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An open letter to the RPA
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barryhancock

Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 285

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:48 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

All,



I recently received my "5th call" for membership renewal via an ecomm. For some time I have been contemplating my membership in the RPA.  In the past I have served on the board, as a regional director, media relations guy, and run the flagship event for the RPA on the west coast - All Red Star -  so my interest in seeing the association prosper and serve it's membership is significant.  



To me, an association of this type (all volunteer and serving a special interest group) needs to be as inclusive as possible, consistently provide useful information helping to support individual operators, and also representative of the membership at large in order to provide value to the members.  



In this day of communication, there is no reason to not have regular contact with membership via the internet and email.  Our association has supposedly spent our membership dollars in recent years in upgrading/maintaining the web site and ecomm tools, yet there have been no useful updates in at least 6 months.  There have been virtually no ecomms in recent memory other than membership recruiting and announcements of elections.  Why is there not a monthly update to membership on what is going on in the association.  Come to find out there has not been a board meeting in 9 months.  And who are our current board members?  Flyredstar.org shows all the regional directors expiring in summer 2011.  



Red Alert is supposed to be a quarterly magazine, yet there hasn't been one in nearly a year.  The last archived RA on the web is from the Spring of 2010 (the Winter 2010 link takes us to a 2009 edition).  When there is a magazine, most of the articles focus on formation.  Yet, how many of our 500+ members fly formation?  Speaking of 500 members, last I heard there were 400+ members.  While the numbers are great, why don't I know any of them?  How hard would it be every month to acknowledge new members and introduce them to membership so they feel welcomed and wanted?  



In 3 of the 6 regions there are no events scheduled for 2012.  



When was the last time a budget, tax return, or I&E was presented to membership, much less voted on?  When was the last membership meeting?

Does anyone know who is on the check pilot committee?  How did they get there?



The questions go on, but one thing is clear, at least to me.  The current representation of membership, value of membership, and communication with membership is unacceptable.  



Having had several conversations with current and past RPA leadership, the single biggest problem is membership structure.  We have "one deep" representation at the top, and on nearly all committees.  Why?  With 500+ members are you telling me we cannot form small volunteer groups for each committee to make the workload manageable and make sure that membership is consistently served in a valuable way, even when one of the volunteers has life happen and cannot perform his/her responsibility in a timely manner? An association of this type does not need a president, but a chairman of the board.  A perfect example of why leadership structure needs to change is that our president (whom I like and respect) had personal issues that kept him from performing his duties as president and the association essentially stopped functioning.  Under the current structure the president's position carries too much burden and what we have seen in the last 12+ months is the result - membership is not properly served by the association.  



To me this is all the result of a system that needs an overhaul.  Just like with any governance, entrenched leadership is problematic at some point or another.  Both from a burnout standpoint, and a dogmatic entrenchment standpoint, allowing people to stay in leadership for more than two consecutive terms does not foster selfless agendas or the representation of membership at large.  What is does foster is cliques and a good ole boys network.  This needs to change. 



Because of these issues, and no apparent tangible efforts being made to correct them, I will not be renewing my membership with the RPA this year.  I would love to support the association and feel like the association is supporting us.  But until I see evidence of the latter, I will not be renewing my membership.  



I encourage each RPA or prospective RPA member to evaluate for yourself what you want out of membership in an association such as the RPA and consider wether or not your needs are being met.  If they are not and you are not speaking up, and/or you are continuing to support the current state of affairs, you are doing the membership a disservice.  



This association has lots of potential.  It has the talent pool of over 500 successful people to draw from.  It can be vibrant, engaged, and valuable.  I hope it will be all of that and more some day.  And then I will come back.  Until then there is a very small cadre of leadership that is steering the RPA ship...when was the last time you heard from any of them on what is going on with your association?



Respectfully submitted,



Barry

_________________
Barry Hancock
Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.
www.worldwidewarbirds.com

czech6(at)mesanetworks.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:20 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Barry, 

I can't answer all your concerns but there has been at least 2 board meetings in the past 9 months.

