Should we or shouldn't we

[Munchie]

We just bought our first AS and have been looking at the WBCCI to join. We are Escapees having been fulltImers and enjoy the org. Benefits. After some online searching and based on the yearly fees ,it seems to us the WBCCI is very old fashion,very regimented (militaristic) , have a very poor newsletter/mag and seems to have some very bitter infighting. Could we be seeing this wrong based on the info we have found or is this a pretty good org.? Our dealer would not give us much information. Also,Looking at the cost of their Natl rally for what you get seemed really high based on other large rally's we have attended. Any helpful discussion would be appreciated.

[HowieE]

Are you considering full timing in your Airstream. If so you might find the remaining Airstream parks worth the cost of membership. Beyond that your insight is hard to dispute.

[Foiled Again]

It seems to vary a LOT from unit to unit. I'm not currently a member - the local unit is as you describe - yet I know of two units that are very progressive and am seriously considering joining one or the other.

If I were you I'd visit one or two before deciding. I hear good things about the FCU (four corners unit) which is west of you, but seems to have FUN rallies as well as a lot of people who restore vintage Airstreams.

Paula

[damonbeals]

Most of WBCCI issues your talking about are gone now. The "old" guard is now gone and the club is making changes the members are asking for. The Magazine is going to be overhauled soon, as there is now a new committee looking at updating it.

What you get for your dues is way to connect with fellow Airstreamers. Like anything in life you will get out of the club what you put in. If you join and don't get involved, then it is a waste of money. If you join, go to local Rally's, meet people, and have fun, then you won't think twice when it's time to renew you dues.

The WBCCI, isn't like Good Sams or other RV clubs, where they try to sell you on the services as a reason to join.

Damon
#4827

[dkottum]

We joined several years ago and have kept up membership for the opportunity for Airstream-only caravans and rallies, as well as connect with other Airstreamers. It's part of the Airstream tradition and lifestyle, we have our red membership numbers displayed proudly.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Munchie

After some online searching and based on the yearly fees ,it seems to us the WBCCI is very old fashion,very regimented (militaristic) , have a very poor newsletter/mag and seems to have some very bitter infighting. Could we be seeing this wrong based on the info we have found or is this a pretty good org.?

Opinions vary widely in that regard.

Part of the reason is that WBCCI is not a monolithic organization. Each Unit has its own personality, shaped by its membership. Some Units will be a good fit for you, others will not. I suspect that some of the detractors of WBCCI were in Units that didn't suit their personalities, and left the club rather than transferring to a different Unit that might have been a better match.

I for one have not seen much "bitter infighting" in my four years of membership to date. Some, but not a lot. All fighting in WBCCI is infighting because WBCCI doesn't go to war with anyone outside the club. And there will of course be some infighting because no group of that size can be unanimous in every opinion, and many members are very passionate about the opinions they hold, against all opposition.

I've been a Unit president and have absolutely no desire to rise higher in the organization by seeking Region or International office; in fact, my term as Unit Prez has made it abundantly clear to me that I'm in the wrong Unit, so I'll be changing my membership next year to a Unit that should be more copacetic. Don't get me wrong… with very few exceptions I like the members of my present Unit, but their collective preference in terms of rally venues and activities just doesn't match mine. The Unit I've selected to transfer into next year is a little bit farther away geographically, but should better match my style. And if it doesn't, there are others I can try.

I've been a member of WBCCI for four years, and in just that amount of time I've seen a modest amount of change in the club. Change happens slowly, because the "club" is actually a licensed non-profit organization and so it has to follow parliamentary procedures and adhere to a constitution and bylaws— and those cannot be changed wholesale without legal review and voting by the membership.

In order for change to happen, you've got to join the club, stick with it long enough to see a problem, file a motion regarding the problem, and stick with the club long enough to shepherd the motion through the system. Kind of like the US Congress in that regard, but on a smaller scale. And too many members think that it's up to the club officers to do this. That's not true. Any member, at any level, can file a motion for a proposed change to the Constitution and Bylaws; the only thing that is solely up to the officers is to implement the changes decided upon by the membership.

But in order to file a motion, you can't just see a problem, you also have to come up with a workable and cost-effective solution. All change is the result of finding solutions, not finding problems. That's where a lot of change dies stillborn, because the people who see a problem would rather leave it to someone else to find a solution while they just sit back and gripe about it. Or worse, quit the club and gripe about it.

