Motor Home Amendment Invalid

[Minnie's Mate]

bfred, I too oppose the amendment, but I would hate to see a ban on motorhomes, land yachts or classics. These were made by Airstream and, IMHO, deserve to be in the WBCCI. But it is the Four Winds motorhomes that I don't think should be allowed into the club.

[tincantom]

Back to the original post, the motion may be invalid for another reason. Am I wrong or did the maker of this motion refer to the membership in the "Airstream RV Owners Association"? If so, this motion would not apply to the membership of the WBCCI since there is no ARVOA, altho apparently Mr. Emlinger would like there to be

[Alumatube]

We are new Airstream classic motorhome owners as of a month ago, and after seeing everything that is going on with the WBCCI, we want no part of it. We had heard of it a long time ago and thought it was very cool, but it looks like it has broken down, some very irregular things are being done, and the original purpose has been lost or superseded.

We would enjoy a club that accepts our classic motorhome, but the joy we would get from it is from being with people who have machines and trailers similar to ours, not in the big fiberglass apartments on wheels. Airstream has something very original and unique with their campers, and that kind of club is what we would have enjoyed participating in.

Oh well. Guess we'll just go on doing our own thing, enjoying the heck out of our unique dream machine!

Susan

[WALLY 54]

Originally Posted by Alumatube

We are new Airstream classic motorhome owners as of a month ago, and after seeing everything that is going on with the WBCCI, we want no part of it. We had heard of it a long time ago and thought it was very cool, but it looks like it has broken down, some very irregular things are being done, and the original purpose has been lost or superseded.

We would enjoy a club that accepts our classic motorhome, but the joy we would get from it is from being with people who have machines and trailers similar to ours, not in the big fiberglass apartments on wheels. Airstream has something very original and unique with their campers, and that kind of club is what we would have enjoyed participating in.

Oh well. Guess we'll just go on doing our own thing, enjoying the heck out of our unique dream machine!

Susan

Hi Susan,


The WBCCI that many of us are rallying for is the one that you speak of here in your post.

I, personally, am sorry that you feel discouraged the way you do. But, based on the current goings-on of the club, I can understand your dismay and discouragement.

It is precisely members of your integrity that we need in the group to help us ensure that the ideals of Wally Byam stand true and prosper. I hope that you will reconsider your decision. There are many Units around the U.S. that feel the same way that you do and are working to change things accordingly.

It would be great to see pics of your rig and keep us posted of your adventures, here on the forums.

Cheers,
k

[WALLY 54]

Originally Posted by tincantom

Back to the original post, the motion may be invalid for another reason. Am I wrong or did the maker of this motion refer to the membership in the "Airstream RV Owners Association"? If so, this motion would not apply to the membership of the WBCCI since there is no ARVOA, altho apparently Mr. Emlinger would like there to be

Ya know, tincantom, I was wondering the same thing myself.

WBCCI... if you can't say it or understand it... learn!

[SwampBillies]

Alumatube
We are new Airstream owners also. We did however join WBCCI and I recommend it. It certainly has its issues. Doesn't any large organization? But if we all just throw up our hands and never have our voices heard, how will it ever improve? No matter what issues you find with the club, there is no comparison to pulling up and seeing hundreds of airstreams and airstreamers all in one place! If enjoying people with similar rigs is something you enjoy, I recommend giving it a try. You will not find a nicer group of people anywhere. Except maybe on this forum, but then again, they are Airstreamers also!
SwampBillies

[65GT]

Hey Tom & K...

The motion is proper. The actual proposed amendment calls for amending the WBCCI constitution. The rationale is where Mr. Elmlinger chose the words "A**stream RV Association". He was questioned on that use and defended his position (to the sounds of much audience chatter) that we "are an RV Association."

Sounds like sour AOAII grapes to me. EIEIOOOOOOOOooooooooooo...

Sorry couldn't resist...

