Why did you leave WBCCI

[aftermath]

Yes, freedom of choice is a nice concept. But think for a minute what you have suggested. I live in the Pacific Northwest and there are not that many units close to me. Say I don't like how the one in Oregon is being run and the one in southern California is not my choice either. So I keep looking and find a really great one in Missouri. I am not sure that would work for me.

This is not like shopping for cars with plenty of dealerships close by.

[Ken J]

Originally Posted by aftermath

If you want to keep the organization going you need to not only keep members but you need to seek out new members. I am not a member but looked very seriously into joining years ago. I followed the fight between the WBCCI members and those who were leaving and those who started up an alternate club and all of that got my attention. The religion thing did if for me but I also took issue with the "I'm in the club and you aren't" persuasive feeling I got. Before you say that your chapter is not like that and that I should look for another one to join, let me remind you that it is not as easy as you might think.

The 4 Corners unit started an outing at the Balloon Festival and invited anyone and everyone to come. Membership was not a requirement. We went and had a great time. We returned a couple of years later and found that the participation was way up and that the WBCCI was now pressuring the 4 Corners unit to limit participation of non members. Well, religion was strike one, and this was strike two. When I have to join to participate it takes on an elitist feel that separates people. I commend the leadership of the 4 Corners unit. This is a chapter that, from what I have heard, is doing it right.

If you want the club to survive you will need to focus on being all inclusive. Holding people captive to prayers to your gods is not being inclusive. Those who have said that you can just sit quietly and not participate simply do not get it. Those who go on to say, if you don't like it you can eat and then leave are the root problem of the dwindling numbers.

Concentrate on a club that avoids religion and politics and you will see an increase in interests. Just my measly two cents worth.

Unfortunately this is exactly how rumors and misinformation gets communicated - I am the founder of the four corners unit as well as the founder of Balloon Fiesta National rally - there has NEVER been any pressure from the WBCCI to limit participation to members of the club - the only requirement is that you own and bring an Airstream product - we just finished another balloon fiesta event this past weekend and frankly I really had no idea - or even care - who was a member or not - we all had a fantastic time and this event is more and more popular each year

And yes I have found the club challenging at times - however the good times I have had and the really great friends that I have made membership one of the best things I have ever done - if you go in with the attitude of how can I make this club better rather than what is the club going to do for me - you are in for a great rewarding experience

Ken J

[KK4YZ]

Originally Posted by aftermath

Yes, freedom of choice is a nice concept. But think for a minute what you have suggested. I live in the Pacific Northwest and there are not that many units close to me. Say I don't like how the one in Oregon is being run and the one in southern California is not my choice either. So I keep looking and find a really great one in Missouri. I am not sure that would work for me.

This is not like shopping for cars with plenty of dealerships close by.

Freedom of choice is more than a concept; it’s the reality in a free society. I feel for your situation (or the hypothetical you proposed) but what’s the fix? And who’s responsible for finding the fix? The “other guy”? Or the guy that is dissatisfied with the situation?

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by aftermath

But think for a minute what you have suggested. I live in the Pacific Northwest and there are not that many units close to me. Say I don't like how the one in Oregon is being run and the one in southern California is not my choice either.

New Units are formed all the time. If memory serves, the Southeastern Camping Unit (SECU) didn't even exist when I joined WBCCI almost 6 years ago.

The newest units, formed by malcontents who weren't satisfied with the units they were in— either because of location or a beef with the old guard in their former units— tend to be the most progressive, innovative, and fun units.

Join the club. Try out a unit. Or two. Or more. And if you don't like any of them, then form your own unit rather than quitting the club. It only takes about 10 members to make a new Unit. If you don't like any unit you try, surely you can find nine others who agree with you. SECU did it. You can, too. Who knows? In a few years, someone from your newly-formed Unit could become a region officer or International officer, and make a real difference for the whole club.

[mbmbstreamer]

The point of having different Units (or Clubs, is the preferred phrase) is to offer fun, friendship and adventure to folks in the manner and location they prefer.

