Younger Membership of AMCA

[Ross]

Strategetic Plan

Thanks very much Fred.
I am in the process of putting together some thoughts and comments regarding a future AMC "Strategic Plan" and will copy you, the President and other board members if interested on what I come up with.
I will be in touch with you directly in the near future as things get set down on paper after being sorted out.
Thanks again.

AFJ (aka Allan Johnson)

As always Allan any old motorcycle club is richer with your thoughts. I have always appreciated your insight. Fred does a great job on the chapter level and runs a National meet to boot. Talk about unsung heroes. I am tardy updating our own chapter's list and am in the process of recruiting. Allan any input is welcomed prior to October's meeting re: PLANNING. Cheers

[Robert Luland]

48HDFL, that’s a great idea but in reality I don’t think there’s enough of us left in those four Counties but I could be wrong. I would love to see a new chapter to cover that area. Bob L

[HD48FL]

48HDFL, that’s a great idea but in reality I don’t think there’s enough of us left in those four Counties but I could be wrong. I would love to see a new chapter to cover that area. Bob L

One thing we have going in our area is that it's highly populated, maybe there could be enough of an interest, I don't know. I know for me that the closest chapter isn't that close and it would be nice to have something in our area.

[D.A.Bagin]

HD48FL check your messages please

[Spag]

Rob,
You make some very good points. Since this a thread on Young Membership of the AMCA, we might want to consider why a young person 18-30 years old would want to join an AMCA Chapter where the average age of its Members may be in line with the AMCA average of 59 1/2.

First, the younger person, assuming he or she has an interest in old bikes, has to find the Chapter. That can happen in several ways. The best way is for the Chapter to make its presence known in the community where it is located and the surrounding area by: presence at local bike shows; advertising in motorcycle specific local newspapers; on Facebook and the Internet; motorcycle dealerships; car cruises; Chapter and charity rides; etc. There are numerous ways for Chapter to makes its presence known to the general motorcycling community. Second, the Chapter Members have to welcome the young persons and perhaps most important, make a case why the young person should join a group of older guys and gals who are probably 30 to 40 years older. Asking questions about their bikes and how they got started with old bikes is a great start. If requested, offer to mentor a young person with a project or a problem with their motorcycle. Also ask them to invite their friends to join him even if they only ride modern bikes. I see nothing wrong with inviting young or older people with modern bikes to ride and socialize with Chapter Members as long as they have an interest in old bikes and follow Chapter road rules on rides. My Chapter does this all the time. Does this mean these people on modern bikes will join the AMCA or a Chapter? No, but its one of the best ways to show others what the AMCA and its Chapters have to offer.

Free time is an important factor for anyone wanting to take part in a social organization. I suspect that one of the reasons that the average AMCA Member age is 59 1/2 and only 5% of the Membership is under age 40 is because this age group has more time to devote to old bikes and socializing on a Chapter level. Young people have more compelling obligations such as jobs, families, etc. Hopefully, their time for AMCA will come later.

Logistics may also be a problem. Many AMCA Members and younger old bike enthusiasts may not live close to a AMCA Chapter. My experience is that once a person is more than 75-100 miles from Chapter's home base, the likelihood of that person joining a Chapter falls dramatically. Again, I saw that in my Chapter. Granted, some Chapters have Members living hundreds of miles from a home base but those Members have little expectation of regularly traveling to the Chapter's home base area to socialize unless the Chapter sponsors an event in that Member's area. The possible solution is more AMCA Chapters in ares where there are none now. It only takes 8 AMCA Members to start a Chapter.

The other consideration is that many young and older old bike enthusiasts have no desire to join any organization. They choose to ride alone or with a small group of friends and have no desire for a structured organization. That's their choice which must be respected.

And yes, the Internet has changed the way young people communicate and interact. Why join a motorcycle organization or chapter and meet your friends for lunch on Saturday if you can Face Time, Face Book, blog, text, e mail, etc. Convincing these young people of the benefits of the AMCA and joining a Chapter will be a challenge. That's why the Board is considering all aspects of social media to get the word out about the AMCA.
Richard

[Spag]

Bob,
Please refer to my #66 post above. The AMCA Membership List Communications policy can also be used to start a new AMCA Chapter. The actual policy is listed in the P&P Manual which is on the AMCA website under About. I would be glad to discuss your interest in starting a new Chapter by using this service. If you find there is interest, Fred Davis can supply you with the necessary paperwork. My e mail and phone number are in the magazine. Thanks for your interest.
Richard

[Steve Swan]

"why would young people 18-20 hang out with average age 59.5 ?"

because a very few young people who like old bikes know other young people don't know much or anything about old bikes. by the time i was 20, i was finding every 'old' person i could talk to or would talk to me and asking every question i could about my 1960 BSA Gold Star and my 1934 Indian 4.

these young kids with undiscovered passion are out there. what depends on fueling that passion is taking a young person under our wings and sharing with her/him our passion.

