CLUBS FULFILL AMA’S TAGLINE: YOUR PASSION. YOUR HOBBY. ONE COMMUNITY.
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadb@modelaircraft.org
A FEW YEARS AGO, you might have noticed the tagline, “Your Passion. Your Hobby. One Community.” appearing more frequently on AMA material. This slogan isn’t a hollow message; it’s a rallying cry. Clubs are perhaps one of our best resources that embodies this slogan.
Not only do clubs offer a fantastic and safe environment for flying, but they also serve as valuable resources for our members. If you’re not a part of a club yet, connect with one by visiting the AMA club finder at www.modelaircraft.org/club-finder.
We’ve recently revamped our club and flying site search filter to make it easier for you to find the perfect club for you. You can now search not only by location but also by interest, amenities, or even FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) status.
Club members and officers should explore www.modelaircraft.org/programs/clubs to discover our programs, awards, and resources designed to support and nurture clubs. One particularly popular initiative is the AMA Club of the Month program, where we share success stories through social media, the AMA website, and other channels. Nominate a club, including your own, by visiting www.modelaircraft.org/club-submit.
Last year, we introduced the Club Anniversary Award, accessible through the club recognition link on www.modelaircraft.org/programs/clubs. Additionally, we made recent updates to our club management portal at the club finder link to assist club officers in managing rosters, setting up introductory pilots, and modifying charters.
The AMA Club Anniversary Award program allows us to honor our tenured clubs celebrating 25-, 50-, 75-, and 100-year anniversaries. Clubs are encouraged to apply at www.modelaircraft.org/programs/clubs-anniversary. When applying, please provide the club’s founding year, even if it predates its AMA charter. Include any documentation or supporting evidence for the district vice president to review. If selected, the club will receive an award, a digital badge for its website or social media, and recognition in the National Model Aviation Museum archives and on the club record. Contact your district vice president for any questions about this award.
AMA and the AMA Foundation also provide funding through various grants for our clubs. If your club has received local media coverage, submit the article, radio segment, or television clip to the AMA Foundation. The AMA Foundation will review the application and reward the club based on the coverage received. Additionally, the AMA Foundation and AMA support Take off And Grow grants, Disaster Relief Grants, and Flying Site Improvement Grants to aid the club’s community projects and flying site improvement expenses. Learn more at www.modelaircraft.org/programs/club-recognition or contact Rachelle Haughn at (765) 287-1256, ext. 221.
Thanks to all of our members for contributing to this fantastic hobby. I am honored to be a part of this community and look forward to celebrating Your Hobby. Your Passion. One Community.