Why the minutes aren't published, I don't know. However both of those meetings created a big disturbance  in the force. I called for an on-line check pilot meeting. Which created another disturbance in the force. I am sure that once we finish hashing it out, something will be published. 

I can tell you that the check pilot meeting got pretty heated because of the silly things that were brought up at the BOD meetings. There were no fewer than 150 emails during the check pilot meting due to BOD stuff.



I agree with most of what you ask. However, the place to air these concerns should be the RPA site. Of course I am not aware of where this gets done. So I would call/email our president and ask. 



Bill



On Jan 2, 2012, at 9:48 AM, "barryhancock" <bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 All,

 

 I recently received my "5th call" for membership renewal via an ecomm. For some time I have been contemplating my membership in the RPA.  In the past I have served on the board, as a regional director, media relations guy, and run the flagship event for the RPA on the west coast - All Red Star -  so my interest in seeing the association prosper and serve it's membership is significant.  

 

 To me, an association of this type (all volunteer and serving a special interest group) needs to be as inclusive as possible, consistently provide useful information helping to support individual operators, and also representative of the membership at large in order to provide value to the members.  

 

 In this day of communication, there is no reason to not have regular contact with membership via the internet and email.  Our association has supposedly spent our membership dollars in recent years in upgrading/maintaining the web site and ecomm tools, yet there have been no useful updates in at least 6 months.  There have been virtually no ecomms in recent memory other than membership recruiting and announcements of elections.  Why is there not a monthly update to membership on what is going on in the association.  Come to find out there has not been a board meeting in 9 months.  And who are our current board members?  Flyredstar.org shows all the regional directors expiring in summer 2011.  

 

 Red Alert is supposed to be a quarterly magazine, yet there hasn't been one in nearly a year.  The last archived RA on the web is from the Spring of 2010 (the Winter 2010 link takes us to a 2009 edition).  When there is a magazine, most of the articles focus on formation.  Yet, how many of our 500+ members fly formation?  Speaking of 500 members, last I heard there were 400+ members.  While the numbers are great, why don't I know any of them?  How hard would it be every month to acknowledge new members and introduce them to membership so they feel welcomed and wanted?  

 

 In 3 of the 6 regions there are no events scheduled for 2012.  

 

 When was the last time a budget, tax return, or I&E was presented to membership, much less voted on?  When was the last membership meeting?

 Does anyone know who is on the check pilot committee?  How did they get there?

 

 The questions go on, but one thing is clear, at least to me.  The current representation of membership, value of membership, and communication with membership is unacceptable.  

 

 Having had several conversations with current and past RPA leadership, the single biggest problem is membership structure.  We have "one deep" representation at the top, and on nearly all committees.  Why?  With 500+ members are you telling me we cannot form small volunteer groups for each committee to make the workload manageable and make sure that membership is consistently served in a valuable way, even when one of the volunteers has life happen and cannot perform his/her responsibility in a timely manner? An association of this type does not need a president, but a chairman of the board.  A perfect example of why leadership structure needs to change is that our president (whom I like and respect) had personal issues that kept him from performing his duties as president and the association essentially stopped functioning.  Under the current structure the president's position carries too much burden and what we have seen in the last 12+ months is the result - membership is!

  not properly served by the association.  

 

 To me this is all the result of a system that needs an overhaul.  Just like with any governance, entrenched leadership is problematic at some point or another.  Both from a burnout standpoint, and a dogmatic entrenchment standpoint, allowing people to stay in leadership for more than two consecutive terms does not foster selfless agendas or the representation of membership at large.  What is does foster is cliques and a good ole boys network.  This needs to change. 

 

 Because of these issues, and no apparent tangible efforts being made to correct them, I will not be renewing my membership with the RPA this year.  I would love to support the association and feel like the association is supporting us.  But until I see evidence of the latter, I will not be renewing my membership.  

 

 I encourage each RPA or prospective RPA member to evaluate for yourself what you want out of membership in an association such as the RPA and consider wether or not your needs are being met.  If they are not and you are not speaking up and you are continuing to support the current state of affairs, you are doing everyone a disservice.  

