Just food for thought ...

[Radd Cruisers]

Great read, never would have spent the time but Kowboys opening thread caught my attention.

Change is good, getting new members even better and drawing back old members also a good thing.

Just by reading through this thread I have a better idea of what goes on in background, of course a better appreciation for what those who give of themselves go through on a daily basis.

 

[PabloCruise]

And my grand finale ...

We got us 2 types of members:

1) Active members that attend events
2) Members we don't need.

Carry on ... and have a nice day

So there has been a lot of interesting discussion on here, lots of thoughts and details, more than I have read.

Kowboy's above-quoted thought got me thinking though...

It didn't seem like that long ago that the TLCA was pushing to get individual membership up above 4000. There were prizes and everything. Our club places a copy of the Trails in FJ Cruisers at the local dealerships.

So which is it?

Does the TLCA need to grow?

or

Does the TLCA have excess members that aren't needed?

As an organization, the TLCA should figure out which camp we are in before exerting any further marketing efforts...

One last question - what would be that dividing line that determines what members we don't need? If I attend one TLCA event a year and miss plenty of club meetings to balance spouse/child/work/swimteam, etc, am I in that "no longer needed" catagory?

 

[PabloCruise]

new website coming thursday anyhoo...

Looks good by the way!

 

[ne715]

Outside looking in

I have been watching this thread for sometime now. Now let me state up front that I am not a current member of the TLCA, but have been seriously considering joining. Now as some of you may have noticed I have been on the MUD site for about 3 years now, but have not had a running Toyota vehicle so I have not joined the TLCA for that reason.

So here is my story, take it for what it is worth, but it may help you put some perspective on potential members.

I purchased a 67 FJ40 about 10 years ago and never done anything with it, until I met some members of the TAC a quite a few years ago at a Jeep event, and that put a fire under my butt to start working on it. Even though we did not have a running Toyota we still attended a few TAC events, and was welcomed by most of the members, especially the ones met at the Jeep event. A few others not so much, because we had a Jeep. Now that being said here is my perspective on the whole Toyota thing.

I have seen that potential members without a running Toyota can actually be treated quite crappy. I have seen members with altered Toyotas be treated in the same manner by the purists of the groups, and I am not just talking at the TAC, but I cruise the MUD site quite a bit. Now my truck not being a pure FJ40 I have met with quite a few cold shoulders.

Now to address the "members attending events" I live in the middle of Nebraska and there is not a local club. The closest clubs to me is a minimum of 5-6 hours of travel. Now if I were to join the TLCA am I required to go to the club meetings? If so how many? Or do I have to attend a certain number of events to be considered an active member?

For me when I join it isn't about the magazine, the money, or attending meetings. The reason I want to join is to be able to enjoy the sport of off-roading with other people that have the same passion, and I really don't care what they drive, Jeep, Toyota, Suzuki, stock, modified or frankenstein.

In the past I have actually enjoyed wheelin with the TAC and plan to attend more of their events in the future when my FJ40 frankenstein is completed, and if I have to join the TLCA to do that then I will, I will also be joining the TAC in the future, hopefully next summer.

From reading this post it sounds to me like that the members and the BOD need to come up with a vision and mission statement, goals, and a manner in which to achieve them in order to make this club sustain and grow. That is, if that is the direction that they want the club to take.

Thanks listening to a potential future member.

Pam

 

[wardfoto]

Hi, Pam.
First, hanks for sharing your thoughts. It's great to hear from long time members, but sometimes, it's especially great to hear from those who are still contemplating membership. I hope you join, there is some great camaraderie to be had, and some friends you won't ever forget.
Now, as to being shunned, I guess that's gonna happen. I don't especially like it, and I can tell you with a fair degree of certainty, that it is a minority, not a majority that will give you a cold shoulder because of what you drive. I'd like you to know that while there are those dedicated to keeping the land cruiser Toyota, there are just as many, or maybe more, that will build the rig to suit the intended purpose, and some times that means all you have left is a Toyota in name only, but a rig that wheels like mad!!!
Seeing as there is no local club in Nebraska to you, then perhaps you know enough folks to start your own chapter? If not, maybe you can start recruiting those that you see around in ANY Toyota four wheel drive, and be the newest talk of the T.L.C.A. which would be awesome! And again, thanks for throwing in your thoughts, it really does help.
PabloCruise- The club is gonna have to grow. To grow, We are gonna have to be more inclusive. Lots of folks won't like it, but lots more will. More folks to wheel with, more folks to sit around the campfire and shoot the breeze with. How can that be bad? Kowboy will be the first to tell you that his views are extreme, and he dosn"t expect us to have the same view. He'll also be the first to tell you he doesn't care if you like it, it's just how he is. And while his views might often times be a bit extreme, you can believe that what he says is how he feels, and what he means. And he'll also tell you that,s why he leaves the running of the club up to others. So, don't feel that he was speaking directly to you. I MIGHT get to wheel once a year anymore, but I sure don't feel that he was talking to me.
I also have the family/work/hobbies/sidebusinesses/everyday life thing going on, and gas has gotten to the point that it's financially irresponsible to drive an fj60 far enough away to wheel. That being said, even if I don"t make an event, the club gives me my fix vicariously through trails, through stories here and on pirate, and through the camaraderie of fellow wheelers.
So, the long and the short of it is: we've got to be more inclusive, we need to grow, and we need to make ANY TOYOTA FOUR WHEEL DRIVE OWNER FEEL WELCOME!
We can do that at the bod level, but it takes the members to do it on the trail. If we can step up to serve at the bod level and higher, surely it's not a big deal to say hello to a newcomer, and make them feel welcome. You never know who you might meet.
If I can be of further use, please feel free to ask.
Forgot to mention... I'm leaving for Moab in the morning. Be there for a week of mountain biking, then back. Wish I was goin' wheelin', but gas is still a bit high for driving the 60 all the way there from Dallas! Should be able to check in from time to time, but if not, now you know why!!

