Communicator -- 12-08-2006 @ 5:28 PM
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Over the years the club has given special parking and seating at rallies and designated clothing to leaders as a way of recognizing their tremendous volunteer efforts. Feedback suggests that many members feel these designations create a sense of division rather than unity.
What are your suggestions for recognizing the unsalaried work of our WBCCI leaders while at the same time building positive feelings of unity among the general membership?
jimbo -- 12-08-2006 @ 6:12 PM
I am one who believes that special parking and seating at International stinks. For that reason, among others, I don't expect to attend another International rally (have been to three). I am also a 40 year+ member of the Sports Car Club of America and have served on most of the committees as well as serving as region treasurer and president. I organized probably a hundred or so competitive events over the years (Races, rallies, solos etc.). I never got any perks that the plain old peon worker didn't get. Always paid my own hotel/motel at events, like everybody else. My organizing expenses, like gas for course layout of rallies and printing were reimbursed. When I had to attend an out of town committee meeting, a portion of my travel and living expenses were paid.
As I often told new members who complained about the cost of dues "If all you get from the club is the magazine, you are wasting your money. If you get active, the dues are just a drop in the bucket."
Even when I was a speaker at our national convention, I sat with everyone else. Only when a special meeting was being held, where the BOD or Committee was being asked questions, did we have special seating, up at the front of the room, facing the audience without any shielding.
Basically, all we got for being officials was the satisfaction of helping our fellow members.
This message was edited by jimbo on 12-8-06 @ 6:14 PM
Clecogirl -- 12-09-2006 @ 12:18 AM
jimbo - I agree. We are all volunteers in one capacity or another and we all pay our dues. Typically an organizations officers sit at a "head" table only during the biz part of a membership meeting. The rest of the time - they should be a part of the larger group. This goes a long way to dispell charges of elitism and clique-ish behavior.
No special clothes, no special treatment and no special parking. It should be an honor to serve - not a means to achive special treatment. If not, make way for others who are more inclined to be part of the club, rather than being set apart from the club.
This message was edited by Clecogirl on 12-9-06 @ 12:18 AM
merrick -- 12-09-2006 @ 10:27 AM
I am not sure if everyone is aware that the members of the IBT are given money (paid) for attending the various Board of Trustees meetings. It is all spelled out in the Bylaws and Policies. This money is in addition to travel expenses ($0.40 per mile). This is a breakdown of the amounts given for each meeting of the board.
a. International President $11,500
b. International First Vice-President $7,000
c. International Second Vice-President $6,700
d. International Third Vice President $6,500
e. International Treasurer $3,300
f. Recording Secretary $3,300
g. Immediate Past President $900
h. Region President $1,400
i. Region Vice Presidents $725
65GT -- 12-09-2006 @ 11:48 AM
I believe the financial stipends, mileage reimbursements, and out of pocket coverages are substantial. Yes it's a volunteer organization and I'm sure that running an international takes an enormous amount of time. Without some type of real compensation I think we'd be looking hard to find volunteers to take on the task.
I think most all volunteer clubs that operate along the same lines have something similar. I have no idea if stipends are that high though. It would be nice to see comparison charts for similar clubs though wouldn't it?
Maybe if the WBCCI is at the top of the reimbursement chain that could explain a lot. That might explain why leaders are looking at bringing in non-A**stream product (motor homes) into the club. That way they wouldn't have to go to another club where they might have to settle for LESS compensation!
I actually don't have any objections to the IBT itself having special seating in meetings or entertainment. No one will appreciate those items more than those that oversaw putting them together. It's pretty trivial actually, but these folks spearheaded the effort and for better or worse represent the club as a whole. I think those kind of seating arrangements are expected. I just hope the volunteer committee for that event gets the same seats!
I did hear one disturbing incident recently with respect to the segregation that is claimed to occur at International. Early workers having meals served in the same common area yet the IBT eats a different meal and that it's served to them unlike the buffet line for everyone else? I sure hope that is NOT the case. If that can be confirmed as a true story then what we have here is 'Animal Farm' elitism all over again. We don't have to repeat the ending of that story do we?
