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I'm wondering whether a lot of us in the GenX and GenY age groups just aren't "joiners" in the sense that Baby Boomers+ are. Many of us didn't necessarily have parents who were involved in the Elks, Lions, Rotary, Bridge clubs, etc., and many of us ARE more independent and into the "me" thing (not social or organized clubs). The idea of having meetings with rules-n-regs is pretty unfamiliar and uncomfortable for a lot of us.
Glo,
You are certainly correct. Some (not all) of WBCCI's problems result from generational differences which are causing problems for all kinds of participatory organizations--fraternal, service, church, etc. If you would like to see a scholarly study of the matter, by all means read Bowling Alone, by Robert Putnam, who lays out the facts with stark clarity. BOWLING ALONE
Disclaimer: I don't necessarily agree with Putnam about solutions but his book certainly helps to understand the problem.
Steve, how long are you going to be in Jackson Center? Ill be there in 3 weeks for a rally!!!
__________________
Laura Miss Rivette 2008 W8JUZ --......-- "Support Search and Rescue, GET LOST!!!!" Operation "SAVE RUDY" Strike Team (Charter Member) SAVE THE AIRSTREAM RANCH!!!
WBCCI is a club of and for older people, or, those who think and act like seniors. Nothing wrong with that, but, that's the way it is. Super nice folks. The marches, the jackets and caps and badges, the anthems, all right out of the Lawrence Welk era. Ceremonies taken very seriously by those involved. But, OMG to someone witnessing for the first time.
Entertainment at bigger events is of second tier cruise ship quality.
The structure, rules, and limitations serve a purpose, but, can also be stifling. Working folks need to be able to arrive after hours and set up. Not sent to the dungeon or whatever it's called. If you forget to wear your name tag, no one should comment. If your trailer is parked a bit crooked. who cares.
Also, younger folks want use of the amenities that come with an AS. 3 amp electric is not OK. 30 amp around the clock is really nice. Lots of electronics to run and AC and coffee, and, who goes to bed at 10 pm?
Relaxation, flexibility, and adaptable structure.......add these and the campers will come.
Oh, and dinner hour is never 5 o'clock, unless you are retired I suppose.
Tom
Please, please remember.....NOT ALL OF THE UNITS ARE LIKE THAT. I do apologize for the all caps thing, but come on...if you join are you only intending to go to the bigger regional/national things? Individual units are individual. Join a unit that does things you like and don't go to the big stuff if it annoys you. Everybody keeps saying it...join, encourage people like you to join, eventually the majority will change and so will the behaviors. Let them have their fun for now but help be a catalyst for ADDITIONAL activities that include ones for families!
BTW - Who cares when people eat their dinner? Is this really an important issue?
Moderators: Would it be OK to start a new thread that will work sort of as a working list that identifies which WBCCI Units are family friendly? No unit bashing allowed. It would list Unit Name and Region, and why that person likes or recommends that unit as family friendly. It would include a notation saying that one cannot assume that a units absence from the list means it is unfriendly to families since that unit may not have any members on Air Forums? The thread may help others find a unit they like!
Interesting thread. I guess it comes down to evaluating what you want to get out of a club. We kind of like the social aspects of RVing and have had some of our best times when there were lots of others to share activities with. It turns out that some of these times were at 55+ RV parks that let us in anyway. My wife and I at the time were 32 and 34 respectively. There is a certain decency about that older crowd that is refreshing and I have never seen younger folks as active as some of these older groups are.
There are two WBCCI units in the state, the 4CU and the arizona unit. I cut a check to the 4cu folks as they seem to be the more active of the two. I'll let you know how that works out. Back maybe to the point I was attempting to make (I actually have one ), I sent dues to a classic chevy club for years and was a minimal participant, just did not do it for me and I eventually dropped my membership. I did not get anything out of that club but I also did not put anything into it. The stubby end of this is that you get out of something what you put into it. I doubt that age has much to do with it, probably its just a particular groups acceptance of new members and new members willing to participate.
Ok, I misspoke there was not much of a point, but I did get my 100th post and I really did cut the 4CU folks a check as their Quartzite ralley was a blast. Participation is key.
I have been following this thread with much interest.
I have just recently re-joined the WBCCI, and I am somewhat disappointed to hear the comments about the less than family-friendly image the club has acquired.
When I was a youn boy my parents traveled extensively with the club. We attended many rallies and caravans. Wally Byam was at several events I attended, and I don't remember any of this "old folks" attitude. In fact, many members brought their children just like my foks did. I still have Rally pictures from the 1950's & 60's, and the average age is much younger than currently described
I have recently purchased a vintage Airstream and re-acquired our original number 1200. This is very nostalgic for me.
Even though I am now 60 years old, I don't like being around people that think "old". I enjoyed Airstreaming because you met interesting people that had a young adventurist attitude (like Wally). If the club has truly evoled as described, I will continue to pay my dues to retain #1200 for nostalgic reasons and travel alone in search of people like I used to meet at Rallies.
Participation in an organization is key, that is if you think the organization has a prayer of evolving. Older members really do want young blood involved, and, many aid in actively recruiting, but, it's to perpepuate the club as they value it.
I think that serious moves at the top to really show that they know the future of WBCCI is in trouble would go the furthest in generating new membership.
Reallly shake things up.
