District VII
Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Hello District VII members. I hope that many of you had a chance to enjoy those few warm days we had in March and early April before the cold came back. Those nice days started to excite me about the upcoming season.
This month, I want to chat about some things that might help us all have an enjoyable season and share our passion for the hobby with others. Club officers have often spoken to me about the desire to increase their membership numbers. I often speak of the importance of quality rather than quantity, but I realize that certain numbers are needed for the club to cover costs.
Let me ask you this: How many times might you have lost the opportunity for new members or to attract those new to the hobby? Let me provide an example.
On a work trip, I had some spare time to stop by an RC club that was near the area where I was working. Looking at the club’s website, it was a good-size club that was very active.
It was a Saturday, with beautiful weather, and although I didn’t have anything with me to fly, I wanted to enjoy the beautiful day and camaraderie, meeting new people who shared RC modeling.
What did I find when I arrived? A locked gate and no one was there. No signs with potential flying times, no information regarding a beginners’ day or a day to come out and meet members, no contact details, or any other information.
Let’s look at this for a moment. If I had been local to the area, was interested in the hobby, and used the AMA Club Finder webpage to find the club (as I did) then went out to the flying field only to find a locked gate, would my interest continue, or would I move on?
I would most likely have moved on and thus, a new hobbyist and potential member would have been lost.
How can a club avoid this situation? One thing I have seen some clubs do is dedicate a specific time that someone is available posted at the flying site entrance and on the club’s website.
Given that many people have more flexible time on the weekend (and non-school days for their children), perhaps work within your club to have select Saturdays with specific times each month posted where members are willing to commit to being there, with club instructors and Introductory Pilot Instructors (your club has a couple, right?) should be there to welcome those interested new pilots.
Members with flexible schedules could post contact details to let those who might not be able to attend on the scheduled day have an opportunity to reach out directly and schedule a time.
Reach out. You might find many people learning about your club that you had never expected!
I’ll close this month with a quick glimpse into the 2022 Toledo Swap Meet. I had the opportunity to attend it this year and I can see it continuing to grow. Thanks to its organizers for their efforts and taking the chance to create something that has tremendous growth potential.
A number of vendors were at the 2022 Toledo Swap Meet.
AMA representatives, including District I Vice President Andy Argenio (L), were on hand to meet area members and answer questions.
Until next month, enjoy the hobby and share the passion with others.
Randy Gibson
Vice President
rgibson@chmmrc.org
503 Mall Ct. # 289, Lansing MI 48912
(317) 688-4346
ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENTS
Bruce Baier, Oshkosh WI; (920) 233-1127; buzssr@gmail.com
Lee Frederickson, Ada MI; L152@comcast.net
David George, Riverview MI; (734) 284-9017; indiancity5129@yahoo.com
Bud Gorman, Knife River MN; (218) 834-5797; bgorman@frontiernet.net
Bob Johnson, Fond du Lac WI; (920) 922-6705; bobj54935@yahoo.com
Mark Rhobotti, Lindstrom MN; (651) 257-6792; mgrobotti@frontier.com
Dell Shannon, Osceola IA (641) 342-4278; dell.t.shannon@gmail.com
Len Todd, Baldwin MI; (907) 903-3569; lentodd@att.net
Peter G. Van Heusden, Bloomfield Hills MI; (248) 515-1071; petervh@malibutech.com
Kent Woods, Ames IA; (515) 232-8180; woods229@msn.com
EVENT SANCTION COORDINATORS
Michael J. Haller (RC), Fond du Lac WI; (920) 979-9452; mike.haller60@gmail.com
Marc Warwashana (CL), Whitmore Lake MI; (734) 449-7355; whellieman@gmail.com
AMA Headquarters (FF), (800) 435-9262; competition@modelaircraft.org
FREQUENCY COORDINATORS
Al Schwartz, Roseville MN; (651) 633-2286; albert.s@comcast.net
Pete Waters, Northville MI; (248) 924-0223; petewaters@charter.net