Parking raises other issues entirely. We have unit members and officers that will NEVER attend another International and parking is one of the main gripes.
Why can't unit members be parked together? What's all this segregation about dogs and generators?
Most unit members would rather have a designated area. The first unit member to arrive grabs their spot and stakes are put in the ground for the rest of the pre-paid members of that unit. It can be in a line or a grid, but now you've got a UNIT there (isn't that the most important aspect of the club -- the UNIT) that can be FOUND. The same friends that camp and rally together at home are now shoulder to shoulder at the International. The make-up of those folks will be no different at an international than at home, i.e., generators, dogs, etc..
Rules can be set-up for unruly dogs and their untidy owners (are we to believe that's the case?). Generators can be restricted to low-noise decibel levels only and specific hours of operation. I don't see why a trailer with a (low noise) generator should be classified any differently than a motor home with a generator. They're mostly used to top off batteries anyway.
You would hope that all region officers at a minimum would want to park with their units including Region Presidents. I'd expect the same of International Officers, but maybe considering the list of events they need to work or attend together group parking for them makes more sense.
You know my opinion about the clothing...
While this jacket, dress shirt , and tie was the norm amongst competing clubs back in the 50's I think we're all a little smarter than that now. This is a CAMPING club. People can still dress neatly without looking like some freak brigade let out in public. The berets go right back to the very beginning -- that's pretty cool (even though I don't own one) but these red jackets etc., PLEASE let's modernize the club wear at least up to the 80's PLEASE.
I believe a motion is coming forward at the Mid-Winter IBT to have a wider variety of casual clothing with WBCCI embroidery on it. If passed members would be able to get polo shirts, sport shirts, fleece pullovers, etc with a WBCCI logo on the chest. How the IBT would like to implement that kind of change is anyone's guess. THIS item is long overdue.
Regular members can dress however they like. Unit officers (or those that just like the look) should be able to wear a comfortable shirt with the club logo along with casual pants and be respectable at the club level and not frighten anyone out in public.
wheelinterested -- 12-09-2006 @ 12:34 PM
My comment is directed towards Leo's comment. You say
most unit members would rather have a designated area. The first unit member to arrive grabs their spot and stakes are put in the ground for the rest of the pre-paid members of that unit. It can be in a line or a grid, but now you've got a UNIT there (isn't that the most important aspect of the club -- the UNIT) that can be FOUND. The same friends that camp and rally together at home are now shoulder to shoulder at the International.
I don't understand how you can say most unit members would rather have a designated area for their unit and be in it. You and some may feel that way but most? How do you know that?
I myself would rather not be *ssigned seating and parking. I had enough of that in school. Now I like to widen out. I already know who I know and the state and international rally is time to meet who I don't know. Such familiarity as staying and parking and happy houring together becomes a community unto itself and many do not even care to venture away from their group. The unit level is for unit level events. One cannot be in two places at once so if it is a priority to be together how will units interact? At the planned activities that are skipped because they would rather sit together with their friends. And I know for a fact that is the case with many. I think it is as much a segregation as any you mentioned you were against. If a member wants to attach to a group they can very easily travel together or wait to enter together. It also seems as parking would be rather difficult to do in as close proximity as we are to each other if arrivals are intermittent in between parked units. This is my opinion but I would not say many or most feel the same as I because I just wouldn't have any way to know what all the individual members of the club think without a vote.
65GT -- 12-09-2006 @ 5:57 PM
This probably should be in a different thread but I'm telling you exactly why two members in my unit WON'T attend another International. It's kind of like the scarecrow in the Wizard of Oz after the flying monkeys got a hold of them... My arm is over there, and my leg is over there; there's a piece of me in the tree, etc...
Unit members form some pretty strong bonds -- I think they prefer to be together. It doesn't mean they won't go out and meet a whole bunch of new people but how many comments have you read about members not being too happy about who they DID wind up with using this random system? I think there were some pretty negative stories about people wishing they'd moved and others that DID move.
On top of that isn't there a thread on the net now about MAL's getting together? Give 'em a field -- you can't do any better than that.