That's also where a lot of the reported infighting comes from, because there are basically three sides to any issue:
(1) There's no problem;
(2) There's a problem and here's how to fix it; and
(3) I agree there's a problem but I don't like your proposed fix.
Change only happens when group (2) outnumbers the combined groups (1) and (3) by enough of a majority to get the fix passed in a vote. And if group (2) gets voted down, then group (3) gets a chance to propose a different solution next time and the process starts over, with the former group (3) now in the (2) position. Repeat as necessary until either group (2) wins and a change is made or group (1) wins and the status quo prevails.
Change can happen quickly, but only when the membership is virtually unanimous in their agreement that there is a problem, and virtually unanimous in their agreement on a solution.

[dames7]

It's like any organization, you have the 80/20 rule, we have been to states in their rallies and have been welcome by very nice people and we have a very large group of friends all over the USA.

I believe that the small group of people that don't like the WBBCI most likely have too much time on their hands, they need to get out and meet the nice people that have AS and their local groups.

The biggest problem is we have way to much FUN when we get together, way too much food, wine and friendship going on.

So, you do not like that much good times, then it's not for you.

[TBRich]

As said above, it varies greatly from unit to unit... Our Unit (Four Corners Unit) is a great group, very progressive, inclusive, laid back, lots of fun, great people, good rallies, with little concern or bother over regimentation and regalia. We camp together. We have fun together. My advice? Try a few units as guests to see what they are all about and how you fit with the folks involved... As to the larger organization...it is changing slowly...and for the better.

[Jacob D]

My wife and I joined WBCCI a couple of years before my retirement 8 years ago. Prior to that we just didn't have time to devote to a past time because of my extensive work travel, raising kids with attendant church and school activities and taking care of elderly family members.

Since joining, we have made more friends with similar likes and dislikes than ever before and have thoroughly enjoyed our local unit Palmetto State. Yes there have been moments of tension when folks disagreed on something, but those times pass. Like many clubs, our membership is aging out and new members aren't always easy to find but it appears we have "turned the corner" on that issue and have recently welcomed several new member families. We even enjoy our time as officers of the local unit, me as President and my wife as corresponding secretary.

We have a wonderful chaplain/member who is a retired minister. Paul holds a very inspiring worship service each Sunday morning at our rallies. What a great way to say so long to so many friends after a rally when we pray for each other for safe journey Home.

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Munchie

We just bought our first AS and have been looking at the WBCCI to join. We are Escapees having been fulltImers and enjoy the org. Benefits. After some online searching and based on the yearly fees ,it seems to us the WBCCI is very old fashion,very regimented (militaristic) , have a very poor newsletter/mag and seems to have some very bitter infighting. Could we be seeing this wrong based on the info we have found or is this a pretty good org.? Our dealer would not give us much information. Also,Looking at the cost of their Natl rally for what you get seemed really high based on other large rally's we have attended. Any helpful discussion would be appreciated.

I guess the WBCcI organization is a little old timey.
The online version of the newsletter/magazine is much better- vibrant full color- high definition- I wish they would discontinue the print version with its grainy black and white photos.
Not all units are structured/regimented/militaristic.
Not all units wear blue berets.
The Mississippi Unit is a very relaxed, informal unit. We enjoy rallies and fellowship.
The rally fees are generally very inexpensive, as our unit has money in the bank. Our rallies are the least expensive form of entertainment there is, but yet very well organized with events and tours. Kudos to the organizers of the events and rallies. It is always a fun time.
We attend other large rallies and our Mississippi Unit rallies are pretty much the same. All are fun.
I do look forward to retirement when I can rally and caravan more often.

[Silver.Sanctuary]

Originally Posted by Munchie

We just bought our first AS and have been looking at the WBCCI to join. We are Escapees having been fulltImers and enjoy the org. Benefits. After some online searching and based on the yearly fees ,it seems to us the WBCCI is very old fashion,very regimented (militaristic) , have a very poor newsletter/mag and seems to have some very bitter infighting. Could we be seeing this wrong based on the info we have found or is this a pretty good org.? Our dealer would not give us much information. Also,Looking at the cost of their Natl rally for what you get seemed really high based on other large rally's we have attended. Any helpful discussion would be appreciated.

I bought an airstream in 2014 and had the same concerns. The more I read the more I saw a 'stuffy, structured, overpriced' organization that appeared to do very little.........so I stayed away until 2016.

Then I found the 4CU. It was everything I was hoping to find. Terry Rich is right and beat me to this, but if you are looking for a great bunch of folks who don't much care for meetings and talking about having fun and would rather just go out and have a great time, then you found the right answer. I consider joining the WBCCI a necessary evil to be a part of the Four Corners Unit. You don't seem that far away, and we have Associate members all over the country.

