MAFCA Board of Directors Elections

[CarlG]

Got mine today (Saturday 8/11)

OK, so who besides Jim & Chuck??????

[redmodelt]

Being a member of a Model T club my understanding of the insurance thing is, it protects the club as a unit. We are a LLC to protect the members in case of a law suit. I still have to have insurance on my car and I am responsible if I am in an accident on a club tour not the club insurance. There is at least one Model A club in the area that is not affilated with ether national club.

[Don/WI]

I also got my ballot today. You have my vote Jim. I belong to MARC (since '66) and MAFCA (since '68) and I don't think they will ever get together, at least not in my lifetime. I do enjoy both of the magazines. Don/WI

[montanafordman]

Originally Posted by spdway1

What is the "Next Generation"?
I am 38 years old, owned many Model A over the years and currently drive my 29 Closed Cab Pick up 3-5 days a week. I am generally concerned because in my area, no one under 55 cares about Model A's. Our club is dying off, not much interest there anymore...Where do we go from here?

Originally Posted by BrianBurkert

The future of the hobby is very important. I'm 33. There have been several younger members joining our club (20's and 30's). They are very enthusiastic members, and actively participate as families. There is a challenge, though, with the economy and competition with so many other activities. Time and money can be in short supply with young folks.

Another younger guy checking in here. I hear what speedway and brian are saying. There are not too many young guys in my area either that are into model A's. I don't think the interest is there because most guys my age are into horsepower and muscle cars if anything. Most people gravitate toward what they remember growing up with and even though my childhood was in the 80s and 90's (I'm 31) muscle cars were far more prevalent. I never remember any classmates driving a model A to school but there were camaros, mustangs, V8 trucks with loud exhaust etc.

The other major factor is competition with other activities like brian said - many of my generation is caught up with video games, home theatre, and computer stuff outside of work if anything. Not only that but they don't have the background to tackle mechanical stuff. I was very fortunate to grow up on a farm and around more rural settings. I worked with my hands from an early age and my family members mentored me on the value of hard work and not being afraid of diving in and just doing something. You don't need a trained professional to teach you how to build a deck or replace a wheel bearing. You might need a manual but the right attitude and attention to detail will go far. Aside from growing up on a farm my high school also offered auto shop, metal shop, and wood shop classes. These are dissappearing from schools at an alarming rate due to budget cuts and almost a growing cultural perception that you need a B.S. degree or white collar job and trades are almost frowned upon. WIth this attitude people don't pursue the skill set needed to work on an old car, or just don't think they have it and end up avoiding the possiblity as a result. People (even my peers in their late 20's and early 30s) are increasingly plugged in and spend less time outside or working with their hands. Not only this but budgets are strained where there isn't enough disposable income or space for a fun car to play with.

How is this overcome? Get your families involved! The young people I see in the Model A hobby all had a family member or friend that got them into it. Either they grew up going to the regional meets and racing hubleys or they inherited one. I think training our kids to not shy away from getting their hands greasy even with a modern car and participating in other things away from a TV or computer screen goes a long way. Lobby your local schools to continue with trade and industry classes. I ended up going and getting a 4 year degree at a liberal arts minded college but my time on the farm and working at a tire shop, a farm implement dealer, and airport would land me a job in an instant if I were suddenly unemployed. It may not be the pay or job that I really want but someone with mechanical skills and the right attitude can find something much faster than an IT guy or furloughed pilot in this economy. Very few young people will just go buy a model A on a whim without thinking hot rod. Mentor them into appreciating the history and give them the respect and desire to contiue with it.

I'll throw in my vote for ya Jim. You seem to know the future lies in some online media and interaction also. Get the word out and good luck!

[spdway1]

Jim, Where are you??? Did you already forget us....

[329s]

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Originally Posted by spdway1

Jim, Where are you??? Did you already forget us....

Yes Jim...You need to interact here!

Pluck

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by 329s

Yes Jim...You need to interact here!

Pluck

Guys please relax, I happen to know that Jim is not in Texas right now and so as we all know, finding computer access when we are out of our normal environment can be difficult. Jim was at my shop recently and we had a great time of fellowship. I am on the national Board of Directors serving for another car club, and based on what I know about a national club's operation and of Jim, I concur with others that Jim will be a great asset to MAFCA and deserves your vote.

[Bruce,Upstate NY]

Two clubs join? Would that mean two national meets and two tours a year - one east and one west? That would be nice.

