Executive Director’s Commentary
By Don Eversmann, F240000
September 2005
This month I am dedicating my column to the questions most frequently answered by the staff in our Membership Services Department. I have found that although the facts are quite familiar to those of us who work with the issues daily, they may not be to members who deal with us infrequently, or those who are new members of FMCA.
Beverly Spurgeon, director of membership services, and the Membership Services Department staff have compiled the following list of the most frequently asked questions and the answers. I hope these will assist you in understanding various aspects of the association. If you have a question that is not included in this article, I encourage you to contact the Membership Services Department. Staff members will be happy to answer your questions or to attempt to put you in touch with someone who can.
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By Beverly Spurgeon
Director of Membership Services
How can I sign up for FMCA’s emergency road service?
FMCA’s Emergency Road Service & Technical Referral Plan is offered to members at a group rate. Members can sign up for the service via the registration form included with the ad that appears in each issue of the magazine (look for “FMCA Emergency Road Service” in the Advertising Index) or by calling (877) 801-0333.
Can I call the national office to obtain a trip routing?
To obtain a trip routing, FMCA members must send a written request via postal mail, fax, or e-mail directly to FMCA’s trip routing service or submit a request using the online order-entry page on the Trip Routing channel at www.fmca.com. The Web site also has a form that members can download and fill out in order to submit a written request. This form generally appears in each issue of FMC as well. The page number is listed in the Advertising Index under “FMCA Trip Routing Service.” Please allow one week for delivery of the routing. The service can provide routings for destinations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
I mailed you my dues payment but have not received new membership cards.
New cards are attached to your first statement, marked “Valid Upon Payment.” You should peel them off the statement and put them in your wallet after you send in your payment.
How can I become a life member of FMCA?
The Full Lifetime Membership program was closed by FMCA’s Governing Board in accordance with FMCA’s Bylaws. The program originally was established to raise funds to purchase the national office building in 1976.
How does FMCA’s pinch-hit driver program work?
The purpose of this program is to assist FMCA members who encounter any type of emergency that prohibits them from driving their coach while away from home. Pinch-hit drivers are listed in the “Stoppin’ Spots” section of the January membership directory issue of the magazine and on the Membership channel on www.fmca.com. Contact the national office (800-543-3622; membership@fmca.com) for additional information about how to enlist the assistance of a pinch-hit driver or to volunteer to serve in this capacity, or access the “For Members Only” portion of www.fmca.com.
Does FMCA offer any activities for members’ children?
FMCA’s young people are offered the opportunity to have fun participating in organized activities at the association’s international conventions. There are programs for FMCA’s Teen-Age Travelers (TATS), ages 13 to 18; PRE-TEENS, ages 10 to 12; TWEENS, ages 6 to 9; and TOTS, ages 2 to 5.
I received an FMCA membership directory, but why didn’t I receive a copy of the January issue of FMC magazine?
The January magazine and the membership directory are one and the same. The directory is not a separate publication.
Where can I find detailed information about FMCA’s member benefits?
Information regarding member benefits and services can be found in the Member Benefits Guide section of the 2005 January directory issue beginning on page 186.
How do I sign up to use FMCA’s Mail Forwarding Service?
You may contact the Mail Forwarding Department at (800) 448-1212 for an enrollment form if you have plans to be on the road for two months or longer. At the time of your enrollment you will be asked to establish a postage account with FMCA. Once you are enrolled, your mail will be forwarded to you on a weekly basis via First Class Mail. The cost of the postage necessary to send your mail to you will be deducted from your account. The guidelines for using the service are published in the directory issue of FMC magazine. See page 208 of the January 2005 issue.
Are we, as members, covered under any life or health insurance policies?
Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance coverage is automatically extended to all FMCA family members. A certificate that explains the coverage is printed on page 195 of the January 2005 membership directory issue. The certificate should be signed and filed away with your other insurance papers.
AFLAC’s supplemental insurance plans are offered to FMCA members at an association-discounted rate. Contact AFLAC district sales coordinator Ruth Wolfangel at (800) 581-9048, extension 18, for more information.
Where can I get more information about the MEDEX air evacuation benefit?
