The "old guard" in clubs - rants and possible SOLUTIONS?

[groomerdriver]

Here is your forum to rant.....but hopefully add possible solutions too!

We've lived in the area going on 5 years now. We have 4 clubs in the immediate region and they all have the "old guard" syndrome" in varying degrees.

It took PATIENCE on my part as I kept staying involved and interjected myself into conversations. After a while they realized that I wasn't just blowing smoke outta my azz and I knew how the trails/grooming game is played.

I'm now nicely entrenched in one club and the "old guard" wants to know what I'm thinking all the time.

What is your rant and your SOLUTION?

 

[POLARISDAN]

give up on them and ride with JD'rs with no agenda

 

[scoot]

Perhaps this should be titled "What do you expect from your local club?" Are you looking for more of a social club type of environment? How would you recommend drawing members to the meetings and eventually the workings of the club?

 

[groomerdriver]

Perhaps this should be titled "What do you expect from your local club?" Are you looking for more of a social club type of environment? How would you recommend drawing members to the meetings and eventually the workings of the club?

I get where you're coming from but I specifically want to know about others coming up against the "old guard" and what did they do about it? Quit and move on? Piss and moan about it on internet boards? Try to do something positive and constructive?

FWIW - the club I'm involved with now is purely a "trails" club....meaning their focus is on maintaining the trails. Sure, we do some social activities and fundraisers, but when people ask me what typof club is it (trails, social or mix) I say "trails".

 

[Banks93]

My rant is the lack of panning and grooming in certain areas which leads to trails not being opened and trails not being in great shape.

My solution would be to get more drivers, train all groomer drivers and clubs to the best methods to maintain low snow and make driving the tractor a paid position for the clubs so that when it snows out the drivers can get out. Pan and groom during the storm rather than waiting two days after the storm. The snow is not all blown off the fields.

 

[groomerdriver]

My rant is the lack of panning and grooming in certain areas which leads to trails not being opened and trails not being in great shape.

My solution would be to get more drivers, train all groomer drivers and clubs to the best methods to maintain low snow and make driving the tractor a paid position for the clubs so that when it snows out the drivers can get out. Pan and groom during the storm rather than waiting two days after the storm. The snow is not all blown off the fields.

Just FYI.....in some areas the grooming is controlled by the county association (I believe Walworth and Monroe Ctys. are doing it this way) and others, it's up to the clubs. I do not know how it is controlled in your area.

Here is the contact info for the AWSC Director for Outagamie County:

GARY TIMM
920-757-6286
gbaetmm@gmail.com

Paying drivers is a whole 'nother issue. Some areas (St. Germain and others) pay their drivers.

 

[lenny]

I stopped fighting against the old guard and walked, best thing I could have ever done!

 

[snobuilder]

This thread is about to show that the misguided idea that FORCE VOLUNTEERISM ie; CAP/STEP,... can not be a solution to a money problem.

sledders are willing to pay more in a simple reg hike.

The volunteers will show up on there own.

 

[cobalt_502]

I had moved to a small town in 2004 and wanted to do my part and help, after several emails and phone messages not returned I gave up? I was actually dumbfounded they wouldn't want the help and support from newbies?

 

[snobuilder]

I had moved to a small town in 2004 and wanted to do my part and help, after several emails and phone messages not returned I gave up? I was actually dumbfounded they wouldn't want the help and support from newbies?

show up!....talk is cheap....you must think these clubs are full of chatty folks who want to talk to you about how you are now a member...ooooo! marvelous.

 

[catalac]

show up!....talk is cheap....you must think these clubs are full of chatty folks who want to talk to you about how you are now a member...ooooo! marvelous.

Haha! Are you drinking when you post? I know I'm more of a smart *** when I'm drinkin a few.
Haha, have a good night snobuilder.

 

[snobuilder]

Haha! Are you drinking when you post? I know I'm more of a smart *** when I'm drinkin a few.
Haha, have a good night snobuilder.

So you disagree with my post...OK...just for the heck of it, how about you reply to the same post so I know what YOUR thoughts are.

 

[catalac]

Never said I disagree with your post. Jumping on the guys back because he tried to get ahold of someone in the club, kind of sounded smart assed, thats all. Maybe I read your post wrong. If I did, I'm sorry, but don't think I did.

 

[snobuilder]

Never said I disagree with your post. Jumping on the guys back because he tried to get ahold of someone in the club, kind of sounded smart assed, thats all. Maybe I read your post wrong. If I did, I'm sorry, but don't think I did.

Don't apologize ....I never get offended.....my first 2 words said it all...."show up"...pretty simple. last few calls for club info I had were like the new member was interviewing me as the club rep, and wondering what the club could offer HIM....don't ask what the club can do for you...ask what you can do for the club!

 

[craigrev]

Jump in and help out with brushing/signing /fundraising etc. The "old guard" will be much more willing to accept your ideas after you've shown willingness to help out. Everyone offers their opinions but few are willing to actually put in the time and effort to improve their club.

 

[snoluver1]

Don't apologize ....I never get offended.....my first 2 words said it all...."show up"...pretty simple. last few calls for club info I had were like the new member was interviewing me as the club rep, and wondering what the club could offer HIM....don't ask what the club can do for you...ask what you can do for the club!

I understand your point to an extent, but it seems rather than educate a newbie on how the clubs work and what is needed from new membership, you find it more productive to jump down a guys throat who is calling you to inquire about information? I'm confused Is this the "old gaurd" mentality the thread is about?

 

[jr37]

I really like that phrase,............."don't ask what the club can do for you...ask what you can do for the club!"

I'll need to remember that one.

 

[snobuilder]

I understand your point to an extent, but it seems rather than educate a newbie on how the clubs work and what is needed from new membership, you find it more productive to jump down a guys throat who is calling you to inquire information? I'm confused Is this the "old gaurd" mentality the thread is about?

I was very accommodating to the new member. I am really nice on da phone.

 

[blu2u2]

I have seen first hand how not being a "hometown boy" can cause you to be treated as an outsider. In the past 12 years I have been a member of 3 different clubs in my area. I have helped mark trails, attend meetings, sell and buy raffle tickets, and served as treasurer and club membership chair.

I think it is a good idea to test the waters of a club by attending a meeting. If you feel welcome and like the dynamics then that is the club to join.

Off the topic but Banks 93 knows exactly how the 17 clubs maintain the trails in Outagamie Cty. but thanks for trying to help him groomerdriver.