<CORSA Chapters> [Corsabod] 100% CORSA Membership

[Bill Hubbell]

Garry brings up a valid point when he states that the chapters act as a
recruiting tool for CORSA; in fact, the chapters are the very heart and soul
of CORSA.  It is certainly reasonable, therefore, to offer new prospects a
certain period of time to "sample the wares" before requiring full
membership, but I would argue that "several years" is too long of a trial.

CORSA's biggest problem is that they have done a horrible job of selling the
value of membership.  Let's face the facts; very few (if any) chapters would
still be in existence some 40 years after the demise of the Corvair were it
not for the presence of a strong national organization that ties them
together and gives them a national presence.  Therefore, were it not for
CORSA, it is very likely that Gary would never had the opportunity to be a
member of NFCC for "several years" before joining CORSA because NFCC would
likely have faded away for lack of publicity or a reason to exist.

Think, too, of all the technical advice published in the Communiqué over the
past 40 years (Tech Guide now up to Volume 3), as well as the numerous parts
and vendor services available largely due to the presence of a large
national organization.  Did Gary benefit from any of that while he was a
non-CORSA-dues-paying member of a CORSA chapter?

It is time for CORSA to realize that there is value given to granting a club
charter membership in CORSA and it is only reasonable that CORSA receive
fair compensation for that value.  Do we really think that has been
happening these past 40 years?

If indeed "financial hardship" is the only reason preventing CORSA
membership, then the CORSA BOD should be able to create a "pay what you can"
category of membership to keep interested parties in the fold.  The point
is, though, that if you receive a benefit, you should pay something.  If
your club really believes they receive no benefit, they should leave CORSA
and see how they fare without it.  I suspect they might be surprised to find
it is not so easy being all alone.

Bill Hubbell

-----Original Message-----
From: chapters-bounces at corvair.org [mailto:chapters-bounces at corvair.org] On
Behalf Of gswiatowy at rochester.rr.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 12:31 PM
To: chapters at corvair.org
Subject: Re: <CORSA Chapters> [Corsabod] 100% CORSA Membership

I wonder how many of us can remember when we were the new guy in the club?

Around 30 or so years ago I was recruited to join the NFCC by another
Corvair owner. I had never joined a car club, and in fact did not belong to
any clubs.
I was young, married with 2 kids, and bills up the wazoo!
A $10 a year membership in a local club was a lot of money, an
extravegance. But I joined, and started enjoying things. That is where I
learned about CORSA, but I did not join CORSA for sevreal years due to
financial reasons, and sure, the what's in it for me attitude. But later
on, after my interest in Corvairs and the car hobby increased, as well as
my finances, I became a member. 
Now, If from the start, it was "join or get out", I would have walked away.
To me an attitude like this is wrong thinking.

Over the years, I have seen people join the NFCC, some stayed, some left,
some joined CORSA, some did not. And I have seen people age, and can no
longer afford and maintain their cars. Maybe some who remain members on a
local basis to maintain old friendships.
You're trying to tell me we will have to cast them out?
Pay up or get out?
No, again, wrong thinking.

The chapters can be a tool for recruitment and support, a one hand washes
the other relationship.

CORSA surely has money problems, and a declining membership. Just like
government, that spends all its time looking for new sources of revenue,
usually in the form of taxes and fees. Government cannot figure out every
new fee has another effect, the money is taken from something else, it is
not automatically there, it does not come from midair. So, some will leave,
some will stay. Others will get so PO'd they will disillusion others.

I don't have the answer, but I think someone is loading the gun, getting
ready to shoot themselves in the foot.

Gary Swiatowy



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