 

 This association has lots of potential.  It has the talent pool of over 500 successful people to draw from.  It can be vibrant, engaged, and valuable.  I hope it will be all of that and more some day.  And then I will come back.  Until then there is a very small cadre of leadership that is steering the RPA ship...when was the last time you heard from any of them on what is going on with your association?

 

 Respectfully submitted,

 

 Barry

 

 --------

 Barry Hancock

 Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.

 (877) 869-6458

 www.worldwidewarbirds.com

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=362238#362238

jkrings(at)neb.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:32 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

I thought the mail man wasn't through reading my red alert. After reading

your letter I agree with you berry but I have renewed my membership. I hope

things will get better.



--

rick(at)rvairshows.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:45 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Sent from my iPhone



On Jan 2, 2012, at 12:29 PM, "jeff krings" <jkrings(at)neb.rr.com> wrote:



[quote] 

 

 I thought the mail man wasn't through reading my red alert. After reading

 your letter I agree with you berry but I have renewed my membership. I hope

 things will get better.

 

 --

barryhancock

Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Posts: 285

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 9:48 am Post subject: Re: An open letter to the RPA

Hi Bill,



I was misinformed about the BOD meetings.  I stand corrected.  However, no minutes have been published, as you point out.  The lack of communication with membership is unacceptable.  



As for putting my concerns on the RPA site, there is no forum for that.  I have, however, emailed my letter to RPA leadership.  



If I did not have an already overflowing plate, I would back up my concerns by running for one of the national BOD positions. I simply do not have the time and feel the most responsible thing I can do is be an advocate for not tolerating the status quo.  I had already sent my concerns to RPA leadership months ago and received a rather lack luster response, so I felt the only way to really make my concerns have an impact was to withdraw my membership, which I have held for over a decade (going pack to the YPC).



Barry

_________________
Barry Hancock
Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.
www.worldwidewarbirds.com

byronmfox(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 10:25 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

The current issue of Red Alert should be in your mailboxes shortly. I'm charged with mailing copies to our foreign members and the box of those copies got to me last week.



This in no way, however, diminishes the seriousness of Barry's concerns. Volunteer organizations thrive when there are a host of enthusiastic volunteers. Consequently, we're all responsible for the health of the RPA. 

 

.. Blitz

Sent from my iPhone



On Jan 2, 2012, at 9:29 AM, "jeff krings" <jkrings(at)neb.rr.com> wrote:



[quote] 

 

 I thought the mail man wasn't through reading my red alert. After reading

 your letter I agree with you berry but I have renewed my membership. I hope

 things will get better.

 

 --

hess737(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:14 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Barry and all,

   I agree that there are many issues that need addressing. I am also a member of CJAA and some of your concerns are mirrored there recently. Barry, we both are very active within this community and have served as volunteers as well as business owners. Like you I have a full plate and don't do nearly as much fun stuff as I did when I first joined. However, I believe you can effect greater changes from within than from without.

    

   My gut says that quiting will make your honest concerns seem less important to those that stay. I wish you would reconsider and stay involved. You and I both know we don't do this to make money. We do this because we are passionate about airplanes. It isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle and a life long commitment.

    

   Regardless of your decision, I wish you well. Just remember, if you fire off an initiator, it doesn't go BOOM unless it says firmly planted in the dynamite !!!

    

   

 

 

   Richard Hess

 C 404-964-4885

 

 

   --

czech6(at)mesanetworks.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:46 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

I wish you would hang in there.  I feel your frustration. I sent many, many E mails to our leaders with never a response. In this day and age of email, there are no excuses for being out of touch. Like I mentioned there is no place for members to express their concern. Certainly not anywhere that one could get a response. Running for office may just make it worse for you. Frustration would come to a whole new level.



Bill



On Jan 2, 2012, at 10:48 AM, "barryhancock" <bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 Hi Bill,

 

 I was misinformed about the BOD meetings.  I stand corrected.  However, no minutes have been published, as you point out.  The lack of communication with membership is unacceptable.  

 

 As for putting my concerns on the RPA site, there is no forum for that.  I have, however, emailed my letter to RPA leadership.  

