involved at a National level with AMA organization you almost have to sell your soul have three degrees, three friends that are part of the "good ole boys" network to make you a "leader member" and be involved in 4 different disiplines or you are not qualified.

This is overkill. It is design soley to keep people out and not to broaden the pool of potential canidates.

So we do not want 15 people on the ballot. I agree that 3 to 5 is enough and that can be reduced via the caucus method where by area clubs pick their canidate, that name is submitted and top three with the most supporting clubs go on the final ballot for the district VP. As for the President Position why do they need to have served on the EC? and why limit it to three people. I think 5 or 10 on the ballot for President is not a problem and would not be unmanagable. And if you do not belong to club then come election time you could attend any club meeting in your area show you AMA card and be part of the caucus.

But I really open to any ideas that will accomplish two goals:

#1 Increase the number of candidates to chose from. (espcially for President)

#2 Increase the participation of the membership through the clubs and general elections.

The current situation does not work for the fact that it has not found a way to encourge voting.

How about the use of the internet for voting. AMA # and pin and you can vote over the website. Voting to be done at local club meetings with a sealed box provided by AMA to be returned to the accounting company via Fedex or UPS.

A lot of ways to do it and a lot to think about.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

sorry rs,

but anything that involves the clubs picking anything, or just club memebers, will leave 1/2 or more of AMA members out of the loop, as i let jim know in that other post, which, he as usual, ignored.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Good discussion here ...but maybe "small" should be qualified... since total overhaul not far from some suggestions. With that said I second RS Allen’s desire to lower qualifications for upper level offices.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

1/2 of all members makes you think. How many of the actual members of the AMA are active? How many members belong to other organizations? How many people join for one year only, decideing they dont like the hobby, cant afford, find time, etc.?
These questions make you wonder.
As I have stated in another thread, I would like to see better communication between the disctrics and its members, and also the AMA and the membership at large. One requirement for each district should be keeping a website up to date, either by the vice president or someone he/she appoints.
The members only area of the AMA site is a good idea, but lacking soo much in information. It needs to be expanded to also include member only information, and possible a forum and poll section. The internet has grown enough that there should be a demand for this excellent communication device to be used in the AMA.
Good ole' boys clubs are horribe for business and organizations alike. I work for Lowe's and the upper executives have realized this and are trying to phase it out. The problem is the ideals and visions get stale, new ideas are needed to keep the organization viable and moving forward. This would could only be done by changine the current nomination and election process.
I have heard on this and other forums, a call to start a new organization or clean house on the AMA. That is nice in fantasy land, but who has the money and resources to do this. I know all my extra money goes to my planes and equipment :D. The best thing the membership can do is take the AMA and push for changes, and starting with minor ones are better than doing big changes at once. People do not like change, and making bg changes overnight could cost us members. If we initiate small changes at regular intervals over time, people will have time to adjust and make the AMA that much stronger and better.

Thats all I got for now

Jamie

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Like others, I would like to see the whole Leader Member designation removed from the bylaws. Only Leader Members can make this change however, since you have to be a Leader Member to vote on bylaw changes. Only Leader Members can be officers. Some other "qualificaton" needs to be in place for this. It could be as simple as two consecutive years of AMA membership. I also don't like the idea that a club officer somehow qualifies. I've seen the good old boy network at work in this environment. Abolish the Leader Member requirement for AMA officers and voting.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I Moved this from another thread it seems more appropriate here

I am probably going to piss off the guys and gals who fly the big stuff. You are wrong Mister Presley changes are NEEDED! the upper 10% of AMA membership is living it up at the cost of the rest of us. The indoor FF folks pay the same $58 membership as the guy with a turbine waiver or large sized IC aircraft. Now explain to me how a indoor rubber band powered craft is going to cause a multi million dollar mishap? How do you justify making someone who flies something as non threatening a rubber band powered craft pay the same membership dues as they other guy flying a huge multi-engine craft? The AMA needs to have a tiered membership rate for what is flown. then you can do away with all this waiver for this waiver that nonsense. You have it printed right on the membership card what the member has paid for membership to fly. If the member has paid to fly turbines they can fly turbines and any craft in the lower dues rate. Those who have already paid for a lifetime memberships are covered up to turbines or big craft. Then you institute a tiered rate for the new lifetime members based on what they want to fly in the future or if they want to upgrade their lifetime membership to a higher rating they pay for it.

Another change is to streamline the Bureaucracy. Everything is so tied up in different committees nothing gets done, or gets passed onto the next special committee meeting. All the AMA needs is the Pres., VPres, DVPres. are all the committee this organization needs!

It is time the AMA gets into the 21st go with a web based voting for officials. with the tiered membership you can set up voting on considerations for that particular rating then the every member counts because he is making a decision on what segment he flies!