I think the camping by unit thing is sound, especially for other units within your region that would like to stop by and see all the faces they have some familiarity with. Look at a map -- see where the Metro Detroit people are -- walk on over somewhat early in the morning and you can say hello to one and all before they head off for the day. It doesn't get any more convenient than that, does it?
Me, I'll probably camp with the vintage folks, but it would be great to know where my unit is because I'll spend some decent time over there too.
Where's Frank? Where's Henry? Where's Lloyd.
Oh and on second thought it's probably a pretty good idea that the IBT all parks together. That way we know where to find them...
This message was edited by 65GT on 12-9-06 @ 5:59 PM
dwightdi -- 12-10-2006 @ 12:23 PM
There should be no special parking for officers but the reality is the big whigs come in first for the IBT meeting before the International begins and therefore they all get parked before the rest of the members so they will always be parked together anyway.
If the unit has a caravan to International or arranges a meeting spot before the bull pen, they will also be parked together (unless some of them bring dogs or want to use their generator). It is a matter of practicallity. The rapidity of the arrival of the caravans, you can not have special unit parking and everyone wandering everywhere. Also the water and electrical distribution would not allow random parking.
I usually park with vintage and they always have a meeting spot before they parade in the next day and park together. There is no problem.
There should be not special parking for Region officers who do not come in for the prerally IBT meeting.
Communicator -- 12-10-2006 @ 2:41 PM
Okay,
Should the only recognition for being a WBCCI officer be intrinsic? Are there any forms of recognition or appreciation other than parking, seating and clothing that would be more palatable to the general membership?
Communicator -- 12-10-2006 @ 3:01 PM
It is my understanding that no WBCCI Officers are paid. The budget amounts listed in the Blue Book are funds allowed for reimbursement for the whole year which includes conducting Unit officer installations, visiting rallies, conducting business, etc.
I'm researching this and will post more when I get more facts.
Jamie -- 12-10-2006 @ 5:22 PM
I'd like to hear what the officers and former officers of the club think about this. Would they not have considered doing the volunteer work had it not been for the perks involved? Or was their involvement in the club rewarding enough in and of itself and the perks unnecessary.
I guess we should clear up what exactly is meant by "perks" first. Thanks for looking into this Communicator.
gooincamping -- 12-10-2006 @ 6:44 PM
I think mileage, Camp/Park fees and a moderate Per Diem are all that any member should be paid. Pay for attending meetings is outrageous.
As to parking seating and eating there should only be one standard. First come first served.
I really don't have a problem with a reasonable clothing reimbursement for The top tier of leadership. I know I would not buy that outfit without it. Please modernize the wardrobe selection.
The day when the Generals ate off china while the G.I.'s ate out of mess kits are over. Society has changed and folks resent a double standard.
Resentfull people vote with feet and by witholding wallets...
Communicator -- 12-11-2006 @ 9:36 PM
In response to other posts on this thread, WBCCI President Don Shafer and the WBCCI Blue Book, offer this clarification of the facts as they relate to monetary allocations to WBCCI officers.
No WBCCI officer is paid. Money is allocated but all expenses are justified with receipts and filed for as reimbursements. There is no per diem. There is no clothing allowance.
Any money not spent would roll over to the next year's budget. The .40 cents per mile comes out of the amounts listed in the Blue Book.
The money listed in the bylaws does not begin to cover the actual amounts officers spend out of their own pocket for maintenance and upkeep on their equipment and other requirements *ssociated with meeting the demands of being a club officer. All of the officers go into their own pocket to pay expenses.
Depreciation, fuel at today’s prices, and up keep costs certainly are not covered by the recently raised rate of .40 cents, (this raise from .30 to .40 is at this time approved only for this fiscal year to cover the jump in fuel costs).
Members of the IBT (Region Presidents and Executive Committee members) are reimbursed to attend the Mid-Winter IBT meeting. They are not reimbursed to attend the International Rally or the IBT meetings that occur there.
Serving as a Region and International officer is both a major time commitment as well as a financial obligation.