 

 If I did not have an already overflowing plate, I would back up my concerns by running for one of the national BOD positions. I simply do not have the time and feel the most responsible thing I can do is be an advocate for not tolerating the status quo.  I had already sent my concerns to RPA leadership months ago and received a rather lack luster response, so I felt the only way to really make my concerns have an impact was to withdraw my membership, which I have held for over a decade (going pack to the YPC).

 

 Barry

 

 --------

 Barry Hancock

 Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.

 (877) 869-6458

 www.worldwidewarbirds.com

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=362245#362245

brian(at)lloyd.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:54 am Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 11:43 AM, Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Yak-List message posted by: Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)>

 

 I wish you would hang in there.  I feel your frustration. I sent many, many E mails to our leaders with never a response. In this day and age of email, there are no excuses for being out of touch. Like I mentioned there is no place for members to express their concern. Certainly not anywhere that one could get a response. Running for office may just make it worse for you. Frustration would come to a whole new level.

 	




Has anyone asked the most basic question of all, "Does it matter?"



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

 +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)



  [quote][b]

czech6(at)mesanetworks.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:09 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Does what matter? The fact that we want friends to stay? Does it matter if he stays or not? The fact that his membership is meaningless, or will his membership make a difference, or does it matter because your are not a member or are an unhappy member? In any case the only way to help make it successful,is to be a member. Yes it matters if he stays, no his membership is not meaningless, his membership can and will make a difference. Now wether you are or are not a happy member, does that matter? Don't know.



Bill



On Jan 2, 2012, at 12:51 PM, Brian Lloyd <brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)> wrote:



[quote]



On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 11:43 AM, Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Yak-List message posted by: Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)>

 

 I wish you would hang in there.  I feel your frustration. I sent many, many E mails to our leaders with never a response. In this day and age of email, there are no excuses for being out of touch. Like I mentioned there is no place for members to express their concern. Certainly not anywhere that one could get a response. Running for office may just make it worse for you. Frustration would come to a whole new level.

 	




Has anyone asked the most basic question of all, "Does it matter?"



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

 +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)



   	  Quote: 	
		  



===================================

//www.matronics.com/Navigator?Yak-List

===================================

cs.com

===================================

matronics.com/contribution

===================================



	


[b]

brian(at)lloyd.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 12:52 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 12:06 PM, Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Does what matter? The fact that we want friends to stay? Does it matter if he stays or not? The fact that his membership is meaningless, or will his membership make a difference, or does it matter because your are not a member or are an unhappy member? In any case the only way to help make it successful,is to be a member. Yes it matters if he stays, no his membership is not meaningless, his membership can and will make a difference. Now wether you are or are not a happy member, does that matter? Don't know.

 



	




If you have to explain a joke .. 

In this case it was an intentionally-ambiguous question to get (all of) you to stop and question your assumptions. Things are not always as obvious as they first appear to be.

 



Personally, I am not concerned one way or the other but others may be. But I will rephrase it more succinctly. Does it matter if:

the organization continues to exist;
people stay in the organization; 
the organization continues in its present manner?Friends are likely to remain friends. Flying buddies are likely to remain flying buddies. Activists who actually get things done will do so regardless of whether there is an umbrella organization or not. So, does it matter?

 



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

+1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)

 

  [quote][b]

hess737(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 1:20 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Brian,

   Perhaps the jet community is more under the gun from the FAA but with Reno's accident who knows the final outcome. I will say this. Without EAA Warbirds, RPA, and CJAA type organizations you would have much less freedom and more hassles with the FAA. It is these organizations that represent you in more ways than you may realize. So yes, it matters a great deal...

 

 

   Richard Hess

 C 404-964-4885

 

 

   --

ph451(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 2:24 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

While your concerns may be valid, to actively encourage others not to renew their membership is "unacceptable."

------------------------------

On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 4:48 PM GMT barryhancock wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		  



All,



I recently received my "5th call" for membership renewal via an ecomm. For some time I have been contemplating my membership in the RPA.  In the past I have served on the board, as a regional director, media relations guy, and run the flagship event for the RPA on the west coast - All Red Star -  so my interest in seeing the association prosper and serve it's membership is significant.  