__

[Minnie's Mate]

I agree with you Swapbillies. I guess that is why we joined the WBCCI last year. I knew there was an issue about the name change and as a new member I stayed out of it. Actually, I waited until after the International to join so I wouldn't be in the fray. Anyway, I didn't want to wait until the organization changed to the demographics I wanted to become a member to join. I would have been waiting a long time and would have missed a lot of opportunities if I had. I would have also missed the opportunity to be a part of the process of the changes that will be coming down the pike if the WBCCI is to survive and grow its membership.

I don't think change will come fast, but I think it will experience a metamorphosis over the next 10 years if it is to survive and I really don't think allowing SOB's into the club is a part of that metamorphosis. If it is, then I think I will rethink my membership.

I think as a corporate body, we have to draw a line in the sand and say "Airstream products on our side and SOB's on the other!" I also think that there will be no significant growth and no change for the better until the internal strife ends and the IBT stops with these divisive motions that serve nothing to benefit the club and much to divide the club. "A house divided cannot stand."

[Nuvite-F]

Alumatube,

Originally Posted by Alumatube

We are new Airstream classic motorhome owners as of a month ago, and after seeing everything that is going on with the WBCCI, we want no part of it.

I agree with the previous replies. Please don't judge the WBCCI on the basis of the squabbles you see on the forums. These arguments take place here (and on the WBCCI forum) because there really isn't any other public arena for them.

If you join the WBCCI and go to some rallies I think you will find that you will be welcomed and that WBCCI politics is seldom if ever mentioned outside of business meetings--which you don't have to attend unless you want to. In general, our experience has been that the smaller rallies like unit and the smaller regional rallies are friendlier and more laid-back.

There are significant differences between units. I would suggest initially joining the WBCCI as a member at large, or better yet, as a member of the Washington DC Unit (WDCU) which is really a "virtual unit"--I don't know that they have any members in Washington, DC. WDCU unit dues are only a dollar a year so it's less expensive than joining as a member at large, and will also give you an opportunity to vote on issues like the non-AS motor home proposal. (Which is in all likelihood going to be rejected.) This will give you an opportunity to attend rallies of any unit you want and see if you want to join them either as an affiliate or as your primary unit.

WBCCI is really about meeting new friends and having fun together--politics only rears its ugly head occasionally. Unfortunately the non-Airstream motor home proposal is one of those occasions.

See you down the road,
Nuvi

[Alumatube]

Thanks, everyone, for the nice and informative responses to my earlier post. We got our 310 as a way to reduce some of the insane stress in both of our lives, and some of that stress had been brought on previously by my getting sucked into the politics of the clubs and organizations we belong to (past president of a Triumph club and our local water association, for example). It is hard for me to not get caught up in causes, and all we want to do with this is just enjoy camping time with like-minded folks, not be affected by the political issues within a club. That REALLY takes the joy out of it for us.

I will keep an open mind on the WBCCI and promise I will look into it again when the current angst has settled down.

Thanks!
Susan

[Nuvite-F]

Susan,

Originally Posted by Alumatube

I will keep an open mind on the WBCCI and promise I will look into it again when the current angst has settled down.

In addition to which, in just two years your "tube" will be eligible for membership in the Vintage Airstream Club. (And your older trailer already is.) Now that's a fun organization!

See you down the road,
Nuvi

[wheel interested]

Looks like Metro Detroit's April newsletter is coming out for FourWinds Motorhomes at least from the Past International President and the current Unit President.

