Originally Posted by rgordner
I know I have voiced my concern before about alienating members from the club. I disagree with since the club is voluntary, social and membership is free. I feel that if an individuals station in life changes, and I know it has for a lot of people the last year or so, you don't kick them when they are down. Many individuals are reluctant to let on that times are difficult for them. They choose not discuss their situation and avoid any situation that could cause the subject to come up. The first thing comes up if you miss a couple of GTGs is where you been, this leads right to the situation they may be trying to avoid. I know this first hand because I was made to feel that way with the local MOPAR club about 10 years ago. It took a complete change of club leadership before I felt comfortable again.
Bill made mention that we had better participation when when gas was $4 a gallon. That may be true but a lot of people have lost jobs and are struggling since then. While gas has gone down the economic situation is much worse. In my mind that negates any drop in gas prices. If I can have any input into the situation it would be that we allow any member to return at any time. If we don't allow people to return I may very well go the way of those that are being removed from the roster. I personally think it is insulting to remove anyone from a voluntary organization with any just cause or wrong doing.
That's the end of my rant, I guess now we let the chips fall were they may.
Ron, I think you put a lot of thought in your post. I have to agree with many if not most of your points. There are few, if any, ground rules for maintaining membership, and a person's personal business is personal. Apologies for non-attendance should not be required, nor the reasons for it, however, having said that, I understand Bill's frustrations too. No one is asking for a person's reasons for non attendance, the fly in the ointment as I see it, is the lack of communication or if you will response to the many notices of the meetings. Even a short "I'll pass this one" gives the planner(s) an idea whether to eat at Harry's 4 booth Hamburger Heaven with no parking, or the Olive Garden with ample seating and parking. Socializing, fun and a good ride are what we are after, not nit picking, but it also goes to consideration of the planners of the event.
I would suggest that before a mass dropping of members occurs, #1 personnally contact the individuals privately and make a determination from that. If there is no response, then suspend or remove the member from the roster. Not an easy choice as Frank put it, but we are not here to alienate people but bring them together. Ron, I think your last sentence was meant to read "withOUT any just cause", correct me if I'm wrong. Life goes on, let's not make it any harder than it is.
Ron, have a quick recovery. See ya at Ancira's
John P