To me, an association of this type (all volunteer and serving a special interest group) needs to be as inclusive as possible, consistently provide useful information helping to support individual operators, and also representative of the membership at large in order to provide value to the members.  



In this day of communication, there is no reason to not have regular contact with membership via the internet and email.  Our association has supposedly spent our membership dollars in recent years in upgrading/maintaining the web site and ecomm tools, yet there have been no useful updates in at least 6 months.  There have been virtually no ecomms in recent memory other than membership recruiting and announcements of elections.  Why is there not a monthly update to membership on what is going on in the association.  Come to find out there has not been a board meeting in 9 months.  And who are our current board members?  Flyredstar.org shows all the regional directors expiring in summer 2011.  



Red Alert is supposed to be a quarterly magazine, yet there hasn't been one in nearly a year.  The last archived RA on the web is from the Spring of 2010 (the Winter 2010 link takes us to a 2009 edition).  When there is a magazine, most of the articles focus on formation.  Yet, how many of our 500+ members fly formation?  Speaking of 500 members, last I heard there were 400+ members.  While the numbers are great, why don't I know any of them?  How hard would it be every month to acknowledge new members and introduce them to membership so they feel welcomed and wanted?  



In 3 of the 6 regions there are no events scheduled for 2012.  



When was the last time a budget, tax return, or I&E was presented to membership, much less voted on?  When was the last membership meeting?

Does anyone know who is on the check pilot committee?  How did they get there?



The questions go on, but one thing is clear, at least to me.  The current representation of membership, value of membership, and communication with membership is unacceptable.  



Having had several conversations with current and past RPA leadership, the single biggest problem is membership structure.  We have "one deep" representation at the top, and on nearly all committees.  Why?  With 500+ members are you telling me we cannot form small volunteer groups for each committee to make the workload manageable and make sure that membership is consistently served in a valuable way, even when one of the volunteers has life happen and cannot perform his/her responsibility in a timely manner? An association of this type does not need a president, but a chairman of the board.  A perfect example of why leadership structure needs to change is that our president (whom I like and respect) had personal issues that kept him from performing his duties as president and the association essentially stopped functioning.  Under the current structure the president's position carries too much burden and what we have seen in the last 12+ months is the

 result - membership is!
	


 	  Quote: 	
		    not properly served by the association.  



To me this is all the result of a system that needs an overhaul.  Just like with any governance, entrenched leadership is problematic at some point or another.  Both from a burnout standpoint, and a dogmatic entrenchment standpoint, allowing people to stay in leadership for more than two consecutive terms does not foster selfless agendas or the representation of membership at large.  What is does foster is cliques and a good ole boys network.  This needs to change. 



Because of these issues, and no apparent tangible efforts being made to correct them, I will not be renewing my membership with the RPA this year.  I would love to support the association and feel like the association is supporting us.  But until I see evidence of the latter, I will not be renewing my membership.  



I encourage each RPA or prospective RPA member to evaluate for yourself what you want out of membership in an association such as the RPA and consider wether or not your needs are being met.  If they are not and you are not speaking up and you are continuing to support the current state of affairs, you are doing everyone a disservice.  



This association has lots of potential.  It has the talent pool of over 500 successful people to draw from.  It can be vibrant, engaged, and valuable.  I hope it will be all of that and more some day.  And then I will come back.  Until then there is a very small cadre of leadership that is steering the RPA ship...when was the last time you heard from any of them on what is going on with your association?



Respectfully submitted,



Barry



--------

Barry Hancock

Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.

(877) 869-6458

www.worldwidewarbirds.com





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=362238#362238

brian(at)lloyd.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 2:47 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Yak-List message posted by: Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)>

 

 

 

 While your concerns may be valid, to actively encourage others not to renew their membership is "unacceptable."

	




Oh, I like this one. 

Unacceptable? Does "Unacceptable" = "I don't like it?" If I don't like something I can say it is unacceptable? Let me try that with my wife. "Dear, your new hairstyle is unacceptable." How about, "Officer, this ticket you are giving me is unacceptable."