The President’s Corner By Maury Runyan
As March winds down into less then nine remaining days and with snowbirds slowly but steadily departing T. R. to head directly home or those who chose to meander on a more leisurely schedule, traveling north geared to the pace of good weather.
Meanwhile, I have been digesting the flurry of written material related to the Class A motorhome issue to be voted on at the Delegates meeting in Perry, Ga.
You may recall the "News and Rumors" article, written by an associate member, which appeared in the March "Newstream" has been challenged for accuracy by several members of our unit.
Three days ago my copy of the "Classic Airstream Club" newsletter arrived filed with five, count them 5, pages of reasons not to support the proposed motorhome vote to allow Four Winds Motorhomes to be branded as Airstream Edition. This article centered on several key areas, and questioned the quick survey conducted in late 2006 by unit presidents as requeted by a club officer as to the number of Class A Motorhomes in each unit owned by current members. The contention being, the survey was hasty, and should have gone into much more depth and detail, i.e. Do you plan to replace your current Airstream Motorhome, if so when? You could save thousands by having your current unit refurbished both as to interior and even powerplant and traindrive? Is the fuzzy thinking or what? We are talking about 860 Class A Motorhomes, 12 of which are affiliated with Metro-Detroit.
Much of this information and criticism has been posted and circulated on the internet. Remember, the Classic Club no doubt still regrets allowing the fiberglass motorhome into WBCCI!
So where does all this leave us? I know since our rejoining this club in 2002, we have witnessed a steady downward spiral in membership, which now hovers between six and seven thousand paid members.
Although our own unit board had not taken a stand on this issue at this time, it does indeed appear to this writer if this club is to survive a new source of members must be found. It should be obvious by now we cannot count on the Airstream Company to develop new products to enhance WBCCI membership. I know of no one planning to purchase a new "Base Camp" unit in order to join Metro-Detroit!
Our best experience in WBCCI had been the wonderful people we have met and traveled with over the past four years, as well as the formation of lasting friends in our unit, the Michigan unit, Mid-East unit and the VAC.
For once and for the sake of this well founded, long existing travel club let’s pull thgether and support this proposal.
Have a safe trip heading back to Michigan – see you at shake down in May or at Region 4 in Ohio.
__________________________________________________ ___________
A Letter To The Editor (excert from April Metro Detroit newsletter)
The exective committee met with Larry Huttle of Airstream and Richard Regial of Thor to discuss the current situation with the motor home problem facing the members in WBCCI. They agreed to research this problem, and it came down from both Richard Regial Thor and Larry Huttle that the President of Four Winds Motor homes would agree to join into the club and furnish motor homes to WBCCI members.
Indication given by many is why not let any Thor produce in. Folks the reason if you did not know Airstream supports WBCCI in the name of about $100,000.00 per year. Four Winds Mfg has agreed to come aboard and support WBCCI to. Now if you open this club to any motor home has indicated, you would lost all the support from Airstream and Four Winds. This means the members would absorb any of that lost. That means that our dues will go up and you do the math on what that would be. Now talk about losing members you have nailed it.
This was an agreement with all three parties, Airstream, Thor (Four Winds Class A motor homes) and WBCCI International Board Trustees. Our constitution calls for a vote from the members to make a change in the constitution as you all know. If passed what does this do, it will increase membership, keep the folks in that have motor homes, and the part that was suggest there are a lot of new (2005) Airstream motor homes at dealers is not true, there are very few, and I wonder if the person making that state would buy a 2 or 3 year old model?
Four winds makes both pushers and gasoline motor homes, and I under stand they have about 30 or more floor plans, which Airstream did not? I am looking to save our club and the only way to do that is by having members. This bid to save Wally, I think is wrong, we are keeping the name and this just insure we keep it. Change is here, some of us don’t like it, but we will have to learn to live with it.
I feel it is necessary that Metro Detroit and all other units vote yes in letting in these motor homes and lets save Wally if you will (Wally Byam Caravan Club International) and make this great club grow.
Norm Hewer
Member of Metro Detroit and Past International President.

[thecatsandi]

I wish the Motorhome admendment would fail. It would push the old school out and make room for the new school.

[myboyburt]

What a disappointment. I believe if this proposal passes it will mark the beginning of the end of the WBCCI / Airstream club. Too bad, I really love my local Unit and had hoped to fill my retirement years traveling with Airstreamers on Caravans.