Model Aviation Online - View from HQ (May 2009)

"It takes two: the Academy and you."

One of the main concerns here at AMA Headquarters is the declining membership of the Academy.
     The erosion of our membership base is consistent with similar membership organizations. The Boy and Girl Scouts, civic clubs, even church membership has declined in the last decade, although the US population has increased.
     From a high of 173,754 members in 2002, we finished the year in 2008 with 148,487 members. We can hope the downward cycle is complete and we will regain members as reflected in the 1991-1997 cycle (see chart 1). In 2008 we lost 1.9% of our membership, which was an improvement from the 3.4% loss in 2007 and 2.6% loss in 2006 (see chart 2).
     Although this decline is consistent with the national trend, we cannot accept it as inevitable and sit back and do nothing. The cost of doing business increases each year and the Executive Council's desire not to raise dues in a time of declining membership make for challenging budget meetings each fall. Other sources of non-dues income are limited because of concerns restricting contacts by companies with the membership.
     Thousands have embraced the thrill of flight utilizing new park flyer-type airplanes and helicopters. They usually have no knowledge of the AMA, its Safety Code, or the additional enjoyment and technical help that can be found when flying is enhanced by the camaraderie normally found at the flying site and club meetings.
     Therein lays the challenge: how do you recruit these new pilots? One effort is the AMA marketing committee's endeavor to secure 100 new park pilot flying sites by the end of the year. Another is our first national membership drive: the Academy's "Bringing Modelers Together Begins With You" program.
     The 11 AMA districts, clubs, individuals, and even hobby shops are eligible to participate for recognition and awards. Details about the drive are on the AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org/membershipdrive.aspx.
     In my previous positions, one of the oldest slogans concerning membership drives was "It takes two: the (organization's name) and you." Today we would use: "It takes two: the Academy and you."
     It says so much in only seven words. The Academy exists because of its membership. AMA's strength is measured by its number of members. You are the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It's your involvement that can reverse the current membership trend.
     The next time you're talking about flying with a newbie, ask him or her to join the fun as an AMA member. MA

In the spirit of flight.

Jim Cherry, Executive Director

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