Value proposition
View from HQ by Dave Mathewson, AMA Executive Director
A number of years ago, I attended a seminar that included representatives from various aviation-oriented organizations as well as other industry stakeholders. The topic was the declining membership numbers that most membership organizations were experiencing both inside and outside the aviation arena. At the time, AMA was in the midst of what became a nine-year decline in membership.
I remember that the executive director of one organization attempted to explain it away by simply saying, “This is not a joining generation.” Although there might have been some truth in that, I’m not sure that was the total answer.
A number of factors drive an individual to join an association. Probably one of the most important considerations is the value proposition. In other words, “What am I getting in return for my dues?”
Other factors might include that in today’s fast-paced world, where time available to get involved might be limited, does it make sense to join? And in today’s world of social media, some are getting their information from the internet where that wasn’t an option in the past.
AMA reversed its nine-year membership decline in 2012, and its paid membership has grown every year since. To date, membership numbers are up significantly again this year, and we hope to realize another significant increase in our numbers at the end of 2016.
Much of this can be attributed to most of our members believing in the AMA and supporting the organization with their dues—in other words, the value proposition.
We’ve probably all heard the saying that there is strength in numbers. Within the next two or three years—maybe even sooner—we expect AMA membership to exceed the 200,000 mark.
AMA has also seen a trend of an increase in the number of AMA chartered clubs throughout the past few years. This is likely the result of some realizing that there is a social aspect to model aviation that is almost as important, if not just as important, as the flying aspect. Camaraderie and being able to be with others who share a common interest is a significant benefit of belonging.
Another strong indicator of support from our membership is the thousands of members who make donations to the AMA in addition to their dues—donations that are earmarked by our members to support our advocacy efforts, education outreach efforts, the National Model Aviation Museum, as well as a number of other AMA initiatives. I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to thank each of you for your generosity and support.
We’ve probably all heard the saying that there is strength in numbers. Within the next two or three years—maybe even sooner—we expect AMA membership to exceed the 200,000 mark. This will be a significant milestone for our organization and one we should be proud of. It will also make our collective voice louder as we advocate with Congress and government agencies on behalf of our membership and model aviation.
And, last but certainly not least, there’s a long-term benefit of belonging. In addition to the value membership brings to you as a current member, your dues will help support and protect the hobby for your children, your grandchildren, and future generations. As the saying goes—priceless.
I want to round out this month’s column by pointing you to the “AMA in Action” column on page 11 of this magazine. The column provides an overview on where things stand as of this writing with the U.S. Senate’s 2016 FAA Reorganization Act, and the House version of the act titled the Aviation, Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act of 2016.
Although the current House version appears promising, AMA continues to work through some concerns with the Senate version. As explained in the column, there is a long way to go yet in the legislative process, and opportunities will present themselves where we will address those issues and concerns.
In 2012, when Congress passed the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act that included the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (the AMA amendment), it was near the end of the process before all of our concerns were addressed and, for the most part, resolved. AMA is, and will continue, to work toward a favorable outcome in this eventual version of the bill.
See you next time …
