Hey all,
In the WI Unit we had the ability to vote on the MOHO issue by mail. If you wanted a voice you had it and did not have to attend the rally. I can see this continuing in the future for other items of importance. So to those of you that are MAL, come join us, I will say that our dues are not as cheap as the DC Unit but we have a great time with the money!
Ed
I will second Ed's suggestion for any MALs (or members dissatisfied with their present units) to join the Wisconsin Unit, especially if they live in the midwest and can make it to the Wisconsin Unit's great rallies.
The Wisconsin results on the SOB MoHo issue also illustrate that 1M1V is not a panacea to the WBCCI's problems. The vote split 50-50, probably because mail voting brought in votes from inactive members whose only source of information was the Blue Beret, which was shouting the party line for two or three issues.
Bottom line is that if "reform party" candidates are going to challenge the nominating committee's choices for International offices, the reform party is going to have to do some serious politicking. This includes, among other things, (a) spending the money on postage to snail mail its information to every WBCCI member, and (b) have local folks inside units talking up its ideas before the units vote (however they vote).
As for me, I don't have either the time or inclination to run for International office--but I'm willing to contribute money for (a) and time for (b).
Mail ballots should (in my mind MUST) include pro and con statements for those outside of the debate to consider. That 50/50 split no doubt was the direct result of our IP (now IPP) not allowing an alternate view to reach the general membership.
The last thing these guys wanted to see was a vote of no confidence in their ability to lead this club and that is EXACTLY what they got -- even by trying to control the message -- making sure that their message is the one that reached the majority of the membership.
Imagine what a slaughter this would have been had every member been exposed to both sides of the issue?
What concerns me most is that I don't see this group just folding their tents and calling it a day. What will they try to pull next? Your guess is as good as mine (and I don't like my guess!)...
Airstream like any other manufacturing company was created to make a product. For the owner and entrepreneur, Wally Byam to fulfill his goals in life and to make a living.
The first Caravan in 1951 was conceived to assist Airstream owners, and others (the first few Caravans were open to all manufactured RV’s), to travel as an American Community. Airstream’s reward was publicity to sell Airstreams.
The Club was a natural occurrence. This American Community of Airstream owners wanted to get together on a local basis and chew the fat, remember the good times, and take their Airstreams out on a more frequent basis, but for a shorter period of time. The Club Members wanted the club to be exclusive for Airstream Owners only.
Let’s go back to Caravans. The Caravans could never have gone ten miles with out a sub-structure and delegation of duties. Wally Byam was a master of organization.
The Club core was the volunteers; the go-to-people that assisted in making the Caravans go. This spirit, this dedication, this form of personal involvement was the core of the WBCCI in 1955.
Check out the Jack Rabbits; thank them for your club today. They “hounded” Wally to form a club.
My Mother, Helen Byam Schwamborn, was given the task, by Wally, to start a headquarters to be the home of the Club, and the action center for Caravans. Three major Caravans came from the Headquarters in the early days. (Europe 1956, Africa 1959, Around-the-World 1963.)
Because of the dedication of the members and the organizational and interpersonal skills of Helen, the Club grew, and grew, and grew…what a growth!
Yes, Airstream funded the Headquarters. Yes, it was a marketing tool. However both entities this symbiotic relationship endorsed the purpose, ‘TO HAVE FUN.”
My pride swells every time I pass an Airstream on the highway, or see one on TV.
Remember, have fun, that’s what this is all about.
That’s all Wally wanted for you, and that is all my Mother wanted for you.
“TO HAVE FUN!”
See you on the road.
Dale “Pee Wee” Schwamborn
Footnote:
I was a family member before there was Caravan.
I traveled on the !st Caravan.
I went on a total of five Caravans. (1951 Mexico, Central America; 1955 Eastern Canada, 1956 Europe, 1957 Eastern Canada, and 1959 Africa, the Holy Land, and Europe)
I scouted two Cavavans 1959 Africa, and 1961 Eastern Canadian Caravan.
I worked at the California Airstream Plant from 1964 to 1969.
I have been to five International Rally’s.
I am former owner of Wally’s gold trailer.
I am a Charter Member of the WBCCI.
This is being told to you not that I am extraordinary, I’m just a fortunate person to have been part of this history.
When I say “TO HAVE FUN”, I mean it and I know that’s what it is all about.
PeeWee,
Great post, you have quite a resume of having fun. In my opinion you are correct, 100%. If it weren't for the club politics, I believe there would be many more people having fun camping in their Airstreams.
Please keep having fun, I know we are.
Mac
__________________ Mac and Linda Cassell WBCCI # 3292 AIR#16287 Buckeye (Chesapeake Bay Retreiver) 1983 31' Sovereign (Carmen O) 2006 2500HD Duramax SLT CC 4x4 (Brutus B) Mount Olive, NC 28365 "Pickle Capital of the World"
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