President's Perspective

Presidents PERSPECTIVE /MLf very difficult change , status quo As organizations AMA has developed process evolution rather revolution organization has served aeromodeling well over years has become premier organization aeromodelers world organization has changed slowly over years through evolution has its share revolutionaries its just revolutionaries either faded away became part establishment fact last bit describes couple people might just recognize Way back 1974 AMAs Executive Director John Worth wrote vocal dissidents Ohio referring yours truly predecessor AMA president Don Lowe point us have arrived scene revolutionaries have gotten big shot reality once tried change things Most often end up finding things make lot sense after have heard sides matter did first arrived Another thing learn quite quickly sometimes what seems obvious obvious others think way off base Occasionally try again again convince others still refuse see light happens does have little choice accept will majority get life supporting will majority fretting over will give ulcers Supporting majority over long run gets labeled good old boys case didnt realize compliment bottom line very difficult change status quo organization like AMA bad best interest organization make difficult flip side fact cases status quo no longer serving membership needs membership change rapidly organization does Further exacerbating problem fact can typically significant difference between needs membership whole desires individual members statement will probably get bit hot water true believe structure successful organizations employs structure wherein board directors made up professionals guide organization membership elects board members annual meeting votingA major factor elections very common chairman hold enough proxy votes virtually appoint board members such systems either members encouraged appoint chair proxy chair acquires proxies default result membership whole becomes unhappy performance its organizations leadership can replace leaders dissident group can take over convince true majority members can better job irony system may seem dilute effect single members vote really ends up ensuring majority members involved came across quote back thought said An organization needs constantly rejuvenated infusion young blood needs smart young people imagination guts turn everything upside down can also needs old fogies keep turning upside down things ought right side up Above needs young rebels old conservatives can work together challenge others views yield hold equal grace continue after hard fought battle respect other Henry Ford adapted Till next moath 9QJ Dave Brown AMA President dbrown@dbproductscom February 1998 7