Are We
Part of the Problem?
by Mr. Robin R. Shavers
{reprinted from the October 2005 Blue Ridge Dispatcher}
A few years back I commented
that one of the most common subjects I hear discussed at model railroad events
and prototype rail fan functions is the future of the hobby and attracting more
new members to keep organizations such as the NRHS vibrant and
progressive.� Last fall a Roanoke Chapter
member voiced a parallel concern for his Chapter since many senior members of
being called home by the Creator and with age and health issues preventing
others from doing what they once could.�
National Director E. Norris Deyerle of our
sister Blue Ridge Chapter, NRHS, expressed his personal concern on this issue
within the pages of the Blue Ridge Dispatcher, June, 2005, edition.� I personally do not have an answer to this
issue, but I will offer some commentary.�
As a child growing up in the
sixties, a philosophy I often heard form the lips of high school and college
folks whom society labeled as �activist� was always as follows:� You are either part of the problem or part of
the solution.� I always opted to be a
part of the solution, even to this day.
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When
I meet other rail fans trackside or modeling hobbyists at shows and similar
events almost always ask the person if they hold membership with a modeling or
prototype club or organization.� Over half
say they do not.� If their answer is no,
I will usually ask why they are not.�
Here are some of the most common reasons why people are not members or
do not care to join.� Keep in mind, too,
these are the same reasons others elect not to renew their memberships, or
simply pay their dues and remain in the background
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Unawareness.� It is amazing the number of
train enthusiasts out there that are unaware of local or relatively close
organizations, so they claim.� With
information and communication being like it is in today�s society, this reason
doesn�t really hold much tonnage.
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Internal
conflicts and interpersonal drama within some organizations ranked high in
keeping folks away.� Hobby clubs should
be fun and enjoyable, like the hobby itself.�
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Inhospitable members.� This, too,
ranked high.� Many people spoke of
attending meetings, open houses, and other functions and not feeling
welcomed.� Members were basically not
friendly and very unwelcoming.� I can
testify to his from several past experiences. ��A few years ago while attending the Altoona Railfest I visited the facilities of an
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Conflict of interest.� A number of
would-be members claimed this as their reason for not joining or dropping
out.� We railroad hobbyists definitely
have our likes and dislikes.� Some are
really into restoring old rolling stock.�
Some would rather concentrate on the here and now.� This is but one of many examples.
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Benefits of membership.� More and more
people are determining that they don�t need to hold membership with an
organization to enjoy the hobby.� To a
degree, I can see and understand this point of view.� Everyone has a reason for joining an
organization.� Sometimes these reasons
are achieved, and sometimes they are not.�
When I joined the NRHS back in 1979, it was for the reason of enjoying
the railroading hobby on a regular basis with people of parallel interest.� This has yet to happen.
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The
above reasons people expressed to me came from a diverse number of individuals
over the past twenty years.� Those of us
who hold memberships and are REALLY concerned about the future of the NRHS and
other organizations may want to ask ourselves and fellow members are we guilty
of some of the above reasons.� Are we the
solution for helping the organization flourish, or stagnate to a sluggish
existence and eventual demise?