If you have ever been to the International Rally, you will see what
amounts to an instant city of 3,000 to 4,000 people that springs up in
the middle of an empty space, provides water, electricity, sewage,
traffic control, mail and other services for about 2 weeks and then
disappears. This is all done by an army of volunteers. I used the word
army on purpose, because without all the rules and regulations, it
couldn't happen. I imagine a big caravan would be the same.
When we come into the International, we are on a sort of freedom, Easy
Rider, don't fence me in kind of mode and running into the rules is
sometimes irritating. When the enforcer of the rules is cranky, rude and
makes their own rules it can really spoil what should be a great get
together.
Since the Vintage Club has more than an average number of outspoken
mavericks, we often rock the boat. I suspect that rocking is more fun
than being the captain of the boat, but we should consider what Charlie
suggests, partly to be sure that the VAC isn't unfairly treated, but
mostly because I think we are sort of the holders of the Wally torch.
He was selling trailers and selling a lifestyle along with it, but the
sense of adventure does seem to be missing at the International. If
nothing else, the volunteers should be given some sort of reminder that
being helpful and friendly to everyone is job one.
Daisy ( piling sugar beets near the Canadian border in ND)
> My experience so far has been that just getting someone to volunteer to
> be an officer at any level is a challenge. The number of ex-military is
> just an indication of how many have forgotten the old adage "don't
> volunteer". They've just got to get in there and make things happen.
> This year at the July IBT there were actually two people who threw their
> names in the hat for Third Vice President. And if you recall two years
> ago there were two candidates as well. The delegates actually got to
> decide that one. Whoops! you would have to be a delegate to be part of
> that. Of course the delegates voted based on what their individual unit
> members decided. Wow, almost like a democracy!
>
> It's a whole lot easier and more fun to sit back and pick rather than to
> 1. Figure out how the system works.
> 2. Involve yourself in the system.
> 3. Work your way up through the system.
> 4. Take over and change the system.
>
> Just imagine if a small group of "concerned members" got together,
> volunteered to become officers at their units, then regions and then at
> the International level. Once two or three got into position they could
> make some major correction, eh? Has anybody tried it?
>
> The rather brief resume without stating positions on club matters makes
> it even easier. Nobody will see them coming until its to late.
>
> Charlie
>