Some suggestions:
1. Change the name. Or add a catch phrase. " It's not your parents WBCCI."
2. Get rid of the incredibly hokey ceremonies. Hello, no one does this type of show any more. The god awful getups, the marching, the dignataries. Yuk!!
3. If you plan on having a tap dancing harmonic player in for entertainment, then balance it out. Ask Fiddy Cents or an American Idol to perform.
4. The military like structure at rallys must change. What gets things done in an organized way does not always translate into fun.
5. Emphasize the camping. Bon fires, story telling, weanie roasts.
6. Modern amenities are a must for many folks now. Yes, there are still happy boondockers out there, but, more would rather have full use of their electronics and blow dryer etc. 24 hrs per day. 30 amp all the way.
7. Develop some new interests. There already is a radio club at most big rallies. Why not some others, perhaps a sound system group. Who can get there AS booming the loudest. Or, some athletic competitions. A mini olympics with things like power walking, a bike obstacle course, swimming, archery etc.
Finally, remember that you can't please every one. Saving the WBCCI for the future will likely alienate those who now hold the keys. But, it's evolve or die. If you can't adapt, your done.
Tom
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2008 F 250 6.4L Diesel.
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
I'm a "boomer" in my 50's and just attended my first rally - I was the youngest there and it was cool to feel like a teenager again! The group was welcoming and inclusive - except for the ear-muffed elder who attacked my lack of name badge. Yes, the rituals and ceremonies are way out of touch with "my generation" for sure - but the club has survived this long because of our shared passion for Wally's vision. I'm sure the club will continue to evolve as each generation passes through its membership - and hopefully will reflect more on Wally-style FUN and less on pomp and circumstance.
I agree!!! I wonder why they don't sell them at the WBCCI store???
I'll be in Jackson Center next Tuesday and plan to stop in and ask.
I was fortunate enough to get an original felt blue beret. It is a real beret. My husband, Tim, found one on-line and won the bid at the last minute!
The hats that the IBT and others are currently wearing are a lighter blue cotton twill material and they don't exactly have the shape of a real beret.
If there is any possibility of getting a real beret back, or perhaps a patch that can be purchased separatley, I think it would be wonderful. I do love Wally's original 'safari' hat, as well. I don't think that the 'military-style' coats do anything for the club. They represent an unaproachable aura. But, the original berets are nostalgic and historical, and really do represent a world-class travel appearance that is both intriguing and identifiable. Very friendly.
Please let us know what you find out!!!!
__________________ Wear it! Save Wally and his vision. SaveWally.org
WALLY54 1954 Cruiser and Buttercup 77 Overlander
Hummer H2 2003 w/Hensley
WBCCI #11281
WDCU Unit 170, Region 2
VAC Newsletter Editor
Change can evolve through the generations. It also can occur via actions that ensure growth. Also, as our history shows, it quite often is the positive outcome of rebellion.
I've been involved in many governance and leadership groups. They all pretty much function the same, unless specific design mandates otherwise.
The head will always protect itself at the expense of the tail. The good ole boy and good ole gal networks are alive and strong. Even though those participating in such will swear it's not so. So, how does an organization prevent such? First of all you operate in the " sunshine." Every bit of business conducted in the open. You restrict nominating committes. They function primarily to weed out candidates who "are not like us." You stipulate that key governance positions must be representitive of minority or alternate views. You set up a separate bylaws committee. It reports only to the membership.
Open communication is extremely important. WBCCI should actively work to eliminate most of the paper. Registration for events needs to be electronic. A detailed Bozeman agenda etc. should be available online. The President should be required to run a blog.
I'm not hopeful for much improvement. Too many people have a vested interest in the status quo.
Tom
__________________
2007 28' Int CCD.
2008 F 250 6.4L Diesel.
DTV 5lnb on a tripod.
Wilson wired repeater with YAG.
I was fortunate enough to get an original felt blue beret. It is a real beret. My husband, Tim, found one on-line and won the bid at the last minute!
The hats that the IBT and others are currently wearing are a lighter blue cotton twill material and they don't exactly have the shape of a real beret.
If there is any possibility of getting a real beret back, or perhaps a patch that can be purchased separatley, I think it would be wonderful. I do love Wally's original 'safari' hat, as well. I don't think that the 'military-style' coats do anything for the club. They represent an unaproachable aura. But, the original berets are nostalgic and historical, and really do represent a world-class travel appearance that is both intriguing and identifiable. Very friendly.
Please let us know what you find out!!!!
You can buy real felt berets in any good hat shop or online. Look for Basque beret and you'll find what Wally probably wore back in the day. Most are black, but if you are lucky you'll find them in navy blue and possibly brown and grey. They also come in different diameters. Most are 9.5" or 10.5" but some can be had with up to a 12" diameter. Forget the leather trimmed military berets, they aren't the same thing and just don't wear the same.
__________________
Cameron & the Labradors
Kai & Samm
North Vancouver, BC
Canada
Quick Links
And, I think every member should get one for joining!
(Charter Member)
), I sent dues to a classic chevy club for years and was a minimal participant, just did not do it for me and I eventually dropped my membership. I did not get anything out of that club but I also did not put anything into it. The stubby end of this is that you get out of something what you put into it. I doubt that age has much to do with it, probably its just a particular groups acceptance of new members and new members willing to participate.
and I really did cut the 4CU folks a check as their Quartzite ralley was a blast. Participation is key.
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