The best thing for the members is to participate in a group which fits their needs. The best thing for the club is to encourage these differences among units.

Out unit leaves all plans for a rally in the hands of the volunteer who organized it. Our tradition is to try new and different things. We have several very different events in the near term.

December is a rally that includes Kayaking and a trip to a science center in Georgia. January offers participation in a gathering of members at a Forums event in north Florida. In February, a member will host a rally at their farm, with catered meals and musical entertainment. In March, we will be in the Ga mountains for St. Patrick’s Day.

Each rally has a different host, in a different location, and varied attendees. That is not true for all Units in the club, but that is what our members like.

We did quit a Unit in the club to form another. We didn’t leave the club, we chose to improve the experience for us.

I hope others do the same for their own groups!

[mbmbstreamer]

Originally Posted by mbmbstreamer

The point of having different Units (or Clubs, is the preferred phrase) is to offer fun, friendship and adventure to folks in the manner and location they prefer.

The best thing for the members is to participate in a group which fits their needs. The best thing for the club is to encourage these differences among units.

Out unit leaves all plans for a rally in the hands of the volunteer who organized it. Our tradition is to try new and different things. We have several very different events in the near term.

December is a rally that includes Kayaking and a trip to a science center in Georgia. January offers participation in a gathering of members at a Forums event in north Florida. In February, a member will host a rally at their farm, with catered meals and musical entertainment. In March, we will be in the Ga mountains for St. Patrick’s Day.

Each rally has a different host, in a different location, and varied attendees. That is not true for all Units in the club, but that is what our members like.

We did quit a Unit in the club to form another. We didn’t leave the club, we chose to improve the experience for us.

I hope others do the same for their own groups!

The tie to the thread?...

The new Unit was formed from many folks who were ready to leave or had previously left the club. We are growing, several years later.

[BoeingJet]

In my opinion; WBCCI is a failing organization. After just 2 years, we are done with this “pecking order/inept/antiquated rules organization.
I was all in and enthusiastic about being a caravan Leader. After my RV’ing for 18 years, you would think WBCCI is looking for a few good men/women.

At the Intl. Rally in Salem, I took the Caravan Leaders course. I offered two proposed Caravans. The 1st, a short Rally to Mexico. 9 days, which is what the “Caravan Boss” said he was pushing for. He authorized the scouting trip, for which I spent over $500 of my own money. He just pulled the rug from out of me. My bad, I guess. I did all the planning, got quotes, developed a budget, built an awesome website to advertise the Rally. In the end; I got Totally screwed!! This is how they treat great potential leaders.

I also had proposed a unique Caravan to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Wally Byram’s first Caravan in 1955 at Kentville Nova Scotia, to the Intl. Rally at Loveland, CO. in 2020. My ancestral home is Nova Scotia & one of my relatives was a signer to Canada’s Confederation, as he was Governor General of Nova Scotia. I could have gotten great press for WBCCI with that Caravan. But, no; after 5 emails sent with the proposed Caravan, NOT ONE SINGLE EMAIL WAS ANSWERED! Wally Byram is probably rolling over in his grave!
Bye-bye WBCCI.

[Hittenstiehl]

Boeing I see you are in Arizona. Come check out the 4 Corners Unit before you give up entirely.

[John&Vicki]

Member for 5 years. I think it all comes down to the local chapter and the Oregon group is awesome. The national level seems like a lot of aging folks who probably weren’t much fun when they were young.

Cheers,
John

[Arcticfox]

Originally Posted by BoeingJet

In my opinion; WBCCI is a failing organization. After just 2 years, we are done with this “pecking order/inept/antiquated rules organization.
I was all in and enthusiastic about being a caravan Leader. After my RV’ing for 18 years, you would think WBCCI is looking for a few good men/women.

At the Intl. Rally in Salem, I took the Caravan Leaders course. I offered two proposed Caravans. The 1st, a short Rally to Mexico. 9 days, which is what the “Caravan Boss” said he was pushing for. He authorized the scouting trip, for which I spent over $500 of my own money. He just pulled the rug from out of me. My bad, I guess. I did all the planning, got quotes, developed a budget, built an awesome website to advertise the Rally. In the end; I got Totally screwed!! This is how they treat great potential leaders.

