A welcoming environment?
Jay Smith, Editor-in-Chief
jays@modelaircraft.org
If you had to sum up the reasons that you became involved in flying model aircraft, your response might likely include the love of aviation, but could also touch on an enjoyment of building and flying models. Depending where and with whom you fly, your answer could also contain words such as friendship and fellowship, and include surrounding yourself with like-minded people.
On the other hand, words such as politics, expense, and noninclusiveness, would be unlikely to find their way into the description. Yet unfortunately, these terms can creep into a club environment.
As with anything in life, we didn’t just wake up as experts in any field. We instead had to learn, over time, the skills needed to take on new challenges. It is likely that some of that learning came with help from others.
Clubs have long served as great resources for newcomers to our sport by providing not only approved flying sites, but access to knowledgeable and helpful members who can provide training and direction, ensuring that a budding aviator has a successful flight experience.
This month’s lead feature might be eye-opening to some, as Dave Scott tackles ways to make your flying club more inclusive. When I read the article, I thought that Dave made some great observations and provided good suggestions on how to increase a club’s membership and improve its experience. I also came away with the feeling that a small number of readers might not appreciate the bluntness of the information; however, sometimes an honest, direct approach does the most good.
If you wonder where your club stands in its acceptance and welcoming atmosphere, why not ask a friend or coworker to pay your club a visit and get his or her feedback about the experience? The information you might receive from a visitor’s experience, as well as the insight Dave has provided in his article, could provide your club with answers it needs to acquire new members, as well as retain existing members.