Renee Ettline
WBCCI Communications Liaison
Communicator -- 12-13-2006 @ 10:13 AM
A RESPONSE FROM JIM FRANKLIN, WBCCI PAST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
12-10-2006 The amounts listed in the bylaws are correct. The .40 cents per mile you are mentioning comes out of the amounts listed. Only an officer's travel expenses, rally fees and other expenses all come out of that amount. Any money not spent rolls over to the next year's budget. All expenses are justified with receipts. The money listed in the bylaws does not begin to cover the actual amounts officers spend out of their own pocket for maintenance and upkeep on their equipment and other requirements *ssociated with meeting the demands of being a club officer. I put 50,000 miles on a 2004 396 motorhome looking after the member's interests and club business. Depreciation, fuel at $3.00 plus a gallon, upkeek costs certainly are not covered by the recently raised rate of .40 cents. Two years ago, the rate was .20 cents. You gotta
love WBCCI to take on the responsibility and thats the reason we step up to be officers.
Thanks and Merry Christmas, Jim Franklin
wheelinterested -- 12-13-2006 @ 9:40 PM
After treking through in the heat wave at Salem from as far back as you could get from the buildings, I certainly can see why it would be important for older more fragile individuals to be parked on level easily accessable sites. I don't know if the officers and ages coincide for the majority. I have no problem with them getting what they need to make it easier for them. Since they are needed at the meetings it makes sense to be located nearby also in terms of "travel time". If you aren't driving it takes a considerable length of time to get to and from the far recesses. Ah the shuttle, but standing and waiting is not ideal. Who primarily rides that? (I think there was one??) I think "President's Row" in what it may conjure up to the general membership at first impression seems grandiose. Motorhomes and largest Airstreams and flags flying all in a row stands apart from the general *ssembly. I think there is good reason for it at large scattered facilities.
Seating may also be beneficial for the same reasons as above.
Mingling does seem important and hope officers are encouraged to get out in amongst non officers. Perhaps a time for socializing before or after to get acquainted and talk. Let them take the role as hosts and ambassadors and have them seek and meet members, not their friends, not their co-officers, divide and conquer. I am sure they can be most exciting and enthusiastic, but we won't know if we don't meet them. Allow them time to take a geniune interest in the people they are talking to. Mostly they seem harried when I see them. Not too many smiles and always in a hurry.
Clothes we give them clothes? Can't we do better than what we are giving them?! Let's dress them in some updated comfortable natural fibers more suited to a camping club and less like veterans of foreign wars in inexpensive unattractive design. Or do we? Any examples of what you mean by clothes? I am thinking the red polyester blazers.
My officers should be representing me in my club. We should do better. No need to scare off perspective members. Skip the berets except for archival pictures and parties.
Let them eat as we, that will *ssure best quality and conditions. Let them experience standing in single file (except for infirm) and inching up last to disover portions are being cut or have disappeared because of shortages. When they make suggestions to improve service it will then benefit all the members directly.
As to mileage allowance, rather than how much per mile they get which does not seem unreasonable, perhaps consider under what circumstances it is allowed and any restrictions to be observed.
Could modern technologies help officers do some part of their jobs quicker and less expensively? Is there any reason they should try to improve efficiency?
Communicator -- 12-14-2006 @ 9:02 AM
To clarify a point. The club does not buy clothes for officers nor does it reimburse them for clothes. All the "uniforms" they wear are expected of them (actually there is no bylaw that requires it) but they must pay for them out of their own pocket. With Region officers buying a red blazer for Region activities, a navy blazer for IBT and the fact that both the Region officer and their spouse wear them, the out of pocket costs start to rise.
There are restrictions on travel allowances. In fact, those restrictions often mean officers pay overnight expenses out of their personal bank accounts while on the road for club business.
wheelinterested -- 12-14-2006 @ 9:47 AM
Sorry I misunderstood the comment that over the years the club has given special parking and seating at rallies and designated clothing to leaders as a way of recognizing their tremendous volunteer efforts.
bobkelly -- 12-16-2006 @ 1:21 PM
Communicator---
You asked for an answer to the question about officer recognition and should it be limited to intrinsic in nature while skipping the listed items that cause divisions within the club.
