AS Club Experience? Likes, Dislikes, Good & Bad?

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

You make it sound like a bad thing. Being on the fringes is not a bad thing in itself. Three hundred-some million people are Americans, and for most of them the limit of their participation in government is to vote and serve jury duty. At least with the WBCCI, there's no jury duty, just the occasional voting. We don't all have to aspire to be president, of the USA or of the WBCCI.

I'll take the fringes any day.

It might be perfectly suitable to you. I was a bit put off by the "two class" nature of it. I am more of an egalitarian, I suppose.

When I imagine the ideal situation, I think of inclusivity as more virtuous than exclusivity.

I do think clubs need some structure, but not so much it becomes an end in itself. I can't imagine a trailer club really needing more than a two page bylaws.

[Condoluminum]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I do think clubs need some structure, but not so much it becomes an end in itself. I can't imagine a trailer club really needing more than a two page bylaws.

Therein lies one of the issues with WBCCI... The majority of the Leadership are owners of large boxy Airstream Motorhomes.. That has led to several of the emotionally draining political battles over the past few years... I admit I find it difficult to believe a trailer club needs a Parliamentarian, but clearly one has been necessary recently...

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by mstephens

It might be perfectly suitable to you. I was a bit put off by the "two class" nature of it. I am more of an egalitarian, I suppose.

When I imagine the ideal situation, I think of inclusivity as more virtuous than exclusivity.

I do think clubs need some structure, but not so much it becomes an end in itself. I can't imagine a trailer club really needing more than a two page bylaws.

No argument there. The club's constitution and bylaws are rather Byzantine, reading as if they're written by attorneys. Which they probably were, since WBCCI is an incorporated non-profit organization and not just a club. The IRS requires a constitution and bylaws be published for NPOs every five years, and further, also dictates to some extent what the constitution and bylaws must cover.

But a discussion of the WBCCI constitution and bylaws, as it affect potential members, is not exactly productive. For potential new members, you could probably do just fine without ever downloading a copy of the constitution and bylaws, unless you plan to become a club officer someday, or you want to attend the International Rally and take part in the pomp and circumstance. Most of the code of conduct is common sense.

And you don't have to buy a Wally beret, either, unless you really want one. Unless you're at the International Rally, you may never see anyone wearing one.

[msmcv51]

A funny thing happened last year. A couple in a state park in Ohio asked if the big red numbers were rental unit numbers and that got us talking about the club. Here's one to think about. Have you heard of the N.O.V.A. unit, It is a web based unit mostly in northan Ohio, but has members across the country. I was told by the unit president that the average age of the members was between 50 & 55. The dues are $1.00 a year if you mail it to them and more if you chose a credit card.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

For potential new members, you could probably do just fine without ever downloading a copy of the constitution and bylaws, unless you plan to become a club officer someday, or you want to attend the International Rally and take part in the pomp and circumstance. Most of the code of conduct is common sense.

And not to sound argumentative here, but there's a bit more to it than that as far as new members go. Again, this is simply one man's opinion, but those who come in and think they will ignore all the business and bylaws issues and ignore all these leadership issues will find themselves largely ignored socially. More of an appendage than a real part of the club. This is because all that "administrative stuff" defines the club, to a very large degree. It's the stuff the oldtimers who run the club obsess about.

Condo---
You mentioned the problem of the very long (months long) caravan and I agree. I'd love to see trips in the 2 to 3 week range emerge. There are some, but not many. Not enough.

Not to be misunderstood, I like a good tight organization and a few common sense rules to keep things on track. But I think they should only be service rails, not goals that keep people busy for hours and weeks on end in debate. Size of the flag to be given to ex-presidents? Really? :-)

I know there was a "Bylaws Committee" that worked for maybe a year to reduce it down from it's massive size and they met a LOT of resistance. I admit, I don't know the current state of that effort though. I am not even sure there is a reason to be a 501 C(3). I think this all came about because the Airstream Corporation used to own the club and had to separate it out from their business. Not sure on that, but I think that's the reason. I belong to other "clubs" and they work fine, are not 501's and they have two page charters - for example.

There is also a very odd (to me) military or marshal vibe in the WBCCI. I see no reason for it.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

Originally Posted by mstephens

From what I can gather TAC appears to be very informal and there aren't all that many rallies or group activities through the year.