 



Oh, this is just funny.



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

 +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)



  [quote][b]

czech6(at)mesanetworks.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 3:52 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Brian, R you about ready to be unacceptable (unsubscribe) again?



Bill



On Jan 2, 2012, at 3:45 PM, Brian Lloyd <brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)> wrote:



[quote]



On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Yak-List message posted by: Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)>

 

 

 

 While your concerns may be valid, to actively encourage others not to renew their membership is "unacceptable."

	




Oh, I like this one. 

Unacceptable? Does "Unacceptable" = "I don't like it?" If I don't like something I can say it is unacceptable? Let me try that with my wife. "Dear, your new hairstyle is unacceptable." How about, "Officer, this ticket you are giving me is unacceptable."

 



Oh, this is just funny.



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

 +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)



   	  Quote: 	
		  

	


[b]

czech6(at)mesanetworks.ne
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:01 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

The issue we have guys, is like I mentioned in my first reply to Barry this morning, this is not the forum for this discussion. As far as I can remember, Brian Lloyd is not a member. So Brian is attempting to give a book report on a book he hasn't read.

I suggest we move off this list with our membership concerns and pay no attention to the ones that really have no goal in making us better. If you are a member Brian, read the book, then let us know. 

Has anyone ever flown within a mile of Brian? Does he have a FAST card? Can he fly formation? Does it matter? I would really like to know. The only thing I think I know of him, is that he claims to have started this forum. Good-on-ya. It's a good thing. Are you unsubscribing again?

Good new year to all.



Bill



On Jan 2, 2012, at 3:45 PM, Brian Lloyd <brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)> wrote:



[quote]



On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   --> Yak-List message posted by: Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com (ph451(at)yahoo.com)>

 

 

 

 While your concerns may be valid, to actively encourage others not to renew their membership is "unacceptable."

	




Oh, I like this one. 

Unacceptable? Does "Unacceptable" = "I don't like it?" If I don't like something I can say it is unacceptable? Let me try that with my wife. "Dear, your new hairstyle is unacceptable." How about, "Officer, this ticket you are giving me is unacceptable."

 



Oh, this is just funny.



-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

 +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)



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[b]

brian(at)lloyd.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 5:14 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 3:49 PM, Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net (czech6(at)mesanetworks.net)> wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   Brian, R you about ready to be unacceptable (unsubscribe) again?

	




No Bill. I have decided to make it my calling in life to be your personal gadfly on the Yak list. 

 



And as for being a member, I was once. The organization and I had a difference of opinion over the mandatory wearing of flight suits. In fact, it was similar to this here -- someone having the audacity to tell me what is and what is not acceptable instead of recognizing that, as a (theoretically) intelligent adult, I have both the right of self-determination and the right of free speech. It is the latter, telling Barry that it is not acceptable to speak his mind on this list, that prompted me to respond so vociferously.

 



So, if Barry, or anyone else, wants to criticize the YPA (or whatever it is called now), neither you nor anyone else gets to tell them that it is "unacceptable". What IS unacceptable is attempting to curb free speech.

 



Does anybody know me? Yes, many people on this list have flown on my wing or I have flown on theirs. I was both FAST wing and lead qualified but haven't kept it up. I haven't had any need to fly form in waivered airspace. But I am sure if you ask around you will find a few people who may remember me. 

 

-- 

Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

3191 Western Dr.

Cameron Park, CA 95682

brian(at)lloyd.com (brian(at)lloyd.com)

+1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

+1.916.877.5067 (USA)

 

  [quote][b]

grabstein(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 5:49 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Gentlemen -



A while back we were working on putting up a billboard of sorts for the RPA. It's a bit of a hack and there was little demand for it, so it fell by the wayside. Based on the discussion happening here, I've make the unilateral decision to open the forums up.

 

http://www.flyredstar.org/members_forums.php



Please be patient with it - we didn't do much testing. I'll do what I can to make it functional and useful. 

 

I've taken the liberty of posting Barry's initial email in the General Discussion area.