I also had proposed a unique Caravan to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Wally Byram’s first Caravan in 1955 at Kentville Nova Scotia, to the Intl. Rally at Loveland, CO. in 2020. My ancestral home is Nova Scotia & one of my relatives was a signer to Canada’s Confederation, as he was Governor General of Nova Scotia. I could have gotten great press for WBCCI with that Caravan. But, no; after 5 emails sent with the proposed Caravan, NOT ONE SINGLE EMAIL WAS ANSWERED! Wally Byram is probably rolling over in his grave!
Bye-bye WBCCI.

This is to bad to hear! Have you reached out to some of the current executives to pass on your concerns? It would be interesting to see if you would get any type of constructive responses.
We have also considered putting together a new caravan that is currently it available. If this is how the club deals with people who make an effort, it might be better to just not do nothing.

[BoeingJet]

Since WBCCI has screwed me over by not sponsoring my event for very weak reasons, I still have 15 RV spaces reserved, right on the Sea of Cortez. It’s a fun place with lots of water related activities, such as Fishing charters, Sunset cruises and more. There is also golfing, ATV’ing and more.
Full hookups for just $20/nite in a gated RV Park.
We can just meet there, or I will overnite in Ajo, AZ the night before, then I can lead a convoy down to Puerto Penasco.
This is a non WBCCI even.
For more info contact me at RhodesTeamCaravans.com or 623-236-6797.
I have lots of info I can send you. I have been there 10 times before. I have received quotes from restaurants & vendors. I will not charge anything for my services, like WBCCI does. Puerto Penasco is quite safe and even US Government employees are allowed to go there on business. It’s the same security rating as Cabo San Lucas.

[Mattirs]

What dates?

[mefly2]

Originally Posted by aftermath

Yes, freedom of choice is a nice concept. But think for a minute what you have suggested. I live in the Pacific Northwest and there are not that many units close to me. Say I don't like how the one in Oregon is being run and the one in southern California is not my choice either. So I keep looking and find a really great one in Missouri. I am not sure that would work for me.

This is not like shopping for cars with plenty of dealerships close by.

What ever happened to the unit proposed for Spokane / North Idaho?

[BoeingJet]

I posted an incorrect email yesterday; correct one is RhodesTeamCaravans@gmail.com
Also 623-236-6797
I have tons of info I can send you in PDF foremat.

[Ken J]

There are two reasons why this carivan was not approved - the primary reason was it did not meet the criteria of a caravan - to be a wbcci caravan it must meet certain criteria - including a certain number of nights and a certain number of stopovers - this caravan did not meet that criteria - it was an event planned to travel a certain number of miles and a certain number of nights in one place - the second reason is several years ago the WBCCI banned travel into Mexico for some obvious reasons - hope this helps to clear this up a bit

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by Ken J

There are two reasons why this carivan was not approved - the primary reason was it did not meet the criteria of a caravan - to be a wbcci caravan it must meet certain criteria - including a certain number of nights and a certain number of stopovers - this caravan did not meet that criteria - it was an event planned to travel a certain number of miles and a certain number of nights in one place - the second reason is several years ago the WBCCI banned travel into Mexico for some obvious reasons - hope this helps to clear this up a bit

When I worked for the state of Texas I had to accompany the Tx Atty General to Mexico City while he met with the Mexican Nat'l Atty Gen for the purpose of discussing a sting operation to catch a drug-lord. High security, Texas Rangers accompanied us with automatic weapons and the Mexican Nat'l Guard escorted us wherever we went.
When we returned home two days later, we were informed by the DEA that the Mexican Atty Gen... WAS ...the drug lord we were attempting to arrest!

When a Dallas businessman was taken out of his Mexico-City taxi and murdered for his briefcase... the Mexican judge released the murderers after only FIVE days in jail,.. on the grounds "they were like Robin Hood... they only gave the money away to their neighbors" instead of for their own-use.