[Jim/GA]

Originally Posted by spdway1

Jim, Where are you??? Did you already forget us....

Hi, all. Yea, I have been on the road. Finally home to real Internet again. The WiFi in McDonald's works OK when you're there, but we don't stop too often.

I really appreciate the comments from everyone. It took me a while to read them all and absorb them. The insights from the younger members are really valuable. Most of us lived through those times that interfere with club activities (buying first home, having kids, kid activities, etc.) so it is a good reminder to us all.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned in the business world is that I should spend more time listening than talking. Translating that to running for the MAFCA Board, I plan to listen more than I respond. I want to hear from the membership, on Ford Barn or privately. Feel free to e-mail me at 29A at comcast dot net.

I am concerned about this thread turning into an emotionally charged gripe session that will not be productive in the long run. So please try to keep comments constructive.

Thanks all, and keep it coming.

[Jim/GA]

Quick reminder:
MAFCA Ballots need to be postmarked by Oct. 15th. That is Monday (2 days from now).

If you still have your ballot and have put off mailing it in, please go find it, (vote for me, of course! ) and get it in the mail.

Thanks!

[newshirt]

Jim, I wish you had more actively responded to the issues and questions raised on this thread. After reading every response, I still don't know the purpose of MAFCA, except for a national tour and a monthly magazine. And I still don't know why MAFCA and MARC are separate clubs, except for petty politics. The old guys know, but some of us newbies have no clue, and are waiting to be inspired.

Believe me when I say I'm ready to join! I just need a reason. I've only been in the hobby two years and still have a high level of enthusiasm. But in that time, MAFCA has been virtually a non-player in Colorado Springs. But again... that may be the local club's fault. I don't know... and I apologize for casting blame when it may be our own fault.

Please elaborate on how you are going to reach the next generation.

[BrianBurkert]

The national clubs also maintain and print judging standards and other technical documents, besides what the excellent magazines have to offer. I concur that the national meets and tours are also excellent. More MAFCA events tend to be central to west coast, and MARC events tend to be central to east coast. Like any other organization, the national clubs are what you make of them.

[CarlG]

Vote for Jim -- if for no other reason, he's from Texas!

[Dick M]

Newshirt brings up some interesting points. It seems to me the main function of MAFCA is to provide an ogranization which enables its members to meet other Model Aers on a local, regional, and national level. I love nothing more than to be on a tour with Model A Fords. The fact is that all organizations have politics as it is the nature of the beast. Therefore, it is important to have leadership which truly loves the hobby and works towards the best interest of all. I have been a member of two MAFCA chapters and MAFCA during the last ten years. I always enjoy the Restorer as I find it educational and interesting. I have attended many MAFCA Northern California Regional Group events where I have met many fellow Model Aers that I would never have come into contact with. I have not always agreed with MAFCA Board decisions but that is human nature. I suppose you can continue just fine without MAFCA, however, I think is a bargain for $40 a year to associate with so many Model Aers. If Newshirt attends a future regional or national meet, I would hope he would agree it is worth the $40. JMO

[glenn in camino]

I also have always felt that the 2 clubs should be combined but I've only been a member since 1970. The old timers an their egos will never let it happen.

[P.S.]

I'm a younger guy myself, and I did join MAFCA, but only because an older guy who is in to the local club scene as well as MAFCA told me to. He said it was essential. So far, I tend to disagree.

Wife and I have a Model A because we like it, not because it is a hobby. We use it as a weekend car for our trips together. Neither of us wants to play "dress-up" or have it "judged" or commit our Model A to use only on pre-arranged club tours. The idea of joining a single file line of Model A's on 2-lane highways once a month just rubs us wrong.

Our interest in the Model A car is for many other reasons, including the absolute simplicity of the car and lack of computers or other modern "fluff". It could have just as easily been an early VW, except for being foreign. We also wanted a car made in America.

Meanwhile, I really don't know what MAFCA does, other than send out a nice magazine or be a cheerleader for the clubs that promote the very "geezer" activities we don't want to do with our car. We absolutely can't stand the thought of dressing up like actors playing 1920's people and driving around in the car. We'd feel pretty stupid! I know there are some people (like the older guy that made me join MAFCA) who really enjoy playing "dress-up", and that's OK. The fact that MAFCA promotes playing "dress-up" is OK too. I'm simply saying, I don't see the benefit of our membership at all.

