I'm Ready to drop Out and become a MAL (Member at Large!)

rgesch · 07-06-2006, 08:11 PM

Well I think I've just about had it. Is anyone else finding that being an "active" member of their Unit that you spend more time on the politics and less time on what you thought you joined the club for? Like camping?

My pro's list- I have met so many people who I love seeing over and over again at Rally's and I would not change that for anything.

Con list-too much time spent on "running things" rally's, region, electing this and that, changing names, don't change. Flags, lights, berets, blue jackets, white jackets, red jackets. Fly this flag, fly that flag, it's your trailer do what you want! WHO CARES!

I have decided that if I become a Member at Large I can still be a member but I can stay completely away from the constant "business" of the club. It's too much like being at work. I already have a job I want a little more relaxation and fun.

I will pick a place to go, let people know where I'm going and see if they want to come. You bring your friends, I'll bring my friends. Generators, kids, dogs, bring it on! Lights, flamingo's, the more the merrier. Sweat pants, hot pants, as long as your comfortable I'm comfortable.

What do I have to lose? Can anyone tell me the down side of this?

65GT · 07-06-2006, 08:31 PM

MAL -- you join 649 other members that pay $20 over WBCCI dues and don't get a vote on ANYTHING because the club doesn't know how to count them (that's what they say!)...

You join WDCU which is primarily a vintage internet based unit and you pay only $1 over your WBCCI dues and get to vote whenever you like.

There's not much of a downside to that!

__

scottanlily · 07-06-2006, 08:40 PM

Hello rgesch ,

I could not agree more ,what you want to do is what most of us want to do,
camp ,have fun enjoy the other trailers and the folks.The rest of the dribble
is not appealing to my family in any possible way.

Scott and family

myboyburt · 07-06-2006, 08:54 PM

WHAT!!! You are one of the "good guys". I joined your Unit because of YOU, the future of WBCCI is with people like us (you and me kid) - I see areas of light, do not give up the fight!

BTW, if you do become a MAL I'll be hounding you to join the NEU - you would not want that because I'm relentless..

Porky Pig · 07-06-2006, 09:03 PM

Hmmmm ... I was a MAL for two years ... and just now joined the Washington Unit.

I joined because I get a better rate as a member when I stay at the Land Yacht Harbor ... and because I like the people here ... would rather give them my money instead of sending it to HQ.

As a member, I don't have to get involved with the political stuff. I'm free to ignore or join in on my terms. Just like when I was a MAL.

klevan · 07-06-2006, 09:15 PM

Greetings 65GT,
You and I have talked about this before. Since under no condition will I renew with the NM Unit, but I want to be a member of WBCCI just to remain a member of VAC, please tell me more about WDCU (Like where do I send my money?).

By the way, wouldn't it make more since if VAC had "unit" status in its own right?

JStanley · 07-06-2006, 09:16 PM

Have to agree with 65GT & Porky Pig.
Join WDCU (Washington DC Unit #170) and attend some of our rallies and you might change your opinion about Units and MAL status. Our motto should be something like: “We’re Just Camping.” Check out the website: http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/

myboyburt · 07-06-2006, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JStanley

Our motto should be something like: “We’re Just Camping.” Check out the website: http://www.servintfree.net/wbcci-dc/

"It's just camping" has been the New England Unit's motto for at least 5 years........ Before I joined even!

bigshinything · 07-06-2006, 09:30 PM

My family and I recently left the unit we belonged to for many of the same reasons you cited, especially the politics, BS and exclusivity. Its only camping people...RELAX!!!!!

Goin camping · 07-06-2006, 10:03 PM

Would you folks please answer some WBCCI questions for me please.

1, Why do you have to pay to go on a Rally. I even see some that there is a Rally fee and campground fees.

2, Do members in a unit HAVE to be labor for events?

3, Is it possible for a unit member to announce a date, time and place and have a camping trip with no other ado?

Thank you.

myboyburt · 07-06-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Would you folks please answer some WBCCI questions for me please.

1, Why do you have to pay to go on a Rally. I even see some that there is a Rally fee and campground fees.

2, Do members in a unit HAVE to be labor for events?

3, Is it possible for a unit member to announce a date, time and place and have a camping trip with no other ado?

Thank you.

1.) In the NEU for some of our rallies there is a group breakfast or dinner and the rally fee covers that expense - a big value because the rally host and volunteers do all of the leg work in regards to purchasing supplies and preparing meals.

2.) No, labor is not required. BUT most of our members are happy to volunteer to do some of the chores during our rallies because they understand that everyone is a volunteer who is paying full price for their camping experience and should have some time off to have fun.

3.) We call these "Renegade Rallies" or "Forums Rallies". In fact I'm attending one this very weekend in Vermont.

Goin camping · 07-06-2006, 10:23 PM

Thank you, Follow up question. What is a NEU?

myboyburt · 07-06-2006, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Thank you, Follow up question. What is a NEU?

NEU = WBCCI New England Unit - we are a wicked fun group of Airstream owners.

Pahaska · 07-06-2006, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin camping

Would you folks please answer some WBCCI questions for me please.

1, Why do you have to pay to go on a Rally. I even see some that there is a Rally fee and campground fees.

2, Do members in a unit HAVE to be labor for events?

3, Is it possible for a unit member to announce a date, time and place and have a camping trip with no other ado?

Thank you.

We pay through our treasurer the campground fee plus a prorated amount for the coffee and groceries. The fee is generally a discounted campground fee plus less than $10/person. The total is usually less than a non-discounted campground fee.

We have 3 couples assigned as co-hosts for every rally who plan the events and the meals. Each couple is a co-host once a year; not a terribly onerous chore. While I enjoy informal forum rallies, there is something to be said for some advane planning and organization when you expect well over 20 rigs to show up. For our last rally, we 3 co-host couples made a trip to the rally site a month early, gathered brochures, checked costs, and scheduled some events such as tours. This made it a lot easier for attendees to make good use of their time rather than everyone having to reinvent the wheel.

We do have informal rallies. We email the group when we go to a place we think others might enjoy. There is often 3 to 5 rigs show up.