Celebrating Chapters
Reflections on these valuable subgroups of FMCA, including the successful Chapter Block Party in Perry.
National President
Jon Walker, F268778
jwalker@fmca.com
Jon and Sondra Walker
You may have heard it said before: Chapters are the lifeblood of FMCA. Although not all FMCA members belong to chapters, many have discovered the wonderful friendships and activities that chapters provide. Sondra and I currently belong to 15 FMCA chapters, and we were charter members of three chapters. We have met so many interesting people in these groups, and have so many good memories. It’s safe to say we’re sold on the idea of chapter membership.
I’d like to encourage you to look into joining an FMCA chapter near you, or one in your area of interest, if you haven’t yet done so. With almost 350 groups, you’re bound to find one that appeals to you. Attend a chapter rally, or talk with chapter members at an FMCA convention. Like individuals, each FMCA chapter has its own “personality.” For more information about chapter membership, and to search for chapters that might interest you, visit www.fmca.com/fmca-join-a-chapter or call the Chapter Services Department at the FMCA national office.
This year, the FMCA Executive Board has focused efforts on increasing chapter involvement. Perhaps it’s no accident that many of us belong to multiple groups, and many other FMCA members do as well. Since we know of what we speak, we have placed an increased emphasis on chapter involvement and growth. The Chapter Services Department at the national office has provided invaluable support toward this goal.
We set a positive tone in several ways. For one, the chapter prize packages were updated for this year. We’ve also encouraged our chapters to compose and send letters to prospective chapter members. We provide information to chapter secretaries to better assist their groups, and often hold workshops for chapter officers at international conventions and area rallies. At most FMCA international conventions, we hold a Chapter Fair. At the Perry, Georgia, convention this past March we also added a new event, the Chapter Block Party.
It’s not totally accurate to call the block party “new.” Those who have been around FMCA for some time may remember similar parties that took place in the past. The late Jean Pryor, L12913, encouraged me to consider including a block party as a convention event. And it was a smashing success in Perry.
For the Perry convention, we began promoting the Chapter Fair and Block Party to chapter leaders in October 2018, and 48 chapters signed up to participate in the Chapter Fair. Each chapter had the option to host a Block Party the following evening, and most of them did. Registered Perry convention attendees received emails inviting them to attend and, on-site, fliers and posters advertised these events. Chapters also received preprinted invitations to the Block Party that they could give to prospective members.
The Chapter Fair was held immediately following the “Orientation For First-Time Attendees” seminar, which always draws a sizable crowd. Perry was no exception. Convention attendees visited tables manned by chapter members, which were grouped by FMCA area. This helped members to locate chapters near their home base. Although the chapters handed out information about their group, the purpose was not simply to sign up new members then and there, but to invite attendees to come to the Block Party the following evening, where they could mingle with more chapter members on an informal basis.
Carolina Pelicans chapter members welcomed guests to their block party in Perry.
And mingle they did. The weather was perfect for an evening of outdoor socializing. Sondra and I visited many of the chapter get-togethers and were elated by the sense of hospitality we felt at each. Plus, there was so much good food and drink, and great conversations! As we moved from chapter party to chapter party, all I could think about was that I wished Jean Pryor could have been there. She would have been so proud.
A total of 45 chapters rolled out the welcome mat during the Block Party. And thanks to the opportunity to meet chapter members firsthand, especially with the relaxed atmosphere at the Chapter Block Parties, I’m pleased to report that 570 members inquired about chapters. I sincerely hope they enjoy chapter membership as much as Sondra and I do.
In addition to these events, Gaye Young, FMCA national secretary, led a chapter formation seminar, where attendees discussed ideas for several possible new chapters. One chapter turned in its formation paperwork during the convention.
The Block Party has added such a positive element to the chapter process. We’ll definitely hold it again at future FMCA conventions. Stay tuned.
Member Engagement. Many of you may recall past columns in which I’ve expressed my desire for FMCA to become more member-driven. As part of this effort, I am reaching out to each of you with a request. I ask that you consider how your background and experience could help FMCA address the opportunities associated with the Key Focus Areas identified in our recent member survey.
Specifically, I ask you to consider volunteering to serve on one of FMCA’s committees. To read about the Key Focus Areas, or to communicate your interest, visit the Member Engagement web page: join.fmca.com/member-engagement.
This direct appeal for your involvement is part of our new Volunteer Engagement Program. This ongoing program will be the means through which members can let us know of their interests and their willingness to serve. The list of FMCA committees appears at https://governance.fmca.com. We will be forming committees for 2019-2020 immediately following FMCA’s 100th International Convention and RV Expo in Minot, North Dakota, August 14 through 17, 2019.
The Member Engagement mission is as follows:
FMCA will become a member-driven organization when all members have a voice and have opportunities to participate in ways that enhance their RV lifestyle and experience. FMCA will achieve this vision when our culture, policies, programs, and services keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of the industry and our members. To learn more or volunteer your services and expertise, please visit join.fmca.com/member-engagement.
Rally season continues. This month, the Great Lakes Area Rally takes place June 5 through 8 in Allegan, Michigan. The Northwest Area Rally runs June 6 through 9 in Albany, Oregon. The Northeast Area Rally is set for July 25 through 28 in Syracuse, New York. And FMCA’s “Minot Magic — 100 Times The Fun” international convention takes place August 14 through 17 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.
With rallies, chapters, and RVing filling the schedule, remember: It’s still all about having fun!