PRA Chapter Coordinator

[Dean_Dolph]

Good luck Chris.

I was once a chapter coordinator. There have been many of us. None successful, ever....

Tom, you would have to define what a successful coordinator is before I would say I agree with you.

I thought Cindy Hardee did a fine job and I'm not bashful about saying I felt I brought value to the PRA while I was coordinator. At the very least I was visible as opposed to the 'many' who weren't. I may not have been what your definition of a successful coordinator is but I'm satisified that my performance would match any coordinator's so far. My wish is for Chris to do even better! She certainly has my support.

 

[SWaRC]

How come when I read your posts, I hear a good friends accent in my head? :noidea:

.

Í hávé nő ídéá why thát wöüld bé thé cásé :noidea::noidea::noidea:

 

[Mike484]

He might have been refering to you Dean!

Just kidding, see you Saturday.

 

[StanFoster]

Chris- Welcome to your new challenge! Thsnks for stepping up and offering your services. If there is anything you need....ley me know


Any chapter two here could contact Chris and start a dialogue.

Stan

 

[GyrOZprey]

First task....

First task....

.....verifying the accuracy of the PRA Chapter list & contacts on PRA website.
I just sent out the introductory email & already had 9 of 38 email addresses bounce back as non-existant or rejected.
Any one here got a contact or email for Chapters ????.... 36, 32, 63, 67, 12, 39, 14, 60. & our own KS one HAAA ... guess that's us & Earl !

Also got 5 speedy replies back from #73 #62 #40 #15 #78 :whoo:

Dave - PM you my address for the box of "stuff"!

Thanks Stan & Dean for the encouragement.

Tom ..... I see my role less as gatherer of social info - as you point you that is covered by the forum postings/regional newletters. ... more to relay chapter concerns & agenda items to the PRA board & report back on board decisions & such relevant PRA business.

 

[gyroplanes]

Tom ..... I see my role less as gatherer of social info - as you point you that is covered by the forum postings/regional newletters. ... more to relay chapter concerns & agenda items to the PRA board & report back on board decisions & such relevant PRA business.

I saw the position as having the chapter coordinator acted as an ombudsman transferring information (as a third party) between the chapters and the PRA.
I did get an earful of complaints about the PRA, they were numerous, far ranging, mostly rumors and conspiracy theories. I had the exact same input from manufacturers when I was the manufacturer liaison.

You will find out it is awfully hard to change the mindset of a conspiracy theorist.

As I said in our e-mail, I will help you in any way I can. (p.s. I was sad you didn't include PRA chapter 18 in your fast responders list, I know you got two different e-mails from us, one from me (current chapter contact) and one from Joe Mahr (never a chapter contact and only a new computer user) (Joe was chapter president several years ago).

 

[Jazzenjohn]

Chris, as far as chapter 63, I'm supposed to be the "Librarian" due to someone I've never met dropping off a suitcase full of stuff to my hangar. We haven't had a meeting in a couple years. Ralph Taggart is/was a member but he's pretty much quit flying and hasn't been to a meeting in 5 or more years. I believe I'm the only one left since Randy Olsen quit flying gyros. If you get someone from Mid or SE Michigan wanting a local gyro contact, you can give them my info from the Forum, if you want a phone number I can PM you mine.

 

[GyrOZprey]

Chris, as far as chapter 63, I'm supposed to be the "Librarian" due to someone I've never met dropping off a suitcase full of stuff to my hangar. We haven't had a meeting in a couple years. Ralph Taggart is/was a member but he's pretty much quit flying and hasn't been to a meeting in 5 or more years. I believe I'm the only one left since Randy Olsen quit flying gyros. If you get someone from Mid or SE Michigan wanting a local gyro contact, you can give them my info from the Forum, if you want a phone number I can PM you mine.

Thanks John ..... sorry to hear of Ch. 63's fizzle .... sounds a bit like our own KS ch.75!!
Jane sent me the name Ashley Barrett , phone & email for Ch63 contact ... shall I add her to the list???

Just a couple more phone calls & I should have an updated list.

It's a start!

 

[GyrOZprey]

Busy contacting - not posting......

Busy contacting - not posting......

I saw the position as having the chapter coordinator acted as an ombudsman transferring information (as a third party) between the chapters and the PRA.
I did get an earful of complaints about the PRA, they were numerous, far ranging, mostly rumors and conspiracy theories. I had the exact same input from manufacturers when I was the manufacturer liaison.

