Author: Joyce Hager
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/12
Page Numbers: 192

View From HQ

I will continue to relay information about the 2010-2015 SLRP

In the August issue of MA, former Executive Director Jim Cherry began relaying information from AMA's Strategic Long Range Plan (SLRP). I will continue to share the 2010-2015 SLRP with you, completing AMA's "Environmental Snapshot" and covering plans for various departments within the organization.

I hope you will find this informative.

Positioning

  • AMA is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration as the lead "community-based operation" in representing the nation's modeling community.
  • AMA's exemplary safety record is recognized by all involved in aviation.
  • The National Aeronautic Association and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) recognize AMA as the official voice of aeromodeling in the United States.

Competitors

  • The stability of AMA during its 75-year history, its benefits and service to the membership, and the support of numerous special interest groups has placed the organization in a unique position of having no direct competition.

Resources

  • AMA is a financially stable organization.
  • It has more than 142,000 members with 2,500 chartered clubs.
  • It has an experienced governing board and support staff.
  • AMA has more than 75 years of experience in modeling activities.
  • It boasts the world's largest model aviation museum.
  • AMA is headquartered at the 1,100-acre International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana.

Education Objective

The AMA Education Department, with the support of all of AMA's departments, will continue its formal education programs and develop programming to achieve comprehensive information and training programs to advance local club efforts, individuals, and other organizations in the recruitment of new members and increasing model aviation awareness.

  1. AMA education website enhancement: Redesign the website with downloadable, user-friendly training programs focused on all levels of education for local club use. Integrate interactive website functions to attract youth.
  2. Outreach program for clubs: Develop programs for clubs to reach the community at all levels: children, seniors, and adults.
  3. Promotion of youth competition: Develop competitions within the education/awareness framework to increase youth involvement.
  4. Grant exploration and development: Allocate resources to identify revenue sources and partnerships to advance the Education Department's efforts.
  5. Leadership training: Develop leadership training programs for clubs, associate vice presidents, and future leaders of the Academy.

Marketing Objective

Enhance our image as an organization, achieving local-to-national awareness of our hobby/sport with the objective of membership growth.

  1. Communication to the membership: Review and enhance both print and electronic media to the membership for more effective communications. Develop new programs to allow immediate contact with members as needed.
  2. Increase public exposure and awareness: Develop and fund a professional advertising campaign utilizing a multimedia approach.
  3. Marketing programs for AMA chartered clubs: Develop public relations packets and materials for club activities.
  4. Government affairs support: Develop materials for use in conveying the AMA vision and mission to elected officials.
  5. Public awareness events: Conduct various events at the International Aeromodeling Center and other locations to enhance public awareness of model aviation.
  6. Development of non-dues revenue sources: Pursue philanthropic development and grants.

Government Affairs Objective

To build positive relationships with all levels of government agencies from the city/county/state level to those such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Federal Communications Commission, Department of Homeland Security, and other appropriate agencies in support of the AMA mission.

  1. Issue identification: Establish monitoring programs that identify proposed government actions that would adversely affect model aviation.
  2. Identify regulatory agencies that affect model aviation: Establish an ongoing program to identify and update key contacts within various government agencies that affect model aviation.
  3. Materials development: Work with the Marketing Department to develop informative materials expanding on the safety and internal governance of model aviation by AMA.
  4. Regulation burdens: Communicate to the appropriate agencies the burdens placed on the modeling community by agency actions and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs).

I have another reminder. Membership renewal notices have been mailed to all individuals. If you have not received yours, you may go online at www.modelaircraft.org or call (800) 435-9262 to renew your membership. Please be patient with the operators because this is the busiest time of year for them. And please make sure we have your correct telephone number(s) and e-mail address(es).

MA

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.