COUNCIL HOLDING ITS OWN IN CHANGING WORLD

The California Council of Chapters is holding its own in a rapidly changing world. There is much to be thankful for.

Recently, as part of the communications survey, LtCol Mort Jarvis, USAF-Ret, Director Area 1 and President, Alta California Chapter, offered the following comment:

“I believe in CA-MOAA council but it seems the council doesn’t have or can offer much to the chapters. Our chapter seems to voice that opinion too. I note it when we discuss the CAL-MOAA dues each year. What are we getting from them? I sense that in some of the postings too. It’s nice that some members can bypass repay of expenses but some of us would like
to be repaid somewhere near our outlay. $70.00 a night is somewhat short of room costs and $3.00 a gallon for gas shoots holes in travel reimbursement. I have no answers, increasing dues per member probably won’t sell at chapter level either.”

What do our members get in return for an annual $0.75 dues?

Years ago The Retired Officers Association (TROA) created a statewide structure whereby members could serve the wider military community. Today, 44 of 48 MOAA chapters are affiliated with the California Council of Chapters (CAL-MOAA).

The structure is in place. For $0.75 per year members have the opportunity and privilege to participate beyond the local chapter, to make a difference throughout California. Much of it has to do with providing a common defense, helping affiliated chapters succeed.

We are seeing political, economic, social, and other changes that impact operations yet the Council still offers an opportunity to those who will take it. Applying the thinking of President John F. Kennedy, ask not what your council can do for you, ask what you can do for your council.

Some of the chapters are not seeing their expectations realized because they are not participating fully, making a significant contribution. As the saying goes, you get out of it what you put into it.

More than 40 leaders will gather in San Luis Obispo 30 November to conduct the Council’s business. We can be thankful for this interested, talented, and capable group who are committed to making the Council a success.

Members of the Executive Committee (EXCOM) work throughout the year to achieve the purposes and strategic goals of the organization.

Chapters are represented to MOAA National, the Congress of the United States, and the California State Legislature.

The officers and state directors work to promote the aims of MOAA and specifically to further the legislative aims and other objectives of the association. They work hard to create and pass state legislation with the help of a paid lobbyist, with this year’s total more than three dozen
bills considered. Area directors have been serving as chapter speakers, conducting new officer installations, and working with chapters in trouble. And close liaison has been made with state organizations such as the California Department of Veteran’s Affairs (CDVA) and the California State Commanders Veterans Council (CSCVC).

Finally, the Council has been communicating with the chapters and others by means of an award-winning website and weblog. The late news, information, opinion, viewpoints, and commentary is all there for those who want and need it.

We can be thankful this Thanksgiving that we have EXCOM members who work for mission accomplishment using their own time, materials, and space resources, and mostly out of their own treasure as expenses are not fully reimbursed.

The Council offers a wonderful statewide infrastructure ideal for members who choose to make a difference. And very soon members will meet in San Luis Obispo to talk about past achievements and what can and should be done in the future. Dues-paying members who pass on the opportunity to participate fully might be missing a good bet.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Comments RSS