You will find out it is awfully hard to change the mindset of a conspiracy theorist.

As I said in our e-mail, I will help you in any way I can. (p.s. I was sad you didn't include PRA chapter 18 in your fast responders list, I know you got two different e-mails from us, one from me (current chapter contact) and one from Joe Mahr (never a chapter contact and only a new computer user) (Joe was chapter president several years ago).

Sorry Tom for this omission - yes indeed Joe emailed late eve on march 7 ( after I posted) & yours came in on 11th.
I really appreciate the prompt replies & offers of help & words of wisdom from those who have walked in these shoes before...... :yo:
I've had several interesting conversations with some real characters this week - in the phone-calls - trying to find the ones that don't respond to email!

The majority of reactions from chapter contacts to hear from me as PRA co-ordinater was excitement & enthusism that some-one cared again to make personal contact with the chapters!

The lines of communication have been opened .... let's hope that I can now transmit & relay meaningful information/concerns that the chapters want & need!
It's been quite a learning curve for me especially reading & absorbing all I can about PRA business ..... as I honestly - hadn't paid much attention to the details of PRA & it's mission until this week!

A big thanks to your thread opening discussion about the PRA mission & future!

 

[gyroplanes]

Sorry Tom for this omission - yes indeed Joe emailed late eve on march 7 ( after I posted) & yours came in on 11th.
I really appreciate the prompt replies & offers of help & words of wisdom from those who have walked in these shoes before...... :yo:
I've had several interesting conversations with some real characters this week - in the phone-calls - trying to find the ones that don't respond to email!

The majority of reactions from chapter contacts to hear from me as PRA co-ordinater was excitement & enthusism that some-one cared again to make personal contact with the chapters!

The lines of communication have been opened .... let's hope that I can now transmit & relay meaningful information/concerns that the chapters want & need!
It's been quite a learning curve for me especially reading & absorbing all I can about PRA business ..... as I honestly - hadn't paid much attention to the details of PRA & it's mission until this week!

A big thanks to your thread opening discussion about the PRA mission & future!

You are very welcome Chris, thanks for being one of those that get's it. I hope more people open their eyes and come around to help save the PRA, instead of claiming I have a grudge or am pouting because a vote didn't go my way. In my 30+ years a lot of votes "didn't go my way", that's what a democracy is all about. I just work harder.

Do the PRA a favor, let Tim O. know what the chapters and members have to say about the PRA, maybe he will believe you.

 

[Jazzenjohn]

The name Ashley Barrett sounds familiar, I don't think it's a she though... As far as I know the last meetings for chapter 63 were in the conference room at my airport. You're welcome to forward any contact info to him about me.

 

[All_In]

.....verifying the accuracy of the PRA Chapter list & contacts on PRA website.
I just sent out the introductory email & already had 9 of 38 email addresses bounce back as non-existant or rejected.
Any one here got a contact or email for Chapters ????.... 36, 32, 63, 67, 12, 39, 14, 60. & our own KS one HAAA ... guess that's us & Earl !

Also got 5 speedy replies back from #73 #62 #40 #15 #78 :whoo:

Dave - PM you my address for the box of "stuff"!

Thanks Stan & Dean for the encouragement.

Tom ..... I see my role less as gatherer of social info - as you point you that is covered by the forum postings/regional newletters. ... more to relay chapter concerns & agenda items to the PRA board & report back on board decisions & such relevant PRA business.

Way to go!!!

Thank you Chris, U-ROCK!

PM me your email and I'll email you about 5 PRA Chapter Ms word documents = "instructions , etc" so you can send them in an electronic format.

 

[Dean_Dolph]

________________________________________
Chris, There was a time (when we had a printed magazine) when one issue every year had all the PRA members listed and what state they were in. It was a great way to contact members to see if they wanted to join or form a chapter.

I don't know what the PRA database now covers but it should have a place for a chapter number if a PRA member belongs to one. If it doesn't then it should be modified. Also, the last time I checked, there were database queries needed to be built to extract info. If one has been made to pull up members in each state then you may want to ask Jane to send that list to you. I believe you would find it useful.

The 'stuff' that Dave said he would send you should include all the forms and instructions you will need plus brochures. John (All In) may have the forms and instructions in Microsoft and that could be what he is referring too. I think I have the annual coordinator reports from 2007 – 2009 that I can email you if you like. A copy of those should also be in the ‘stuff’.