Please check the information printed in the Member Benefits Guide published in the 2005 January directory issue starting on page 201, or contact the FMCA national office for a brochure (800-543-3622; membership@fmca.com).
How does FMCA’s antitheft program work?
Aon Recreation Insurance (formerly RV Alliance America) and FMCA created FMCA’s antitheft benefit. “FMCA Protected” decals are available from the national office (800-543-3622; membership@fmca.com) for attachment to members’ motorhomes in order to discourage break-ins and motorhome theft. A $2,500 reward will be paid to any individual who provides information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons burglarizing an FMCA member’s motorhome.
Some of my friends are carrying FMCA business cards. Can I get some, too?
FMCA “business” cards are available for family members to use to exchange mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses with friends they meet while traveling. Cards are available in two styles: with one home address, or with winter and summer addresses. The cards are reasonably priced as follows: $20 for 200 cards, $25 for 500 cards, and $30 for 1,000 cards. Orders must be in writing, and an order form appears bimonthly in FMC magazine. Look for “FMCA Business Cards” in the magazine’s Advertising Index.
Which commercial members offer FMCA discounts?
Check the listings in the “Business Directory,” published in the January and June issues of FMC magazine, and accessible via www.fmca.com, for companies that offer FMCA discounts. Family members must present their FMCA membership card at the time of service or purchase in order to receive the discounts.
Can FMCA help with financing members’ motorhomes ?
The Motor Coach Finance Center at E*TRADE Consumer Finance Corporation offers FMCA members special savings when financing the purchase of a new or previously owned motorhome or when refinancing an existing motorhome. A quote is available by calling (800) 234-6550.
I need a new set of numbered identification emblems for my coach. How do I order them?
Coach plates with your FMCA membership number can be ordered directly from the manufacturer, Kiley Mold Company. Kiley also sells mounting brackets, numbered identification plates for towed vehicles, and key tags. An order form appears in every issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine. To find the order form, look in the magazine’s Advertising Index under “FMCA Plates & Key Tags” or visit Kiley on the Web at www.kileymold.com.
An FMCA membership plate was attached to the motorhome I just bought. When I join FMCA, can I keep that membership number?
No. Membership numbers cannot be transferred from one person to another; the numbers are permanently assigned.
My parents are members of FMCA. Now I have a motorhome, and I was told that I could join FMCA and use their number. Is that correct?
If your parents are already members of FMCA when you sign up, it is possible for you to use their number with an “S” on the end for son, or a “D” for daughter. Similarly, applicants whose son or daughter joined the association before them may obtain a membership using their son’s or daughter’s number with a “P” on the end for parent. Members’ grandchildren may join the association and use the family membership number with the addition of the letter “G” for grandchild.
Are my FMCA membership dues based upon the calendar year?
No. The membership period begins with the date that you join the association.
Will FMCA sell my name to other companies?
In accordance with FMCA’s Constitution, under no circumstances is FMCA’s membership list to be used for purposes other than FMCA business. Relative to this issue, on occasion you may receive an announcement about a special offer from a company providing a benefit to FMCA members. These mailings are approved by the Executive Board and are made because the board feels that they constitute a benefit to FMCA members. A confidentiality agreement protects the list against use for any other purpose.
Can I use my FMCA merchandise coupons to pay my dues?
FMCA merchandise coupons can be used to purchase merchandise with FMCA logos and Camping World merchandise only. FMCA merchandise is available at FMCA international conventions and at some area rallies. In addition, FMCA merchandise can be ordered online via the FMCA Store (www.fmcastore.com) or via fax or phone. Ordering information is available online, and a catalog with an order form appears in the March, June, September, and December issues of FMC magazine. Please be sure to check the expiration date on your coupons when you receive them and then redeem them promptly. They will not be honored or replaced after the expiration date.
I’ve heard that my town is considering an ordinance that would restrict RV parking. What should I do?
FMCA’s Governmental and Legislative Affairs Committee has prepared a parking rights manual that outlines the steps you should take when confronted by restrictive ordinances. A copy of the manual and related information appears online at www.fmca.com/motorhomerights. Or feel free to contact the FMCA national office (800-543-3622; membership@fmca.com) to request a copy.