[dwightdi]

We have been WBCCI members for over 20 years. We have both been Unit Presidents. We have been retired for 20 years. We have time to work for, and enjoy, the local club, as well as the Region and International activities. If you have the time and enjoy the type of activities the club puts on, the membership dues are worth it. Most of the dues money is spent for the salaries of the employees at the Jackson Center HQ. Some dues moneys go to the Region and International Officers, as a mileage travel subsidy, to attend rallies. Attendance at WBCCI International Rallies have been a lot smaller recently and the fixed overhead costs have increased, leading to higher per trailer rally fees by comparison to the larger non-Airstream clubs with higher attendance. Other clubs usually charge higher fees for caravans than the volunteer lead caravans provided by WBCCI. WBCCI is a non-profit corporation and therefore, all events are designed to be revenue neutral.
Your match with the local unit demographics and desired activities will determine if WBCCI is for you.

[Longboard6]

Nope! We were members for a year and could never break the secret barrier to sign up for ralies. I guess the old ones need to "retire".

[FreshAirStmr]

Originally Posted by Silver.Sanctuary

Then I found the 4CU. It was everything I was hoping to find. Terry Rich is right and beat me to this, but if you are looking for a great bunch of folks who don't much care for meetings and talking about having fun and would rather just go out and have a great time, then you found the right answer.

To join, are you required to put the red numbers on your trailer?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by FreshAirStmr

To join, are you required to put the red numbers on your trailer?

Most do. Some don't. If you're at a big rally or on a caravan it's usually best to display the numbers, but you can do that by means of a temporary sign in your front window if you like. The numbers don't need to be permanently attached.

There are several threads here on the Forums regarding different ways to display WBCCI numbers.

[Bill M.]

Not required to put red numbers on trailer to join. Are required to display the numbers if you attend a national or other large rally. Some people put them on a placard in the window.

Should you join? How old are you and what do you like to do? We belong so that we can go on the caravans. The WBCCI caravans are really good. The International meeting does not have much to offer a newcomer. As some one mentioned it serves a business meeting and training meeting for caravan leaders and many attend just as a get together with friends from past caravans. There is some entertainment and diversions but those are minimal and not the purpose for attending. Some members never attend the International, some go once, and about 1500 go every year and many of them work hard to make it happen.

[moosetags]

We have been WBCCI members for ten years, and intend to remain members. We are not congregators, but have attended several district rallies. We have visited a number of the Airstream only RV parks. We have the Big Red Numbers display on our Airstream. We feel that the Big Red Numbers are kind of like Pink Flamingos. They are just an integral part of an Airstream.

Brian

[Florida 55]

Originally Posted by HowieE

Are you considering full timing in your Airstream. If so you might find the remaining Airstream parks worth the cost of membership. Beyond that your insight is hard to dispute.

Very few of the Airstream parks require WBCCI membership to stay overnight. Some Airstream Parks are owned by WBCCI units, but most of those do not require membership in the club to stay overnight. Others are owned by individual Airstreamers who purchase stock in the park. The independent Airstream parks allow anyone with an Airstream or Argosy unit to visit.

With the exception of the park in Arizona, all Airstream Parks welcome overnight Airstream visitors. The Arizona park is for the exclusive use of its member owners. Check each park's website before visiting to see if it requires WBCCI membership. If you have pets, also check the park's pet policy. While most welcome pets, at least one does not.

If you haven't stayed in an Airstream park, give it a try. We've visited four of the parks and were made to feel extremely welcome at each one.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[mandolindave]

Although, I am in a camping/music club.

#1 You can be a member of both clubs

#2 If you make just one true friend…it would be worth joining.

#3 Yes…you will have Airstreams in common, but more importantly, you will be around people who want to be around people. Of course, if you also want solitude, you can always go boon docking every once in a while.

[Utah Man]

We bought used a couple of years ago and knew nothing about WBCCI. When we found out earlier this year of the forming of a new Utah unit, Utah's Wasatch AS Club, we joined. We're planning to help define what our unit will be, but it's off to a great start already (we have great unit leadership; that's you, Ben and Julie.) We may eventually participate in surrounding area units also, as we have already met really great folks from other units like Four Corners.

There's a real social upside to Airstreaming, something we're just now learning more about, but we are already making new friends and developing a network of contacts with lots of helpful info.

Regards - Ron