You will find that there are opportunities to plant seeds for forming new chapters. And when that happens, you will be asked what it takes to form a chapter. The normal inquiries come via a group who contact Jane wanting to form a chapter. Jane will let you know about that since the PRA web site doesn’t provide that kind of info. I worked with Jennifer Gilmore but I have confidence that Jane will be there for you.

There is no provision for chapters in the PRA bylaws (a major deficiency in my mind!) and thus no requirements for forming a chapter or chapter coordinator are documented.

However, empirically, from years of other coordinators work, there are documents that say it takes 5 current PRA members with 3 of them being designated as officers to form a chapter.

I started requiring, from people who made inquiries, a list of at least 5 current members, their PRA numbers plus who the officers would be. I did this because I got a mite tired of spending time and money to send out one chapter starter packet after another and then nothing would come of it or further communication was needed to gather that info. The starter packet provided all the forms and info needed. A copy of that starter packet should be in the 'stuff' Dave sends you. Once you receive the forms back from a prospective chapter then you can forward that info to Jane. She will ask the board to issue a chapter charter and then send it to the chapter. Chapters can request (they usually do!) any chapter number between 1 and 99 if it isn't already taken; otherwise the board can assign one.

It was always exciting for me to see a new chapter formed and a lot of self satisfaction when an old dormant one was resuscitated. You will find that being a cheerleader is one of your tasks, or an opportunity to help the PRA, which is the way I looked at it.

 

[JEFF TIPTON]

Chris, sorry to have bypassed you this time. I have requested a Chapter starter pack from Jane and she will head it my way when she makes it to the office. If you would like, when we have things in order I will forward the completed packet to you.

 

[Dean_Dolph]

Chris, sorry to have bypassed you this time. I have requested a Chapter starter pack from Jane and she will head it my way when she makes it to the office. If you would like, when we have things in order I will forward the completed packet to you.

Jeff, I may be stepping out of line but I believe all chapter commo should go thru Chris. You may have not known (most don't) how the process is supposed to work so you are excused. Jane may not know either since there hasn't been a coordinator since she took that job. Chris will benefit from having copies of all chapter info so sending the starter packet to her to process would be a good thing. You could be her first chapter!

 

[GyrOZprey]

No worries Jeff ... we are ALL learning as we go every day!!!
Are you coming to BD's ????
Exciting to hear you are forming a new chapter ... looking foward to details ... now you just need to get your gyro endorsment ...I still owe you some OZ'rora time!

Many thanks Dean for all your great information. Bit by bit I'm getting the picture!

Off now to do slide/talk presentation at our local EAA Chapter88 monthly meeting - on my Aurora build & gyro training!! :help:

 

[JEFF TIPTON]

Bensen Days are out the question this year unfortunately. To much work right now and bills to pay, along a new six month contract extension to deal with. But I am still planning on at least a few days at Mentone this year. See you there.

 

[barnstorm2]

Chris,

If any of the chapters would like to give a webinar, the PRA can help host it, advertise it and supply them and their panelists with our electronics and software 'kit'.

We are done with the webinars for this year so the schedule is open.

I can give them info on max number of attendees etc.

 

[GyrOZprey]

Great opportunity for chapters with a hot topic! Good idea Tim. I'll spread the word.

 

[GyrOZprey]

Chapter coordinator's report !

Chapter coordinator's report !

I have updated the PRA website list of chapter contacts - as far as I can by emailing & phoning in the last 10 days!

This is the list of -so called Ghost chapters - no known current contact .. phone & email listed are non operative!

If any one had ANY definitive news about these chapters PLEASE say so - or they will begin the process of de-listing them! :sorry::help:

“Ghost” chapters. - no current email/phone contact available.



#36 Wendell Knight Mem. Gyro Club
Cynthia Sanders
(765) 795-3489
Email: [email protected]


#32 Bay Area Rotorcraft Club
Brian Anthony
(517) 777-7617
Email: [email protected]
www.bayrotorcraft.org
*

*
#67 Mid-America Rotorcraft
Craig Tompkins
(816) 618-3840
Email: [email protected]

Nebraska
*#12 Nebraska Rotorcraft Club
Warren Hale
Email: [email protected]


All the rest .... I have had GREAT responses!
Good encouraging emails & some very interesting phone conversations .... nothing like being with-out "something" for a long time - to be appreciated!!

Now the harder part - figuring out what the chapters would like to communicate back to the PRA & getting that response.

Onwards.............:wave: