Quote:
Originally Posted by Leipper  Is there any reason why we should cast negative aspersions about how others choose to dress and show their allegiances? It seems that it is just that kind of intolerance of others and how they choose to live and behave and believe that is being complained about in may of these discussions. |
Hmm... Color looks pretty much like black and white to me. No one is putting down any individual, how they choose to look or dress, but there's a
HUGE difference here. This is the
CLUB standard uniform. These are
CLUB standard practices.
I would suggest that if this official club uniform were simply made optional, instead of
expected, and in some cases
demanded, you'd be hard pressed to find any leader dressed like this anywhere. Maybe some very senior members, but the rest would move on to 'camper casual,' respectful, neat, and something more representative of the times.
White tuxes on stage? That mere photo must have some mouthing that Twighlight Zone theme song!
Thank God there isn't a video of the opening ceremonies with the spotlights and the parading of International Officers. This whole scheme, to some, could be categorized into a Harry Krishna kind of nightmare. Different look, but strange to most, just the same. I've finally adjusted to it -- and I now stay away. I don't have the need to attend a single formal function, or a single nights entertainment at an International. Been there, done that, and what is far more relevant can be found outdoors in the fields with the endless social gatherings being hosted by many and enjoyed by all.
You want to attract today's Airstream buyers to this club? You've got to take this Twighlight Zone appearance and stick it back into the 50's closet. We're DECADES behind in the look and feel of this club, and units that echo this paramilitary, self-importance style of leadership, in practice and appearance, are likely the ones dropping like flies. They can't attract today's Airstream buyers in that garb, with those type of formal routines.
I have been told that just 5 years ago campsites were reserved at MetroNY events to place leaders, in order, in their places of prominence. There were no nightly campfires, nobody cooked out. Instead they went to restaurants every night, and then they quietly adjorned to their RVs, early.
Today MetroNY more resembles a simple group of friends, camping, hanging by the campfire early evening through late morning (the campfire burns). Friendly conversations, members helping each other out, no matter the task. Great locations, and activities for all. No more reserved parking spaces, big group breakfasts and dinners, and a nightly social atmosphere that's enjoyed by all.
Sometimes our nightly sessions end well after midnight, and then start right up again, at the break of dawn.
I personally have the worst site at nearly every single event -- simply because I'm usually the last to show up.
As Unit President, that will absolutely continue, although I'm now trying to get there early, at least this year!
No big deal, because the informal, always friendly, and great atmosphere carries the weekend regardless.
The International Leaders of this club are running out of time. Make the changes, and make them now. If they don't start targetting the younger crowd, 50 and under, then the slide will continue. They're going to have to meet those generations on their terms, and the photos that Carol posted above just don't cut it. The entertainment at Internationals isn't a draw for a single person 50 and under.
We succeed locally because our potential members never see any of this paramilitary crap at our events. They see a group of campers that all own Airstreams. We don't look any different than anyone else in the campground, or when we're out on the road, and we're having FUN!
There wasn't a red jacket, a button down dress shirt, a tie, or a beret at our installation rally. There was just a great group of people having another brand new experience, (a Martha Clara Vineyard hosted wine & cheese tasting/reception) and having a great time.
The formality of this club, many of it's outdated functions, and the image that is continually cast by leaders at the top (as Carol has shown) is what is killing this club. Today's Airstream owners aren't interested in a club that projects that image.
Thankfully, there are many local units that don't drink that Kool-Aid. I believe Sierra Nevada is in the same ranks as MetroNY, WDCU, 4CU, NEU, CCU, Watchung, and countless others in that regard.
__
Quick Links
6000+ Airsteam families having fun! 
Self appointed.
Hybrid Mode
