"Ray Lovinggood" wrote in message
...
Bill,

I like and understand your concept, but will add my
two-cent's.

We do have members on our club's Board who don't fly
much if at all, but contribute mightily to the club's
wellfare.

No doubt this happens. However, a non-flyer will not have the same
perspective as a current, active pilot. This risks, even if inadvertantly,
leading the club in a direction at odds with the present needs of active
pilots.


I think our club has also recruited at least one of
the younger (age and low flying time) members to run
for Board Member. We want to hear 'their' voice too,
not just the voices from the crusty old-timers.

What IS amazing (probably not really) is that on club
meetings, held once every two months, the same crowd
shows up and not the younger group. It would be interesting
to talk to ALL members about opportunities to fly cross-country,
attend contests or fun-fly's with a club ship, or safety
issues, etc. with more than the same old choir, but
folks don't seem to show for the meetings.

You really need to find out why the younger members don't show. It is
critical to attracting younger people to soaring. I have asked young people
why they didn't participate the answer went like this: "Aw, it's just a
bunch of grumpy old control freaks fighting for control - I don't need the
hassle." That was a dead-on observation.

When was the last time you asked a young person for their opinion and then
acted on it? Let me say without reservation, I LIKE the current generation
of young people - tattoos and all. They have very good ideas and they will
tell you if you ask and will really appreciate it if you listen to them.

I have learned a little ritual with young student pilots. I take them aside
to a quiet place and ask, "tell me what we are doing wrong and what we are
doing right - I really want to know". I always get an earfull, most of it
spot on. Then I act on that information.

By listening to young people you make friends. It's really an ego boost for
an old coot to have a young friend who thinks you're cool.

Bill Daniels