i believe it was brought up earlier in this thread, young people are ignored at meets. this was generally my experience in the 70's and 80's at amca meets, with exception of Paul George. (At Indian 4 meets, Bob Paulette took me under his wing.) Most everyone else looked at my pubescent face with mixed skepticism, while it seemed most others were hanging around their like aged peers or looking for parts for themselves. Paul George, always kept track of me, he always invited me into his camper to have coffee and talk, he always was coming up with a part i needed for one of my Indians or telling me who to go talk to to find or learn what i needed. his action meant alot to me and made a lasting impression.

i think it was also suggested having some young people seminars or young people's meetings. Telling them the importance of their presence, why we need them, and that at some point we want and will have to hand over the future of the club to them. That we want to give them what was given to us, by the enthusiasts who came before us. Perhaps share the history of motorcycles in the usa or of a particular brand or history of amca. or during a seminar ask young people what it is they need, are interested in or want to learn more about.

the biggest shame is when Paul George and Bob Paulette passed on. I read posts on this and caimag forums where people are asking questions these men knew the answers to. and with the passing of these men, that information is lost.

having recently returned to the amca after a near 30 year hiatus, because i am restoring as 27 JD, i met a new found friend a few miles away who is also restoring a JD. His stepson is 13, has a genuine interest in old bikes and how to work on them. he asks many why and how questions. he's been up to my shop once and he can't wait to come back again. it is my plan to nurture the relationship. when i realize i'm too old to have fun in the shop, i have my eye on this lad and hope the timing is there to give him some or all of my stuff.

[Spag]

Steve,
Thanks for your insight on mentoring and your return to the AMCA. I hope all goes well on your restoration project. And thanks for taking your friend's 13 year old stepson under your wing like others did to you. You have set a good example for others to help young old bike enthusiast feel welcome in the AMCA and continue their budding passion for old bikes.
Richard

[duffeycycles]

I joined at age 34 after 13 years of going to Davenport meet.I wanted to hang out with the "old" guys and ladies that were part of the Davenport chapter!Millie Baird told me to join the national first.
I ran the AMCA Booth for a couple hours at Daytona one year to give Matt Olsen and others a lunch break.I went into the crowd and talked to "old" guys that looked at the bikes on display and gave them the complimentary copy of the mag and told them how to join.Matt picked up on this noticing the mags were going away much faster than the stand and wait for questions routine.He was going to younger folks looking at the bikes ,talking to them and was getting a lot of interest quickly!

[Ross]

New Memebrs

"why would young people 18-20 hang out with average age 59.5 ?"

because a very few young people who like old bikes know other young people don't know much or anything about old bikes. by the time i was 20, i was finding every 'old' person i could talk to or would talk to me and asking every question i could about my 1960 BSA Gold Star and my 1934 Indian 4.

these young kids with undiscovered passion are out there. what depends on fueling that passion is taking a young person under our wings and sharing with her/him our passion.

i believe it was brought up earlier in this thread, young people are ignored at meets. this was generally my experience in the 70's and 80's at amca meets, with exception of Paul George. (At Indian 4 meets, Bob Paulette took me under his wing.) Most everyone else looked at my pubescent face with mixed skepticism, while it seemed most others were hanging around their like aged peers or looking for parts for themselves. Paul George, always kept track of me, he always invited me into his camper to have coffee and talk, he always was coming up with a part i needed for one of my Indians or telling me who to go talk to to find or learn what i needed. his action meant alot to me and made a lasting impression.

i think it was also suggested having some young people seminars or young people's meetings. Telling them the importance of their presence, why we need them, and that at some point we want and will have to hand over the future of the club to them. That we want to give them what was given to us, by the enthusiasts who came before us. Perhaps share the history of motorcycles in the USA or of a particular brand or history of amca. or during a seminar ask young people what it is they need, are interested in or want to learn more about.

the biggest shame is when Paul George and Bob Paulette passed on. I read posts on this and caimag forums where people are asking questions these men knew the answers to. and with the passing of these men, that information is lost.

having recently returned to the amca after a near 30 year hiatus, because i am restoring as 27 JD, i met a new found friend a few miles away who is also restoring a JD. His stepson is 13, has a genuine interest in old bikes and how to work on them. he asks many why and how questions. he's been up to my shop once and he can't wait to come back again. it is my plan to nurture the relationship. when i realize i'm too old to have fun in the shop, i have my eye on this lad and hope the timing is there to give him some or all of my stuff.

Nothings really changes. Steve has it it right on. Spend some time with younger people. For one thing they'll help you from getting old fast. In the late 70's a young Canadian ( me ) I met Connie Schlemmer and guys like Rich Schultz. They not only welcomed me but Connie built two HD engines for me. Rich is still a dear friend. Am I their age...NO.. Am I their friend ..yes... Rich is up their now..started Davenport and still lends a hand to anybody that likes old motorsicles (especially Henderson ) Lets learn from what we already know... show a little interest to someone and they will follow.

