We are really excited about the results of our NAMSA Meeting last Wednesday. Sorry I am a bit late getting this posted -- small health problem.
I would like to try and explain the changes to the NAMSA Bylaws that we instituted On Feb 18, 2004.
Change: First of all, we wanted to be sure the new dues structure was put in place. The new dues for Individual Membership were reduced to $20 and it included a subscription to Catamaran Sailor Magazine (and the magazine will allow at least pages for NAMSA News). In reciprocity whenever Catamaran Sailor sells a subscription, the subscriber will automatically get an Individual Membership in NAMSA.
Individual Members will get a personal vote on Issues and Elections.
Reason for the Changes: In the past the Individual Membership was $30 and there was no media between members – no newsletter or any other form of communication. Consequently, the membership dropped in the past year. At the time of the Special Meeting on Feb. 18th we only had 20 members.
By having NAMSA and Catamaran Sailor uniting in the way they are, Catamaran Sailor will give NAMSA around 2000 members in the next year. The added Membership and the extra NAMSA income within a year will help in beginning the many programs we have had to shelve.
Other Dues Changes: Chapter Membership (A Chapter is defined as a Fleet, Organization, Class, Club, etc.) will be $50 per year. They will become members of the Chapter Membership Committee.
Each Chapter will be allowed 10 votes on Issues and Elections.
Reasoning: When we first tried to resurrect NAMSA our thoughts were to unite all of the organizations as a whole. We felt this would be a quick way to get everyone together and on a similar track in the right direction.
While a good many people thought NAMSA was a great idea, there were people within organizations that were not convinced that it was a good idea.
So, there was dissension within the organizations. Consequently, only a few of the organizations joined.., most of the other organizations did not join.
Now, the move is to get a strong membership of individuals. The cost is low for the individual sailor and does include a very good magazine.., so there is a good value for the dollar.
But, we still know that we need the support of the organizations around the country. Organizations such as TBCSI, CABB, OCRA, CRAW, CRAC, MHRA, MASF, NEMSA, Clearwater, et al, who are strong, independent groups with good programs will be a tremendous asset to NAMSA – they can all bring their ideas to the table and share.
For example, the Bylaws cite some of the things (and more can be added) the Chapter Membership Committee can and should do:
*Interface with other Chapter Members – Exactly. One Chapter may be strong in one suit, while another is strong in another suit. So, both can gain from each other. I feel pretty sure the Chapters will not be in competition with each other, rather we would all be in the same boat and need to trim the sails in unison.
*Resolve issues between Chapters – Should issue arise where there are conflicts between Chapters, these can be worked out in committee meetings. I have always loved the idea between CRAW (WI) and CRAM (MI) and their Shootout Regatta at a common ground! Pretty awesome way to interplay with your neighboring chapter, wouldn't you say? And that is just a small example of what can be done.
*Make suggestions for event locations and dates – The Chapters will be a big factor in deciding sanctioned events, their names, their locations and their dates. The Chapters should be able to eliminate conflicting event dates that dilute each other's attendance numbers. Another place where working together is far better than working alone.
*Make suggestions for rules changes – Multihulls have some pretty unique features and sometimes rules need to be made for them specifically. I know we all abide by the US Sailing and ISAF Rules, but have you ever wondered why they dropped the Onus for the tacking boat, and why the definition of a tack is something like.., "it starts when the boat is head to wind and completed when it is on the new tack." May work well for Lasers.., but not for cats. I am not saying we should change rules, but we can certainly investigate them and make suggestions for rules that make sense. After all, we do have a concession on the 720 rule already.
*Advise NAMSA toward improvements in its overall purpose – Should these responsibilities not be enough, the Chapter Committee can agree to take on more responsibility. We can all gain by the gain of all the Chapters.
*Solicit national and international event locations – We need to constantly be finding good locations for events and the best way to get that feedback is from the Chapters. You all know your local areas inside and out, what they can and cannot do. We could end up finding and enjoying some pretty great racing with hundreds of boats in attendance – you remember? The way it was. We can get back there, if we are united.
You may ask why the Chapters get 10 votes. Well, think about it. We will be sending ballots to each Individual Member and they will vote Yea or Nay. Their voices will be heard loud and clear.
But, we really need to have the Chapters be a big part of the big picture. So, we have allotted them some extra power in their vote. And their vote need not be all 10 votes for Yea.., or Nay. Perhaps their Board of Directors have a split in their feelings as well. They can split the vote up anyway they want.
There have been some concerns by some of the would-be Chapters about autonomy. From what we have described here about the Chapters, I can see no where that one's individuality would be impeded. You can share, give, take, or whatever, but you can always and should always be your own unique Chapter.
Voting: That was the big issue in the new Bylaws. We have agreed that all Individual Members should get a vote on Issues and Elections – no secrets messages, no sneaking around, no making deals behind closed doors, no conspiracies, no cabals.
I have heard of similar organizations with a large memberships that said voting isn't worth it – too expensive, no one responds, etc. Well, fine. If we send out ballots to 2000 members and only 100 vote, they are the ones that care. The votes will be a matter of public record and those voters that care will see their results.
If 2000 vote, we will have more work to do, that is all. But, we will know how the members feel about a subject, won't we?
For the time being we will probably just do votes the old fashioned way – paper ballot (no chads) due in approximately 30 days. KISS.
Next on our Agenda: At this moment NAMSA is working hard on setting up a Sanctioning Packet – what we can do for you, what we suggest you do and what we need you to do. While I cannot say specifically at this time, we think we can offer insurance for little or no additional fees other than your annual dues, suggestions by example for NORs, Sis, and Courses.
More to come in that area.
Questions? Suggestions? Volunteers for critical positions, anyone?
Please visit the NAMSA website at
http://www.multihullsailing.org