<Just a note on what I feel my role is - I'm attempting to be a technology enabler. I don't own or create the content on the RPA website. I post and update content when (and only when) requested by the RPA Officers.>

 --

Kurt "It" Howerton

N923YK

530-312-1299

http://cj6.scitechsys.com

http://www.baybombersquadron.com

   

 

 



 



On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 8:48 AM, barryhancock <bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com (bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com)> wrote:

[quote] --> Yak-List message posted by: "barryhancock" <bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com (bhancock(at)worldwidewarbirds.com)>

 

 All,

 

 I recently received my "5th call" for membership renewal via an ecomm. For some time I have been contemplating my membership in the RPA.  In the past I have served on the board, as a regional director, media relations guy, and run the flagship event for the RPA on the west coast - All Red Star -  so my interest in seeing the association prosper and serve it's membership is significant.

  

 To me, an association of this type (all volunteer and serving a special interest group) needs to be as inclusive as possible, consistently provide useful information helping to support individual operators, and also representative of the membership at large in order to provide value to the members.

  

 In this day of communication, there is no reason to not have regular contact with membership via the internet and email.  Our association has supposedly spent our membership dollars in recent years in upgrading/maintaining the web site and ecomm tools, yet there have been no useful updates in at least 6 months.  There have been virtually no ecomms in recent memory other than membership recruiting and announcements of elections.  Why is there not a monthly update to membership on what is going on in the association.  Come to find out there has not been a board meeting in 9 months.  And who are our current board members?  Flyredstar.org shows all the regional directors expiring in summer 2011.

  

 Red Alert is supposed to be a quarterly magazine, yet there hasn't been one in nearly a year.  The last archived RA on the web is from the Spring of 2010 (the Winter 2010 link takes us to a 2009 edition).  When there is a magazine, most of the articles focus on formation.  Yet, how many of our 500+ members fly formation?  Speaking of 500 members, last I heard there were 400+ members.  While the numbers are great, why don't I know any of them?  How hard would it be every month to acknowledge new members and introduce them to membership so they feel welcomed and wanted?

  

 In 3 of the 6 regions there are no events scheduled for 2012.

 

 When was the last time a budget, tax return, or I&E was presented to membership, much less voted on?  When was the last membership meeting?

 Does anyone know who is on the check pilot committee?  How did they get there?

 

 The questions go on, but one thing is clear, at least to me.  The current representation of membership, value of membership, and communication with membership is unacceptable.

 

 Having had several conversations with current and past RPA leadership, the single biggest problem is membership structure.  We have "one deep" representation at the top, and on nearly all committees.  Why?  With 500+ members are you telling me we cannot form small volunteer groups for each committee to make the workload manageable and make sure that membership is consistently served in a valuable way, even when one of the volunteers has life happen and cannot perform his/her responsibility in a timely manner? An association of this type does not need a president, but a chairman of the board.  A perfect example of why leadership structure needs to change is that our president (whom I like and respect) had personal issues that kept him from performing his duties as president and the association essentially stopped functioning.  Under the current structure the president's position carries too much burden and what we have seen in the last 12+ months is the result - membership is!

    not properly served by the association.

 

 To me this is all the result of a system that needs an overhaul.  Just like with any governance, entrenched leadership is problematic at some point or another.  Both from a burnout standpoint, and a dogmatic entrenchment standpoint, allowing people to stay in leadership for more than two consecutive terms does not foster selfless agendas or the representation of membership at large.  What is does foster is cliques and a good ole boys network.  This needs to change.

  

 Because of these issues, and no apparent tangible efforts being made to correct them, I will not be renewing my membership with the RPA this year.  I would love to support the association and feel like the association is supporting us.  But until I see evidence of the latter, I will not be renewing my membership.

  

 I encourage each RPA or prospective RPA member to evaluate for yourself what you want out of membership in an association such as the RPA and consider wether or not your needs are being met.  If they are not and you are not speaking up and you are continuing to support the current state of affairs, you are doing everyone a disservice.

