District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello fellow District VII members. We had a unique start to spring—one day beautiful, warm temperatures then the next day cold and snow. At one point I wondered if I somehow missed summer!
It took a few weeks, but the weather has stabilized (except for some bouts of rain), but I hope all of you have had a chance to get out to your flying sites and enjoy the areas of the hobby in which you participate.
Before I get too far, I want to thank the District VII members who pointed out an error in the photos that I included in my April article, where I mislabeled the photo of a Douglas AD-4 NA Sky Raider and referred to it as a Corsair. I am proud to say that District VII members know their aircraft! Thank you for pointing out the error.
I had the opportunity to visit a few clubs and am looking forward to visiting many more throughout the district this season. Please send me an email of any upcoming events. I hope to come for a visit.
I have heard about many successes and some of your concerns. I want to discuss some of the things that clubs have presented to me. A few have expressed the desire to increase their membership. Clubs have put on programs to try to attract new members but were not seeing the successes they had hoped for. Without a doubt, the effects of COVID-19 and the shutdowns we have seen throughout the past year have made recruiting new members an uphill battle. Clubs that were still able to hold public events, unfortunately, did not see their membership grow.
Of the two clubs with which I spoke, on first meeting I would have thought that they have large membership rolls. Surprisingly, their membership numbers, by most people’s standards, would be considered low.
So, what makes these clubs so strong? I think it is because of their community involvement, support, and active members. A key to a club’s success does not necessarily draw from the actual number of members, but the members who go that extra mile in promoting the hobby, tying in, and becoming active within the community.
For example, one club works with the community’s Toys for Tots group and holds a fundraising Christmas fun-fly where pilot fees and toys are donated to the program. The club’s involvement does not stop there. The club members also work during the distribution days and volunteer to help with setting up and dismantling the venue. This extra step helps to shine a brilliant light on the club. Community backing is especially important and can have positive influences on how our hobby is viewed.
Membership numbers might look good on paper, but the activity of the club can and will be more beneficial to future endeavors. Look for a tie-in with local museums, school systems, or even city councils. Air shows, educational programs, open houses, and many other options might exist. AMA Headquarters staff is there to work with clubs to provide suggestions and support.
EAA AirVenture 2021, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is upcoming. I know clubs in the area will be participating at the KidVenture section of AirVenture. Please let us know about your participation and share photos.
Until next month, share the passion of flight with others and have fun!