[Spag]

Ross,
Thanks for sharing your mentoring experiences with Connie Schlemmer and Rich Schultz. I also consider Rich my mentor. When I became AMCA President four years ago, Rich was one of the first persons to call me with congratulations and an offer to discuss the role of leadership of the Club from his perspective. I chuckled when he said: "You better have a thick skin. You'll find out real soon that you won't be able to please everyone." Of course, Rich was spot on with his observation. I have spoken to Rich many times over the past four years. His advice and mentoring have been priceless to me.

Rich is an example of how our Senior Members have much to offer not only to a younger generation but to the "older" leadership of the AMCA. His mentoring has always been personal and based on his historical perspective of the Club and what he thinks the AMCA needs to do to survive for another 60 years. No politics. No angry rhetoric. No personal attacks. Always with an appreciation of the volunteers who make the Club what it is today. Just good common sense advice to make the AMCA a better place for all old bike enthusiasts. Thanks Rich...
Richard

[fillibuster]

Ross,
Thanks for sharing your mentoring experiences with Connie Schlemmer and Rich Schultz. I also consider Rich my mentor. When I became AMCA President four years ago, Rich was one of the first persons to call me with congratulations and an offer to discuss the role of leadership of the Club from his perspective. I chuckled when he said: "You better have a thick skin. You'll find out real soon that you won't be able to please everyone." Of course, Rich was spot on with his observation. I have spoken to Rich many times over the past four years. His advice and mentoring have been priceless to me.

Rich is an example of how our Senior Members have much to offer not only to a younger generation but to the "older" leadership of the AMCA. His mentoring has always been personal and based on his historical perspective of the Club and what he thinks the AMCA needs to do to survive for another 60 years. No politics. No angry rhetoric. No personal attacks. Always with an appreciation of the volunteers who make the Club what it is today. Just good common sense advice to make the AMCA a better place for all old bike enthusiasts. Thanks Rich...
Richard

Gotta add to the "Rich" talk, and I know he ain't "listening in" cuz he told me he only licks stamps or calls from the land line to communicate.
Our young hoodlums chapter was in its first summer, attending LeMars meet, and we'd gotten plenty "pissed up" before the banquet. Had to sit across from Rich and nat'l Prez McLean as there was no table space left for drunks who almost forgot to show up for dinner. Rich and Bob congenially asked what ambitions our new chapter might have. We kept our answers brief, and our mouths full, but they knew who we were, and accepted us just the same. On a road run a year later I asked McLean, "just when, when are you gonna jump dead in our "lunch", and chew us out, or maybe even throw us out of the club?" Bob laughed, and said, "We'd never do that, we like you too much"!
I'll always try to remember how powerful that felt.

[Robert Luland]

As I’ve been following this thread along as usual it has me want to puke. My favorite part, are the pseudo-intellectual boneheads that write on and on about the problems that we’re having and how to get some young sucker into the club. Wrong! Kids don’t just wake up and love old motorcycles. It has to be inbreed-ed into them. You got to bribe them like any other kid. Kids like only two things, riding motorcycles and free gifts. This my friends stick in their minds till the day they die and so does the meet they were at! So on Thursday night Beanie and I laid out our plan since none of you guys vend at the meets. We ordered 10000 whoopie cushions with our logo on them. Not 5”, not 6” but 8” of ass ripping audible perfection! There won’t be a kid there that won’t remember the place. We encourage any kid to take a ride on one of our CT-70s. This how you get kids involved so they can't wait to come back to the next meet. If all goes as schedule, just bring your kid by our stand at Hebron etc. and pick up a fart bag and watch the laughter and the memories start. Bob L

[DanM]

Bob- as a proud pseudo-intellectual bonehead, I will actually AGREE with much of your post. I don't think you can "make" people like motorcycles. You can introduce people of any age, and then their own guts take over. But I think the conversation is also about young people (20 somethings) who DO like motorcycles, and the opportunity to expose them to the AMCA and the vintage stuff to light a fire, or at least get a little smolder and smoke.

My mother let me get a minibike so I would read more-the books, magazines, and stuff- she actually never wanted me to have a motorcycle (this is a woman who when she died told me "I'm glad you never went to jail"). But that one little minibike did ignite a desire which burned and does to this day. So you are right, one lap on the CT70 and the kids will be begging for a bike.

I hope Hebron is ALIVE with the sounds of farts, and we can set up a special riding area down the back end where the long "drag strips" go, and kids CAN ride there. Let's hope some show up!! I will put my little Yamaha there and we can let the kids kick start it or ride it too. I let a kid kick it at a promotional and he was pretty stoked.

[len dowe]

Every year at Fremont I always bring free stuff for the kids. Matchbox motorcycles, stickers, or anything else I can think of. I also have a free part on the table. I play "if you can pick it? It's yours". I set up the free good part(no junk) before hand so there is no monkey business on my end. I think I interact with the kids better than the adults. LOL Just kidding as Fremont is a really nice meet and the Omaha Chapter does a fine job with it and all the people are awesome.