snoop wrote:
"what if the SSA became a division of the EAA, similar to the Vintage,
Classic, Warbird divisions of the EAA.

Just curious for
thoughts.========================================= =============

The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI)-a division of the
EAA with approximately the same number of members as the SSA-could
serve as an example. NAFI publishes its own magazine, has its own web
page, sells its own merchandise, sends out email blasts to its members
on a monthly basis, and generally promotes professional flight
instruction though achievement awards such as the Master Instructor
program. This is accomplished with a small staff located within the
infrastructure of the EAA in Wisconsin. Sound familiar?

NAFI runs on volunteers, as do many of our alphabet groups. Every year
a general call goes to the NAFI membership to help man the booth at
Oshkosh and Sun 'n Fun. In 2002, I was at Sun 'n Fun as a
volunteer for NAFI. We had about 20 members manning our booth, all
there to help, and to hopefully see the airshow. With such a large
group, all participants frequently took breaks.

During the day, I found the SSA table manned by Burt and Kathy Compton
who had apparently became the usuals for these events. Why doesn't
SSA have a similar system to request such a level of volunteering,
instead of relying on the regulars? Two people to man a booth for the
entirety of the event will ensure that no one ever volunteers.

SSA recently made a call for volunteers in many areas. In an area that
fit my particular expertise, I tried to volunteer but two months after
my initial contact-no response or action has occurred. The apparent
lack of interest is puzzling.

When I renewed my membership in SSA last year, I made a suggestion like
your's. Mr. Wright had just assumed his position and asked for
forbearance while he revitalized our organization. This past year has
shown many improvements, with many more remaining. Such a merger might
cure some of the problems that are directly related to a lack of
infrastructure. Hobbs is a terrific soaring site, but is it
appropriate for our membership? I think not.
Terry Claussen
SSA member since 1979