Host a rally or organize a caravan and then there will be yet one more. Very close to you too

[RUMSHIP]

Originally Posted by Silver Otter

The best thing = our wonderful local Unit friends. The weirdest thing = that funny Blue Beret, both the one they wear and the one they publish. We'll keep our membership. We'll go to things or not as they suit us. It's up the individual to make membership in any organization be useful by participating.

Participation is the key. The more you put in, the more fun you get out.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by 62overlander

Host a rally or organize a caravan and then there will be yet one more. Very close to you too

I'd love to. And I have considered doing just that. Although we are now moving (sorry!), and will wait to we get to the new digs in SoCal around July.

I think even 5 to 10 rigs makes a great little 3 to 5 day camp-out. It doesn't have to be huge to have fun. I'd love to find some ranch or meadow that could hold a "circle the wagons" style camp-out. That would be a hoot. I've also thought a "beach crawl" would be fun for 5 days with a small number of rigs.

[Frank's Trailer Works]

sounds like you know all about what TAC is about then. Let the webmaster know when we can put it on the calendar. With no dues or officers, TAC is what it's members make of it. Kind of a "free range club"

[RUMSHIP]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I'd love to. And I have considered doing just that. Although we are now moving (sorry!), and will wait to we get to the new digs in SoCal around July.

.

If your moving to SoCal, look us up in San Diego. Your more then welcome to join us at one of our weekend rallies.

[RUMSHIP]

Originally Posted by RUMSHIP

If your moving to SoCal, look us up in San Diego. Your more then welcome to join us at one of our weekend rallies.

I should have posted a link to our web page. Oops. Airstreamsandiego.com

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by RUMSHIP

I should have posted a link to our web page. Oops. Airstreamsandiego.com

Thanks for the invite Rumship! We won't be far away from SD and we will definitely try a rally with your outfit.

[wkerfoot]

mstephens,

We belong to three units in Southern California, El Camino Real, South Coast and Central Coast California Units. All three of them are friendly, informal units. Our main unit is El Camino Real El Camino Real Unit We are headed to Hemet the end of the month for the Ramona Pageant Official Website of the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre ~ Home of "Ramona" ~ American's Longest Running Outdoor Drama and the Official California State Outdoor Play With these units we have gone many places which we would not have otherwise gone: Reagan Library, Malibu Getty, Death Valley for Death Valley Rendezvous, King Tut Exhibit, Sam Maloof home and bus tour of Santa Barbara.

When you move down here, please look us up.

Bill

Originally Posted by mstephens

Thanks for the invite Rumship! We won't be far away from SD and we will definitely try a rally with your outfit.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

With these units we have gone many places which we would not have otherwise gone: Reagan Library, Malibu Getty, Death Valley for Death Valley Rendezvous, King Tut Exhibit, Sam Maloof home and bus tour of Santa Barbara.



Bill

Places I'd love to see Bill. Another nice invite - thank you. I was going to say that one of the very best things about the 7 or 8 rallies I attended was we always visited some really interesting places that I would not have been likely to go to on my own. There's something nice about a pre-arranged tour. I can think of half a dozen cool discoveries we had on rallies. That's the "adventure" part that I think clubs can do really well. Seriously, thanks for that nice invite. We'll meeting once we get settled down here.

[Smartstream]

The general theme here as well as most other discussions about WBCCI is that it is all about the units. Find a unit you like and have fun and forget about or don't worry about the IBT and their politics. I think this is very good advice. The problem I have is the dues situation. As per the WBCCI web site the national dues are $65 per year and the units very from $1 to $25. And of coarse we cannot forget the "at large" member, they don't have a unit and for that they have the privilege of paying another $20.

The way to get me to return to the club...Make my unit dues $65 and the national dues $20. The IBT can argue all the want about their bylaws and the units can go about the business of having fun. Am I asking for too much?

[JamieEllis]

I've very much enjoyed traveling and living in my Airstream for the past five years. I enjoy the socializing when camping, whether in my Airstream, popup or tent. However, I found I have no interest in happy hours, potlucks, caravans or rules. So I'm no longer a WBCCI member. Everyone is different; it's not for me.