This sounds cruel but with this web based voting you won't need to have someone counting paper votes, or pay some company to count the votes. There is alot of fat in this organization that can be cut !QUOT!boy I am having flash back to the nineties.!QUOT!

I have already E-mailed this plan to the AMA Pres. and VPres. over two YEARS ago never got a response back. Not even yes I read you E-mail I do not agree with it thank you for your input. NOTHING NADA ZIP ZERO ZILCH nothing like feeling like a valued member!
Nothing is going to be changed until Bureaucracy starts listening.

Not anonymous member
Patrick Radcliffe

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I have belonged to a bunch of clubs over the years... Mostly smaller clubs.

One of those clubs called the election meeting "Railroad Night" Because anyone who had been a member more than a year and was not present at the meeting was almost guaranteed to be elected.

The club I'm in now is a lot better... they at least ask if you are willing to be on the ballot. But the guys that have served in club offices for many years are getting tired. Its hard to get people onto the ballot. (My personality is just wrong to act as a club officer... not a good idea. The club is better off with me helping where and when I can.)

I ddn't say the majority of club officers were seat warmers... I said... that there were enough that its not good as the ONLY test to become a Leader Member.

And... I probably do know at least 3 Leader Members... (I'd be very suprised if at least 4 people I know were not LM's... They definitely meet the requirements...) I haven't gone looking at thier cards to verify... because it just doesn't matter to me.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

The commercial liability policy costs less than $6.50 per adult member per year. The clubs generate 50% of the claims in the form of trip and fall type accidents. The question is, how do you split the $6.50 in half, then tier the balance? would you have some paying 50 cents toward the policy and others paying $5? What is it you have in mind?

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

I am curious why you want to make it so much more difficult to run for office than it already is. Here are the requirements for all AMA offices:

“To be eligible to discharge the duties of AMA President, a
nominee must be a Leader member of the AMA and must previously
have served as a member of the Executive Council or as Associate
Vice President or as a Contest Board member for at least one year.
To be eligible to discharge the duties of an elected AMA officer other
than President, a nominee must be a Leader member of the AMA.
To be eligible to discharge the duties of an appointed AMA officer,
including Associate Vice President, Contest Board member, and
Contest Coordinator, an appointee must be a Leader member of the
AMA.”

Now, take into account that the requirement to be a leader member requires 3 years of membership in the AMA and either 3 leader members to sign you off OR any three open members and the rubberstamp approval of your VP. I have never heard of anyone being turned down for leader membership. If you have been a member for three years and want to be a leader member, go to the AMA webpage and download the application, fill it out, have any three AMA open members sign it, write a check and send it to your VP. Shortly, you will be a leader member.

No club offices, no contest, no nothing... and... yes... it is that easy.

The office of President does have other requirements, as noted above. I think that makes sense.

As recently as the last election, Mike Moss was not a leader member when he was nominated in D8 to run for VP. He completed the form and became one before the election. This has now been changed so that you must be an LM before being nominated.

Again, why do you want to make it harder?

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Joyce Hager, AMA Executive Director, suggested this a year or so ago. The AMA does already prorate memberships. The memberships terminate at the end of the year so that clubs do not inherit the problems of tracking expiration dates all year long. The EC left the problem to HQ rather than shifting it to the clubs. (There was a lot of unsolicited input from clubs to do that).

AMA prorate policy (has been the same for years):

FIRST QUARTER: If you join AMA as a first time, new member from
January 1st through March 31st, you will do so at the full, open rate.
SECOND QUARTER: If you join AMA as a first time, new member from
April 1st through June 30th, you will pay the full, open rate. The
Following year, your renewal notice will reflect a 25% reduction in dues.
THIRD QUARTER: If you join AMA from July 1st through September
30th, you will pay the full, open rate. The Following year, your
renewal notice will reflect a 50% reduction in dues.
FOURTH QUARTER: If you join AMA from October 1st through
December 31st, you will pay the full open rate. You will receive
membership for the remainder of that year, plus membership for the
following year.

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

OK just a thought! Has any of you long timers ever seen a survey sent to the members of the AMA rating different areas of the AMA. This would be a good starting point to see what everyone thinks overall. Perhaps it could be a good recomendation to the AMA, they could publish it in Model Aviation or the National Newsletter. Perhaps even a simple form based on on the members only section. I just think it would be a good tool to use to get the general feel of the membership overall.

Just another hairbrain idea
Jamie

RE: Small Changes in the AMA
 

Since it was brought up...not to just pick nits but...got to keep up with the Jones's you know... The policy so loosly referred to as the "AMA prorate policy" is really lame.

Joining on Oct 1st nets 15 months membership for 58 bucks while joining March 31st nets 9 months for 58 bucks... by just about any other standard that is not prorating. About 66% discrepancy...falls way short for the term prorating in my book...