View From HQ - 2009/05
"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 other membership organizations. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, civic clubs and even church membership have declined in the last decade, even though the U.S. population has increased.
From a high of 173,754 members in 2002, we finished 2008 with 148,487 members. We can hope the downward cycle is complete and that 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 the 2.6% loss in 2006 (see chart 2).
- Peak membership: 173,754 (2002)
- Membership at end of 2008: 148,487
- Annual change: -2.6% (2006), -3.4% (2007), -1.9% (2008)
Although this decline follows the national trend, we cannot accept it as inevitable and do nothing. The cost of doing business increases each year, and the Executive Council’s desire not to raise dues during a time of declining membership makes 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 using new park-flyer type airplanes and helicopters. Most of these newcomers 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 at club meetings.
Therein lies the challenge: how do we recruit these new pilots?
Recruitment efforts
- The AMA marketing committee is working to secure 100 new park-pilot flying sites by the end of the year.
- AMA’s first national membership drive is under way: the "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 website: 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 say, "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. Your involvement 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.
In the spirit of flight.
Jim Cherry Executive Director [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
