Let's go Founders! We need input

Where do we go from here?

OK! Everyone that is volunteering on the Founders Committee -- please go over the proposed constitution. It was just a generic proposal. Would it fit what we are trying to do?

If you need a better copy, email me and I will send it to you as an attachment. I have it in wpd, doc, txt formats. It was too large to attach to the Forum.

Here may be some problem areas:

1) One of the things I worry about is the wording regarding quorums. For example, at national meeting there would rarely be a quorum present of all the members. So, at the national meeting should we have recommendations of changes to the constitution and/or rules, and then have a balloted mailing.

Just want to stay away from Republic-style voting that NAHCA uses where just the Div heads vote (usually without any idea of what their constituents desire).

2) Mary tells me we are crazy to try and get organizations to join NAMSA, rather go after individuals. She cited that as the reason NAMSA shut down before. And the reason it is like pulling teeth for folks to join US Sailing.

Personally, I think she has cited a case for NOT going after the individual, rather the organizations. I have already heard from quite a few organizations that said they were all for the idea.

So, is that the right path? Or go after the individual, or both?

3) Are the proposed fees too high? too low? Should they be formatted differently. I know many of us have dealt with organizations before -- so might have a feel what the burden may be on them.

4) There will hopefully be many committees dealing with many factions of our sport, i.e., Miles' interest in working with Trapseat sailors, someone needs to work on getting regatta insurance coverages, Youth programs, etc. . This should be covered in the way proposed constitution is worded.

5) Should the aims and goals aka "Objective" be reworded, more added, or subtracted?

On to some other thoughts;

On a post by former chair of the MHC, Gordon Isco, he pretty much lays out that MHC is doing about all it can do. He doubts that NAMSA can do more, but that would remain to be seen. He ends by saying that in the overall pictures, MHC is like having a state rep in Washington. Not a strong picture, in my eyes.

We also have to address communications to the members. The biggest thing that led to the demise of the former NAMSA was the newsletter died. For years and years I remember getting a great newsletter. Then the strong members of the org. dropped by the wayside, and Hobie Cat became the guidance system to courses and regattas. The Hotline took over the news. But, none of this covered other cats.

So, a news situation has to be raised. And this is a tender subject. Mary and I certainly do not want to push our magazine down anyone's throat, nor be accused of doing so.

On the other hand, Mary said she would be glad to raise the price of the Magazine by $5 and make those subscribers NAMSA members. Perhaps she can that as a Association Member, just like CABB, CRAW, et al.

As you can see, this is a touchy both with Mary and her subscribers.

Any other thoughts? On your mark (keyboard), get set, GO!

Thanks,

Rick