I informed my employer (State of Tx) that I would no longer travel to Mexico on official business...or otherwise. I used to widely travel Mexico but will never be in Mexico again for the rest of my life.

[TBRich]

Originally Posted by Ken J

There are two reasons why this carivan was not approved - the primary reason was it did not meet the criteria of a caravan - to be a wbcci caravan it must meet certain criteria - including a certain number of nights and a certain number of stopovers - this caravan did not meet that criteria - it was an event planned to travel a certain number of miles and a certain number of nights in one place - the second reason is several years ago the WBCCI banned travel into Mexico for some obvious reasons - hope this helps to clear this up a bit

This is what I have been told about this even as well... as president of the 4CU, I was surprised that a Mexico Caravan had even been discussed. Several years back the 4CU was doing a bit of pre-planning research about a 4CU rally in Rocky Point. When I brought it up with the International Office we were shut down with no discussion because our blanket liability insurance (provided through International) did not include Mexico. Therefore we could not hold a sanctioned rally there, nor advertise it as a WBCCI Unit event. In light of this decision we dropped the subject.

That said, several of our members have ventured into Mexico in small groups with success... And they have been a great time.

I'm glad the original poster is going ahead with a non-WBCCI event. Presently this is the only way to do it.

I also agree with Hittenstiehl that you should check out the 4CU before leaving WBCCI. You might be pleased with what you find.

[Hittenstiehl]

Thank you TB and Ken for your reply on the rally and why could not go forward as initially planned.

For those of us who participate in the fun stuff but do not yet participate in the logistics and the administration portion of us it's good to get educated on how things work.

As has been mentioned here many people have been very successful in going into the beautiful country and having a wonderful time.

Boeing I'm glad you're organizing it anyway as a non-official rally. It sounds like you have experience in this area. There are several other threads here which you might read also. We wish you safe passage and a beautiful time.

The 4CU will be gathering at Thanksgiving and New Year's maybe come by and say hello.

[bolerama]

We joined the WBCCI in 2009 and I was the membership chair for several years, but this year, we have decided not to renew. Our unit is a lot of fun, so that is not the reason for our not renewing. It is purely the cost. We are Canadians, and our dollar is trading below the USD. Last year, after adding in the exchange and unit fee, we paid $100 CAD. We only have 2 rallies per year (and 1 or 2 no-host campouts . . . sometimes). It's the reality of our climate.

We attended the WBCCI meeting at Alumapalooza. The speaker encouraged people to get the Blue Beret online instead of print copies. I asked, "Why not offer a lower-priced membership for those of us who only get the online version?" It fell like a lead balloon.

We will re-evaluate in 2 years and see if the cost comes down (or the Canadian dollar goes up?). We have to stay out now for at least 2 years; otherwise, we will be charged for the 1 year we missed. New rules. New ways to get money. Sigh.

Lisa

[Lily&Me]

”At the Intl. Rally in Salem, I took the Caravan Leaders course. I offered two proposed Caravans. The 1st, a short Rally to Mexico. 9 days, which is what the “Caravan Boss” said he was pushing for. He authorized the scouting trip, for which I spent over $500 of my own money.”

”There are two reasons why this carivan was not approved - the primary reason was it did not meet the criteria of a caravan - to be a wbcci caravan it must meet certain criteria - including a certain number of nights and a certain number of stopovers - this caravan did not meet that criteria - it was an event planned to travel a certain number of miles and a certain number of nights in one place - the second reason is several years ago the WBCCI banned travel into Mexico for some obvious reasons - hope this helps to clear this up a bit“

If caravan travel to Mexico has been banned for the last few years, it is puzzling that the “scouting trip” was authorized by the WBCCI “Caravan Boss”.

Exceptions to formal “caravan criteria” could surely be authorized and made.

I hope the WBCCI considers reimbursing BoeingJet for his out of pocket expenses and any lost reimbursement he will incur for reservations that have already been made.

It would be the right thing to do.

Maggie