RALLY 2006 ON COURSE

We have about a month to go before the important Council of Chapters and Executive Committee (EXCOM) meetings get underway in Sacramento.

We’re looking forward to a very profitable and enjoyable time together. At a minimum we are forecasting the same kind of experience, with roughly the same attendance, as we had last November in San Luis Obispo.

And as we noted before, it is very difficult if not impossible in some situations to complete final plans, to continue the process with little or no feedback about what the presidents especially want to see happen.

Yet we understand what we’re facing. We’re hearing expressions of interest and a desire to make a difference, yet there are problems difficult to overcome.

LCDR Bud Lichtenstern, USN, president of Miramar Chapter, puts it in rather plain terms.

“Not a lot of us have the money, particularly in light of transportation costs, to get up there and also house ourselves for the several day meeting. That works both ways, having the location at either end of the state.”

In recent days we’ve seen some promotions by Southwest Airlines offering one way flights anywhere in California for $49. The business meetings are of critical importance this year, with discussion and potential adoption of a strategic plan in the forefront of debate, and it’s very important to have full participation, particularly with the need for a quorum to do business.

We are literally going to be determining the Council’s future.

Bud continues, “Even if we do not have the cash, most chapters do not have the cash to send their presidents either. So why spend money on a social gathering. By the way, all the advertisement put out suggests that is what the gathering is mainly for. The real work is secondary to having fun.”

Not so. The absolute focus of the Rally is the Friday Council of Presidents meeting and the Saturday EXCOM meeting. It is very important for chapter presidents, or their representatives, to be present on Friday to do the Council’s business. At a minimum, presidents can fly in Friday morning, attend the meeting, and fly out at the end of the day.

The social/recreational/tourism events and activities are for those who want to come early and enjoy a mini-vacation, and for those spouses, guests, and others who will not be attending the meetings. In addition, we wanted to offer something to attract potential MOAA chapter members and future Council leaders.

Finally, Bud adds, “Some of us work. I for one do. That is the cost of having younger folks as heads of chapters. So we have problems with going up or down to meetings that we have to take our limited vacation time for.”

Ok, we understand that. At the same time, there are likely other chapter officers, directors, or members with the basic interest, financial resources, and time to travel to Sacramento and represent the chapter. We would appreciate it if every chapter would have its president in attendance, or a proxy designated in writing per the bylaws, fully briefed and prepared to cast the chapter’s vote on all issues; the business meetings this year are that important.

There are EXCOM members and presidents who are excited about the possibilities for Rally 2006 and are planning to participate fully. They are interested in CAL-MOAA and its future. There are problems for some, but with imagination and zeal perhaps the problems can be overcome. On balance, we’re expecting a very nice Rally 2006 and successful business meetings.

If you would like to add to Bud’s statements or react in some way to what he said, please take a few minutes and write a comment to this post .

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