LOOKING BACK AT 2020
By Rich Hanson, AMA President | richh@modelaircraft.org
I THINK THAT MANY of us would just as soon put 2020 behind us. It was an unprecedented year of uncertainty and turmoil, and a year that brought a sense of loss to our nation as a whole and, for many of us, individually.
Looking past last year’s uncertainty and turmoil, we find a veiled silver lining. We found a resilience, determination, and self-reliance that defines our nation, and beyond the signature face masks and social distancing, a true sense of brotherhood, community, and compassion for our fellow Americans. Nowhere has this sense of community been more prevalent than within our own aeromodeling community.
Although we weren’t able to gather in the numbers we’re accustomed to, or travel to the traditional events that build our camaraderie and love of things that fly, we nevertheless found ways to continue to enjoy this great hobby, ways to share the marvel of model aviation, and, in a true sense of community, kept the aeromodeling heritage alive.
In many ways, 2020 was a success. It was a year of unprecedented challenges that were met and overcome by AMA’s dedicated staff that worked tirelessly behind the scenes, while putting themselves at risk to keep this hobby alive. Let me share with you a few of the successes from excerpts of the 2020 Annual Report that reflects the achievements made in an enigmatic year.
Executive Summary
Challenges can either tear a community apart or bring it together. For AMA, the challenges of 2020 drew our community closer together.
If one word could describe AMA and the events of this year, it would be “community.” Our community rallied together as never before when faced with a deeply flawed Remote ID rule. The AMA community was quick to help our fellow members who were negatively impacted by COVID-19 through donations and volunteerism, and our community was able to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and still engage with each other through new digital outlets and fly safely at outdoor events.
Although it seems that the world and nation are forming a great divide, it’s comforting to know that our hobby offers a refuge and united community of belonging. Thank you for being a part of our exciting, growing community as we showcase our efforts from 2020 in this annual report.
Your Passion. Your Hobby. One Community.
For nearly a century, our hobby has expanded into dozens of disciplines, sports, and special interests. Regardless of what our members fly, one thing remains: We are all unified as one community, passionate about the hobby of aeromodeling.
Through a collaborative effort by AMA Executive Council and AMA staff, “Your Passion. Your Hobby. One Community.” was introduced as AMA’s new tagline. Please visit www.modelaircraft.org/community to learn more about the tagline, watch a video, and download artwork.
Our Community Reacts to COVID-19
The pandemic certainly created a disruption for everyone because it impacted our daily lives and routines. AMA was quick to react to slow the spread of COVID-19 and help our members in need.
Although many of AMA’s staff worked remotely, they remained steadfast to not miss a beat and continue to answer calls, fulfill member services, and process requests.
AMA also introduced more livestreams to connect and support our members. AMA launched a new member service, the AMA Career Center, to help members find new employment related to the hobby. AMA amended many of its policies to assist contest directors, grant recipients, and clubs across the country. Most notably, the AMA Foundation and AMA partnered to launch the Separate But Together campaign to support members struggling financially because of COVID-19. More than $20,000 was raised and was matched by the AMA Foundation to provide membership assistance to those with the greatest needs.
600-Plus Virtual Campers
AMA offered creative outlets to families across the nation amid the pandemic, including our first virtual AMA Jr. Camp. Throughout the course of a few short months, projects were developed, designed, produced, sourced, ordered, and packaged into both downloadable and purchasable flight packs. The inaugural AMA Jr. Camp featured instructional videos, informative interviews, and two or three virtual livestreams per day. We reached more than 600 youth in the live, weeklong event. These resources are available on-demand for individuals, clubs, or classrooms. Learn more at amaflightschool.org/campama.
Encouraging a Community to Build
Builders are an important part of our community. AMA dedicated an entire month toward celebrating building. In October, AMA hosted a series of build webinars and tutorials, dedicated Model Aviation to building, offered discounts and free plans, built and launched a new plans portal for members with 20,000-plus searchable plans, and showcased build projects on social media. Learn more at www.modelaircraft.org/ibuildama.
These are but a few of the success stories found in the 2020 Annual Report. To read and hear the complete story, download the 2020 Annual Report at www.modelaircraft/annualreport.
Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and fun-filled 2021! Fly safely, fly responsibly, and continue to enjoy this great hobby.