  

 This association has lots of potential.  It has the talent pool of over 500 successful people to draw from.  It can be vibrant, engaged, and valuable.  I hope it will be all of that and more some day.  And then I will come back.  Until then there is a very small cadre of leadership that is steering the RPA ship...when was the last time you heard from any of them on what is going on with your association?

  

 Respectfully submitted,

 

 Barry

 

 --------

 Barry Hancock

 Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.

 [url=tel:%28877%29%20869-6458](877) 869-6458[/url]

 www.worldwidewarbirds.com

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=362238#362238

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 ===========

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 le, List Admin.

 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

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 [b]

dhanshew(at)cinci.rr.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:28 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

I flew with Brian when it was the YPC.



---- Bill Geipel <czech6(at)mesanetworks.net> wrote: 

 	  Quote: 	
		   The issue we have guys, is like I mentioned in my first reply to Barry this morning, this is not the forum for this discussion. As far as I can remember, Brian Lloyd is not a member. So Brian is attempting to give a book report on a book he hasn't read.

 

 I suggest we move off this list with our membership concerns and pay no attention to the ones that really have no goal in making us better. If you are a member Brian, read the book, then let us know. 

 

 Has anyone ever flown within a mile of Brian? Does he have a FAST card? Can he fly formation? Does it matter? I would really like to know. The only thing I think I know of him, is that he claims to have started this forum. Good-on-ya. It's a good thing. Are you unsubscribing again?

 

 Good new year to all.

 

 Bill

 

 

 

 On Jan 2, 2012, at 3:45 PM, Brian Lloyd <brian(at)lloyd.com> wrote:

 

 > 

 > 

 > On Mon, Jan 2, 2012 at 2:21 PM, Paul Hamlin <ph451(at)yahoo.com> wrote:

 > 

 > 

 > 

 > 

 > While your concerns may be valid, to actively encourage others not to renew their membership is "unacceptable."

 > 

 > Oh, I like this one. 

 > 

 > Unacceptable? Does "Unacceptable" = "I don't like it?" If I don't like something I can say it is unacceptable? Let me try that with my wife. "Dear, your new hairstyle is unacceptable." How about, "Officer, this ticket you are giving me is unacceptable."

 > 

 > Oh, this is just funny.

 > 

 > -- 

 > Brian Lloyd, WB6RQN/J79BPL

 > 3191 Western Dr.

 > Cameron Park, CA 95682

 > brian(at)lloyd.com

 > +1.767.617.1365 (Dominica)

 > +1.916.877.5067 (USA)

 > 

 > 

 > 

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viperdoc(at)mindspring.co
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:32 pm Post subject: An open letter to the RPA

Mongoose,

This thread definitely went “Boom”.

Opinions are like assholes…we all have one. As for Barry, it is a free world but I will be sorry to see him step back. The issue is the current leadership has not risen up to the level that Drew Blahnick took the organization to. Drew set an extremely high bar for the rest to follow.

 The fact is, this is an issue that needs to be fixed from within not without.

Doc

 

From: owner-yak-list-server(at)matronics.com [mailto:owner-yak-list-server(at)matronics.com] On Behalf Of Richard Hess

Sent: Monday, January 02, 2012 1:11 PM

To: yak-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: An open letter to the RPA

 

Barry and all,



I agree that there are many issues that need addressing. I am also a member of CJAA and some of your concerns are mirrored there recently. Barry, we both are very active within this community and have served as volunteers as well as business owners. Like you I have a full plate and don't do nearly as much fun stuff as I did when I first joined. However, I believe you can effect greater changes from within than from without.



 



My gut says that quiting will make your honest concerns seem less important to those that stay. I wish you would reconsider and stay involved. You and I both know we don't do this to make money. We do this because we are passionate about airplanes. It isn't a hobby, it's a lifestyle and a life long commitment.



 



Regardless of your decision, I wish you well. Just remember, if you fire off an initiator, it doesn't go BOOM unless it says firmly planted in the dynamite !!!



 



[img]cid:image002.jpg(at)01CCC98D.28CE1D30[/img]



Richard Hess

C 404-964-4885



 

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