So, since my wife and I are apparently the future of MAFCA in some small way, please enlighten us on what point(s) we're likely missing. Does MAFCA have a program for people that just use their cars for occasional pleasure use only that isn't club related? Does MAFCA do anything for the mid 30's and 40's people who don't care about conventions, playing "dress-up", driving single file in a group of Model A's, playing with Hubleys, judging cars, having their car judged, or reading a magazine about these activities?

Perhaps the organization would appeal to more people if it became more like AAA, but for Model As. In other words, have MAFCA approved repair shops, parts vendors, repro suppliers, etc. And, administer the program so that if you need something for your car, and you find a place that is MAFCA approved, you would know that your Model A will receive the best in care/parts/whatever. And if not, you tell them and they threaten to yank the MAFCA seal of approval unless they make it right. Maybe adopt a MAFCA insurance company partner program where if you join MAFCA, classic car insurance companies would offer discounts or whatever being a member.

Now, THAT would keep my membership dues coming year after year. Otherwise, seriously considering dropping it next renewal. We just don't see the value in being members.

Thanks!

[FL&WVMIKE]

From reading this thread, it seems like the two national clubs are falling short of connectiing with their members.
MIKE

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by P.S.

I'm a younger guy myself, and I did join MAFCA, but only because an older guy who is in to the local club scene as well as MAFCA told me to. He said it was essential. So far, I tend to disagree.

Wife and I have a Model A because we like it, not because it is a hobby. We use it as a weekend car for our trips together. Neither of us wants to play "dress-up" or have it "judged" or commit our Model A to use only on pre-arranged club tours. The idea of joining a single file line of Model A's on 2-lane highways once a month just rubs us wrong.

Our interest in the Model A car is for many other reasons, including the absolute simplicity of the car and lack of computers or other modern "fluff". It could have just as easily been an early VW, except for being foreign. We also wanted a car made in America.

Meanwhile, I really don't know what MAFCA does, other than send out a nice magazine or be a cheerleader for the clubs that promote the very "geezer" activities we don't want to do with our car. We absolutely can't stand the thought of dressing up like actors playing 1920's people and driving around in the car. We'd feel pretty stupid! I know there are some people (like the older guy that made me join MAFCA) who really enjoy playing "dress-up", and that's OK. The fact that MAFCA promotes playing "dress-up" is OK too. I'm simply saying, I don't see the benefit of our membership at all.

So, since my wife and I are apparently the future of MAFCA in some small way, please enlighten us on what point(s) we're likely missing. Does MAFCA have a program for people that just use their cars for occasional pleasure use only that isn't club related? Does MAFCA do anything for the mid 30's and 40's people who don't care about conventions, playing "dress-up", driving single file in a group of Model A's, playing with Hubleys, judging cars, having their car judged, or reading a magazine about these activities?

Perhaps the organization would appeal to more people if it became more like AAA, but for Model As. In other words, have MAFCA approved repair shops, parts vendors, repro suppliers, etc. And, administer the program so that if you need something for your car, and you find a place that is MAFCA approved, you would know that your Model A will receive the best in care/parts/whatever. And if not, you tell them and they threaten to yank the MAFCA seal of approval unless they make it right. Maybe adopt a MAFCA insurance company partner program where if you join MAFCA, classic car insurance companies would offer discounts or whatever being a member.

Now, THAT would keep my membership dues coming year after year. Otherwise, seriously considering dropping it next renewal. We just don't see the value in being members.

Thanks!

I TOTALLY agree with you on one thing, ....belonging to MAFCA is not a value for someone like you simply because of your goals. That is OK!! The reason I say this is because THEY are the one that should dictate what THEY want their club to be, ...and their direction apparently does not align with your present goals.

I think sometimes we forget the basics. Just because we say we want the two clubs to merge, ...or cater to a certain facet of the hobby that we like, maybe that is not the goal or direction that club/business wants to go. Just because I am a member does not mean they should change their course to accomandate me. For example, I am a regular patron of Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant but even though I want them to serve hamburgers, that is NOT in their business model. One might also suggest that Chick-Fil-A and Bojangles Chicken should merge since they both serve chicken in a different way which would allow them to save costs and be as large as KFC. Even with a merge I suspect there would be a new set of shortcomings that would surface.

[figment]

I think that two clubs are fine. Competion only makes for better magazines , information ect. I have belonged to both since around 1978.

[Mitch//pa]

jim,
if i was a member you would have my vote

good luck