District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members. I hope you all are doing well and staying warm while we are deep in the middle of winter. Fortunately, spring will soon be here, bringing warmer weather and the hope that we have put the squeeze on COVID-19 and can get back to enjoying our model hobbies. In the meantime, I thought I would take time to discuss a couple of the programs the AMA offers that members might not be aware of. The first is AMA’s Club Recognition Program. The organization initially put this program in place to help clubs promote and share their enthusiasm for model aviation with their local communities.
Involvement in communities helps clubs in many ways, such as growing membership. It also helps by developing relationships and bonds that could prove helpful in other ways, such as flying site acquisition and support, publicity, introduction to supporting groups, etc.
Did you know that chartered clubs can potentially receive bonuses up to $175 for media coverage of their community involvement? Newspaper, radio, and television coverage of an event or events that your club holds all contributes to this. Further information about this program can be found on AMA’s website at www.modelaircraft.org/club-recognition-program.
The second program is the Take off And Grow (TAG) program. The TAG program is a great way to introduce model aviation to members of the community and foster strong community relationships. From youngsters to adults, this program allows your club to bring increased awareness to not only your club but to model aviation.
To help clubs with creating programs such as this, the AMA’s TAG grant can provide up to $1,000 to selected clubs. More information about the TAG program can be found on AMA’s website at www.amaflightschool.org/programs/take-off-and-grow.
Last year was a difficult year for many people and clubs. Programs such as these can revitalize the passion and excitement in model aviation and form bonds between clubs and communities.
Dreaming of the warm weather soon to come, I’ll leave you with pictures of one of the last club outings I had the pleasure of visiting.
