<VV> HERE'S HOW YOU FIX CORSA

Thu Dec 10 14:28:32 EST 2009

Ken - (And others).   Anyone who believes that after Corsa "dies" there
will be a new movement to replace it with another club just doesn't get
any of this.

If there are members (or other Corvair people) right now who have the
burning desire to start a new organization then there already exists more
than enough energy to save the organization we already have.

But why bother? It's Corsa against "us" isn't it? Much better to kill it
and go through the considerably more arduous task of creating a new club -
a club that, without any question at all, won't have any of the problems
the old one did.

It's always greener isn't it?

Here's my advice to the Board -

Ignore most of the people complaining about Corsa right now - You know,
the majority of them aren't even members. And a lot of them have said they
dislike Corsa to the point where they will not re-join. Also look at their
central argument - that THEY are not getting enough from the small yearly
donation (dues) they would be making. They are coming from the wrong place
and you will never make them happy.

Trying to make a small group of miscreants happy, while alienating the
thousands who are current members is bad math.

Adjust dues each year so that they cover operating expenses. It is what it
is. Yes, you may lose a few members, but that's the way it goes. The only
other option is to subsidize those few as Corsa gets more financially
anemic. To what end?

Look at cutting costs on the Communique - our greatest expense. But be
careful - there are those current members who consider this the greatest
benefit in Corsa membership.

Look at radically altering our International Convention*

Look at greater penalties (compensating fees) to clubs who will not
enforce 100% National membership (Because of the insurance issue - which
is REALLY the greatest benefit to these clubs).

Finally here's my practical advice to the many whiners. Corsa is not a
dictatorship. Elections are coming up. One of my hobbies is politics. I'm
sometimes referred to as "General" Wall in local Oregon politics. That's
because I have somewhat of a reputation as a political strategist. This
advice is for free.

Those who want radical change in Corsa need to pay attention -

Lon Walls 10 rules of political action

1) You have to know how to count.
2) You have to outlive the bastards.
3) Everything is political
4) Ignore partisan politics at your peril.
6) The reason given for a political action is almost never the real reason.
7) All you have to do is get 50%+1 of the voters to say "yes".
8) A competent public voice is worth a thousand silent votes.
9) An appointed or elected position is priceless. It will take you 1000
times the effort to get what you want if you're on the outside.
10)The people holding office are not any smarter than you are. But they
have one big advantage over you - They are serving and you're not.

If there really is a cohesive group of Corsa members who want radical
change, it's like this. Get together and decide who will run in each
region (see rule #1). Without a numerical majority on the board it will be
difficult to re-make Corsa. (Simple math)

What? Your "movement" isn't that cohesive? You just haven't got the time
to serve on the Board? Too much energy and trouble?

 I haven't got time for dilettantes and other posers.

Guess what? You don't have the resources to start a new club after "Corsa"
dies off. Get it yet?

Lon Wall
(Past Western Director)

>
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 9, 2009 at 10:52 AM, kenpepke at juno.com
> <kenpepke at juno.com>wrote:
>
>>
>> This is not meant to insult you or hurt your feelings but this has been
>> going on for many, many years.  More than 20 years ago I was writing
>> letters
>> to CORSA attempting to bring about change.  I even resorted to sending
>> registered letters to everyone on the board.  I have gone nose to nose
>> with
>> Harry and anyone else that I could; as Chair of the DACC Core Group we,
>> against much resistance, showed CORSA many things that could be done to
>> improve Conventions ... NONE of which were added to CORSAs requirements
>> outline.  Dozens of times I was promised changes were 'coming.'  Some
>> did
>> come but never were they the changes really needed and never were they
>> enough.
>>
>> However, I wait with abated breath for the roll out of the NEW CORSA.
>>
>> I suspect there will be plans to reduce the cost of the Communique,
>> shorten
>> or eliminate the national convention, call on local clubs to hold
>> regional
>> conventions, and look to suppliers / advertisers for more help.  And, an
>> increase in dues.  I hope you can forgive my skepticism.
>> Ken P
>>
>> *********************************
>>
>> "The Reinharts" <jtreinhart at omnitelcom.com> wrote:
>>
>> Ken, Thanks for the thoughts. I would beg to differ with your assumption
>> that no one is listening. I am listening and so are other BoD members.
>> Change is a comin'!
>>
>> Jamie Reinhart
>> CORSA Central Director
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: <kenpepke at juno.com>
>> To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 08:51 AM
>> Subject: <VV> CORSA is broken
>>
>>
>> >
>> >
>> > Yesterday my Communique arrived and I took the time to read the
>> article
>> > which has caused so much discussion.  This subject had been discussed
>> at
>> > length on this venue many times in the past.  Members have shared a
>> > multitude of good ideas but we are talking among ourselves ... nobody
>> is
>> > listening.
>> >
>> > I have never met Mr. Jackson Weaver but from his writing he is, IMO,
>> an
>> > energetic young man that jumped in with all intentions of making a
>> > difference.  His enthusiasm has been stonewalled and has turned to a
>> > bitter realization.  His assessment of the conditions is reasonably
>> > accurate and his suggestions are aligned with the thinking of many of
>> > those on this forum.  His choice of words reflects his disappointment.
>> >
>> > The future is not ours to absolutely know.  However, past performance
>> > while not a guarantee, can be a pretty good predictor.  While there
>> are
>> > steps that could be taken to turn things around it is more likely that
>> > CORSA will die.  That does not mean the Corvair hobby will die also.
>>  Once
>> > gone, the door will be open to others to form a national organization
>> ...
>> > and someone will!  After all there are many car clubs operating
>> > successfully and decidedly in the black.  The new model will follow
>> those
>> > examples so it will be decidedly different than today.
>> >
>> > So, lets not be angry with Mr. Weaver.  Let us thank CORSA for their
>> past
>> > contributions and drink to the future, whatever that may bring.
>> > Ken P
>>
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