Revisiting declining membership

Many thanks for the remarks. Just what I was hoping for, and would
still like to hear from others.

In the meantime I have visited with current EAA members about their
organization, and yes they, like us, have their gremlins within, but
they are very interested in our sport. As always, some asked if we
really like flying a lawn chair with a sheet over it. sigh! Actually,
they asked a lot of great questions. Questions, that we as soaring
individuals would never bother asking each other at our bi-annual
convention, which is pretty much attended by soaring types.

All that I talked with though, spoke highly of the quality of
networking, and the exchange of information that takes place between
all EAA affilliates. Yes there are cases of the Warbirds looking down
their noses at the lawn chair flying guys, but that's normal in any
organization. Look at all of our "glass vs anything less" talk in this
forumn.

With regard to moving our headquarters. Phoenix, Moriarty, Dallas,
Harris Hill, you bet, anywhere there is airline travel close by, and I
don't mean two hours away in Lubbock. Does anyone have visitor
statistics for SSA members visiting SSA in Hobbs, on an annual basis?

Keep in mind that what we're talking about here isn't dismantling the
SSA, but growing it. Every program would still be available, and still
under our guidance.

I'm not a member of the EAA, nor am I a member of any comittee with the
intention of harm. This is strictly on the positive. My family, in
particular, my son, has greatly benefitted from the generosity of many
members of the SSA, and it's programs, and I would like to see this
continue. So when I continue to read and hear about the failing of our
sport, I would like to generate interest in a solution.

Many thanks!