YES
That is consistent with most clubs and *ssociations, both civic and professional in nature. Most folks serving in a leadership capacity in volunteer organizations expect nothing more than a sincere thank you.
So, continue to thank the officers and the many other volunteers who make an event possible with a round of applause at an appropriate time. Also, conduct a recognition event at the end of the club year for the outgoing officers. Typically, a plaque is given as a token of appreciation for the year of service.
bobkelly -- 12-16-2006 @ 11:01 PM
Communicator---In your Dec 14 post, it was mentioned that the current uniform is not a by-law requirement.
As the leadership team reviews current practices with an eye to revising / streamlining / eliminating so as to focus their finite volunteer time on those aspects most important to the club and its members, suggest the leadership eliminate the current formal uniform in favor of the informal attire suggested by others in this thread.
In addition, eliminate the "First Lady" position currently associated with the elected leader spots. This accomplishes several positive things. First, it eliminates a significant irritant with the members. After all, the members selected an
individual for the office, not a leader & spouse. It streamlines and reduces time spent on ceremony. It reduces the leaders out of pocket clothing and travel expense a bunch. That aspect could be a positive "perk" to the leader by expecting
less time commitment from the immediate family and is clearly a cost advoidance. This should also expand the pool of members willing to serve in leadership posts, particularly the non retired and those with spouses who have their own careers & family to tend to.
By all means, keep the leader spouses as engaged as they personally want to be in club volunteer tasks, but don't have it be the formal expectation that it currently appears to be.
ps--these appearances are my impressions after attending the Salem rally last summer.
dwightdi -- 12-17-2006 @ 7:50 AM
Speeking as a former officer, the responsibilities and duties for a club office of a social club like ours is a task that is better accomplished by a couple than an individual. Men and women (even if they are married a long time) have different technical and social skills. If it is a first lady, she usually is better observing the mood within the club and the man is usually better at handling the technical part of keeping the club going. (I know that sounds sexist but it is my experience over 12 years of membership.) We need recognize the contributions of the spouse of the elected leader, if he/she is lucky enough to have a life long helper. In my observations they certainly contribute alot to the club.
Jody -- 12-17-2006 @ 10:11 AM
In my opinion none of the “officer perks’ listed bother me. Parking at the rally… since they are putting it on they should be close to the action and together. Mileage and expense account…just the cost of doing business. Reserved seating at the shows…seems minimal to me. Clothing….guess thats a dead issue since it comes from their pockets and they choose to wear the suits. (Incidentally, I talked to the daughter of one of the charter members of WBCCI a few years back at the International about the whole suit thing. I asked her what she thinks ol’Wally would have thought about the suits. To my surprise she told me the matching suit thing started in Wallys time. He preferred suits and fine clothing because he wished to raise the image of trailer travelers.) First Ladies title…My wife is put through as much as I when involved in organizations, again, doesn’t bother me. The only thing I guess I could say to bring about a positive change as far as the offices as a whole goes would be to be a bit more approachable. Generally speaking I have found them to be good this way. Considering the difficulty of being buddy like after 30+ days of International dealing with a barrage of problems, harsh criticism, swamps, maybe health issues, who know what, I think some improvement could be made. WOW, After reading that last line, I think some additional perks should be added…………Jody
Communicator -- 01-02-2007 @ 8:44 PM
CLEOGIRL
Since I can't PM you, would you please email me at
cl@wbcci.org so I might ask you a question?
tincantom -- 02-01-2007 @ 2:41 AM
Having more than one personal friends who have been Region Oficers I can tell you the reimbursements run out somewhere between the first quarter and halfway thru the year. I have no objection to the reimbursements especially when you look at the long list of required trips (unit officer installations, unit rally visits, etc.). I also can understand why the current officers and possibly the immediate past Pres should be parked together. Did you ever try to work with someone closely for a couple of weeks running all over 40 acres? My only suggestion about the present arrangements is that past Pres and other past officers should not be parked on the "gold" row. They belong with the general membership. From that vantage point their observations, feedback and line of communication (which is surely better than ours) would be an advantage to the club. Just imagine the impact on the Medicare mess if your Congressman or woman had to use it.
tom