[Airbiscuit]

Everyone has their own thing of what the enjoy and what they want to get out of a camping trip. My husband and I benefit from both worlds. We are members of TAC and just hosted the TAC OH Amish Country Rally this past weekend. We are not members of WBCCI but enjoy camping with the NOVA unit. So those we "run" with tend to cover both groups. We then camp what we want, when we can (not retired yet) and tend to be the youngest in the group. That being said, we always have fun no matter who we camp with and there is always fellowship, great stories, and a bunch of food. If you are ever in our neck of the woods (Ohio) we would be more than happy to have you join us to courtesy park or meet you somewhere in the state and enjoy the company! You don't have to belong to any club or even have an airstream with my philosophy, so long as you enjoy the outdoors and like having a good time, we would be willing to hang!
BTW, we are not members of WBCCI has no benefit to us since we still have to work during the week However, once we are retired and have the availability to leave our stick building, we will probably use the membership and will join then but it would be with the NOVA unit due to their unique design.

[RUMSHIP]

Originally Posted by Airbiscuit

Everyone has their own thing of what the enjoy and what they want to get out of a camping trip. My husband and I benefit from both worlds. We are members of TAC and just hosted the TAC OH Amish Country Rally this past weekend. We are not members of WBCCI but enjoy camping with the NOVA unit. So those we "run" with tend to cover both groups. We then camp what we want, when we can (not retired yet) and tend to be the youngest in the group. That being said, we always have fun no matter who we camp with and there is always fellowship, great stories, and a bunch of food. If you are ever in our neck of the woods (Ohio) we would be more than happy to have you join us to courtesy park or meet you somewhere in the state and enjoy the company! You don't have to belong to any club or even have an airstream with my philosophy, so long as you enjoy the outdoors and like having a good time, we would be willing to hang!
BTW, we are not members of WBCCI has no benefit to us since we still have to work during the week However, once we are retired and have the availability to leave our stick building, we will probably use the membership and will join then but it would be with the NOVA unit due to their unique design.

One reason to join a club is to support that club. It's nice that you have found a unit that continues to allow you to camp with them. Hopefully they will still be a unit when if ever you find it more to your advantage to join. It doesn't sound like you don't camp often or don't participate. You hosted a TAC rally. It sounds like you would be an asset to the NOVA unit with your membership.

People have to understand clubs don't survive without member support. In this world it's with dues, money. The WBCCI, Air Forums both have ways to help support these clubs. Without funds to pay the operating costs, they will simply fade away. It always amazes me when people want services for free. The amount of people on the forums who are not supporting members is incredible. It's a sticker, it's a small fee that helps with cost of the site.

I don't want to sound to critical. I just think you should support the clubs service that you are apparently using and frankly enjoying. Age not important, working, not important. Enjoying the time spent with others, very important. Helping to support those clubs longevity, also very important.

[Airbiscuit]

Originally Posted by RUMSHIP

One reason to join a club is to support that club. It's nice that you have found a unit that continues to allow you to camp with them. Hopefully they will still be a unit when if ever you find it more to your advantage to join. It doesn't sound like you don't camp often or don't participate. You hosted a TAC rally. It sounds like you would be an asset to the NOVA unit with your membership.

People have to understand clubs don't survive without member support. In this world it's with dues, money. The WBCCI, Air Forums both have ways to help support these clubs. Without funds to pay the operating costs, they will simply fade away. It always amazes me when people want services for free. The amount of people on the forums who are not supporting members is incredible. It's a sticker, it's a small fee that helps with cost of the site.

I don't want to sound to critical. I just think you should support the clubs service that you are apparently using and frankly enjoying. Age not important, working, not important. Enjoying the time spent with others, very important. Helping to support those clubs longevity, also very important.

We camp quite often actually, though it tends to be weekend camps vs caravans and far away places. We also host many rallys including some of the Buddy Rallys for WBCCI units. I have no qualms about supporting groups we enjoy however, I work hard for my money and most times we support the groups we belong to in other ways that are more detrimental than monetary. For example, I spend many hours prepping to host rallys and doing the leg work, updating newsletters/websites, and making sure it gets attention. I have NEVER EVER charged a rally fee or expected my services or my camping stay to be covered by anyone but myself. We also do not throw simple rallys. Ask anyone who was at the TAC OH rally their thoughts on what we put together without ever asking for a rally fee.
It is not all about the money for some clubs, as an example, check out the membership dues for units in WBCCI. Why is there a need for more than $5 membership to a unit above the $65 wbcci fee?
I can enjoy the fellowship and company of others without being a member of a club to camp. Its about getting back to nature and enjoying the outdoors.

[RUMSHIP]

Like I said, you would be an asset. Unit dues help with reserving campsites ahead of time for members. Cost of running websites. Printing of newsletters. On and on. Like I said, I hope your local unit is still around when you decide it will benefit you. In case your unaware, units are folding ever year from lack of support. I'm glad you are active.