View from HQ - 2001/02
Joyce Hager, Executive Director
Go out and "Adopt-A-School!"
The end of the year 2000 is nearly here. As I write this, winter is coming to Indiana and most of the other parts of the Northern Hemisphere. It is time to give up flying for the year and start building for the new season — that is, unless you live in one of those wonderful areas that allows you to fly all year round.
Membership increased 6% in the year 2000, giving us a total membership of 165,365.
With this issue of Model Aviation, we are kicking off a new member incentive program: join three new members and receive a free membership. This is an effort to continue the growth of the association and introduce many new people to this wonderful hobby. By increasing membership and public awareness you contribute to the cause of making sure this hobby will stay around for a long time.
Did anyone see the October 30, 2000, article "Flights of Fantasy" in Time magazine? If not, you should read it. It is excellent coverage for the sport/hobby.
All this is to say that each of us should promote modeling every chance we get.
In the last several columns, I have had the opportunity to share some stories of what some clubs have done to promote modeling and encourage new members.
Our youth membership stands at approximately 22,218, and it does not take a rocket scientist to know that this number would increase if every club recruited just one new member. Even if they do not join today, the seed will be sown for the future.
Is it difficult? No.
Is it hard work? Yes, but only if it is left to one or two individuals rather than having lots of support.
Is it rewarding and fun? What do you think?
Remember, aeromodeling does not start and end with a transmitter. There are many other types of model aircraft that are both affordable and achievable for the beginner.
The future of aeromodeling does not lie entirely with our youth, but they are very important to us if we are to have a viable future.
If you need some ideas about programs available to attract young people to aeromodeling, check out our Web site, www.modelaircraft.org, in the sections marked "Programs for Members" and "Educational Information." Some financing may be available. Go out and "Adopt-A-School!"
New Building Update: Progress continues! The building is about 75% complete with the move-in date to be around January 15, 2001. I know that all of the AMA employees are excited. We will plan for a ribbon cutting sometime next year. It will probably be combined with another special event in Muncie. Watch for the details in Model Aviation and on the AMA Web site.
Donations: For the members who have had a chance to visit and fly at Muncie, the next time you are driving the paved roads, McLaughlin and Temporary, be sure to extend your thanks to the National Free Flight Society. Through their generous donation of nearly $30,000 to complete the loop, and the donation received by Tom McLaughlin, we were able to complete these roads much sooner than anticipated. Yes, I know — these are not roads but flightlines for the free flighters!
AMA again hosted the Muncie, Logansport, Anderson Kennel Club dog show this past summer. Approximately 1,200 dogs were shown during a three-day period. The Muncie Kennel Club donated $2,500 for use of the site during this time.
Happy flying,
Joyce Hager Executive Director jhager@modelaircraft.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
