I heard second hand that there was a motion being made by the South Carolina Coastal Unit for making the wearing of the blue beret optional. This was supposedly approved unanimiously by both the SC Executive Board and at a general membership meeting. It has been sent to Tom Tisdel, Region 3 President for presenting at the IBT as an action item on July 5, 2006.
Does anyone have more information on this topic?
Here is a copy of the "IBT Motion Form" I recently received:
IBT MOTION FORM Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc.
Motion/Item No._______ Meeting Date: July 5, 2006 Location: Salem, OR____
I move that a vote be taken of the membership of each WBCCI unit to determine member wishes regarding wearing the blue beret an optional part of attire for official functions of the organization and that the delegate of each unit represent that vote at the 2007 Delegates’ meeting.
Item to be voted on by the membership through their representative delegate would read:
“I support making the practice of wearing the blue beret optional for officers and other members at all official functions of the club.”
Rationale: Currently there is the strong expectation that Unit, Region, and International Officers will wear blue berets at all official functions of the club. There is some dispute among the membership as to whether wearing of the blue beret is an agreeable expectation. A vote of the membership of each unit would use the constitutional process to address this issue and accurately determine members’ preferences.
This will allow the Board of Trustees to accept or reject a new policy, based on members’ wishes
Does it seem strange that the same fossilized leaders that want to eliminate Wally's name from our organization's name insist that we wear his beret, a piece of head gear that only the French could have invented. It will neither shield your face from the sun, nor protect you from the rain, and only Monica Lewinski would wear one out of choice.
As I understand it, the Blue Beret currently is to be worn at "Official Functions". The question is, what is an "Official Function"?
Our Unit has interpreted it, that Officers are to wear them at the Annual Meeting, the Installation of New Members and the Delegate Representative is to wear one at Regional or International Board Meetings - NOT every person at every rally and luncheon. Of course, some of the older or more nostalgic members wear them because they want to.
Rarely is it an issue...
Shari
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
I always thought the SC coastal unit had some forward thinkers. If they did start that motion, it wouldn't shock me. I don't think the SC folks are "fossilized". It will be interesting to see what happens.
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In almost a year of membership I haven't seen a beret yet. I suppose I will at the International in Salem in June, but then there will be thousands of people there, bound to happen eventually.
__________________ Cam 2005 25' Safari SS 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 Turbodiesel WBCCI #3580 - Region 12 NorCal AIR #8752
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From what I can find in the Blue Book documents, in the WBCCI Bylaws, the blue beret is considered acceptable as formal wear. No more. No mandate. No requirement.
In preparation for the I'Rally, the committee prepares a protocol book which helps participants know when they need to be where and ready for what. This also specifies the appropriate dress for the occasion. This book is a specified function of the committee in the Bylaws.
A protocol does not carry the weight of a policy or rule.
While adhering to the protocol book's guides for event dress might be a good way to conform to propriety and custom, it does not appear to me that it is necessary. I do not see how the Bylaws disciplinary procedures could apply. I do see how any action that would improperly discriminate or disallow a voting member from attending a meeting could have potential legal consequences.
This is an issue that should be handled at committee level, not Constitutional level. If the IBT is to do anything, it should probably just be a resolution identifying the sense of the membership. Put it up for a vote at the appropriate meeting in the proper way and let the vote stand on its own.
In a healthy association, such matters would just kinda' happen a little bit at a time. The fact that folks are making such a big fuss of something like this is an indication of misplaced focus and priorities.
Yes, you might have some folks who insist on mandating what people should wear to WBCCI events. The onus should be on them to present proper bylaws changes that would make their preferences a bylaws rule if they so choose.
If I missing something here, please cite chapter and verse. I looked for it and could not find it. It seems absurd to me to have folks trying to modify the Constitution or Bylaws or even Policies to remove something that doesn't even exist.
In almost a year of membership I haven't seen a beret yet. I suppose I will at the International in Salem in June, but then there will be thousands of people there, bound to happen eventually.
I agree, after almost four years I've never seen one yet either
I agree, after almost four years I've never seen one yet either
For those of you who haven't seen a blue beret yet, here's a photo I took at the International Rally held in Vermont in 2003 that shows many berets at opening ceremonies.
If we change the name of the club, will I get a new patch to put on the beret? I don't recall the beret on my camping gear checklist next to extra socks, waterproof matches, gopher hole shovel, campfire song book and holding tank chemicals.
How 'bout a new style for the millenium designed by Roots or Stormy Kromer. Maybe a cowboy hat or pith helmet.
For those of you who haven't seen a blue beret yet, here's a photo I took at the International Rally held in Vermont in 2003 that shows many berets at opening ceremonies.
sporty, ain't they?
now, I could swear I had a pic around here somewhere, of Yukionna sportin' her blue bonnet....
For those of you who haven't seen a blue beret yet, here's a photo I took at the International Rally held in Vermont in 2003 that shows many berets at opening ceremonies.
That appears to be the Delagate seating area...not the general attendee seating.
Those are the folks that are participating in the "Official Function" of the Opening (or Closing) Flag Ceremony, (much like the Olympics) which is an "Official Function", thus the berets & matching attire.
Shari
__________________ Vintage Airstream Club - Past President 2007/2008 WBCCI #1824 - DenCO Unit Past President (2005) AIR #30 - Join Date: 2-25-2002
In the opening ceremony the International officers and flag bearers wear their uniform including berets.
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