 

[packman73]

I have been watching this thread for sometime now. Now let me state up front that I am not a current member of the TLCA, but have been seriously considering joining. Now as some of you may have noticed I have been on the MUD site for about 3 years now, but have not had a running Toyota vehicle so I have not joined the TLCA for that reason.

So here is my story, take it for what it is worth, but it may help you put some perspective on potential members.

I purchased a 67 FJ40 about 10 years ago and never done anything with it, until I met some members of the TAC a quite a few years ago at a Jeep event, and that put a fire under my butt to start working on it. Even though we did not have a running Toyota we still attended a few TAC events, and was welcomed by most of the members, especially the ones met at the Jeep event. A few others not so much, because we had a Jeep. Now that being said here is my perspective on the whole Toyota thing.

I have seen that potential members without a running Toyota can actually be treated quite crappy. I have seen members with altered Toyotas be treated in the same manner by the purists of the groups, and I am not just talking at the TAC, but I cruise the MUD site quite a bit. Now my truck not being a pure FJ40 I have met with quite a few cold shoulders.

Now to address the "members attending events" I live in the middle of Nebraska and there is not a local club. The closest clubs to me is a minimum of 5-6 hours of travel. Now if I were to join the TLCA am I required to go to the club meetings? If so how many? Or do I have to attend a certain number of events to be considered an active member?

For me when I join it isn't about the magazine, the money, or attending meetings. The reason I want to join is to be able to enjoy the sport of off-roading with other people that have the same passion, and I really don't care what they drive, Jeep, Toyota, Suzuki, stock, modified or frankenstein.

In the past I have actually enjoyed wheelin with the TAC and plan to attend more of their events in the future when my FJ40 frankenstein is completed, and if I have to join the TLCA to do that then I will, I will also be joining the TAC in the future, hopefully next summer.

From reading this post it sounds to me like that the members and the BOD need to come up with a vision and mission statement, goals, and a manner in which to achieve them in order to make this club sustain and grow. That is, if that is the direction that they want the club to take.

Thanks listening to a potential future member.

Pam

Pam,

Thanks for posting, this is exactly what we are wanting to hear. I'm in your boat in regards to the "I don't care what you drive" mantra...my wife owned an 04 Jeep Rubicon before we found out we were expecting, she sold it to get a more suitable family sedan (not my idea). As to starting your own club, it's not as difficult as it may appear, it's really pretty simple and a great experience. There were a small group of us in Iowa that got together and started our club just two short years ago. As to attending meetings and the like, it all depends on the club. So if you don't start a club, make sure to check with whatever club you join what their rules are.

As to the feeling comfortable with owning a Jeep and hanging with the TLCA folks, I guess it all depends on the group, but I must add that most of us are just having a little fun poking fun, and it's meant to be harmless. I like Toyota's, it's just that plain and simple. I started with a Tacoma, traded it for my 07 FJC and recently purchased a 78 FJ40. Some people don't understand the heritage of Toyota and that sometimes get's under the skin of the TLCA members that have been part of the organization for years. As a BOD member and chapter president, I can honestly say, that 99.9% of the folks that I've met at events, club meetings and on the forums are some of the nicest, most sincere folks I've met in my life. As I like to say, "Good people".

Hope this helps and if you need any help getting that club started, let me know I'd be glad to assist. I may know a few people in Nebraska with Toyotas...

Thanks,
Art

 

[packman73]

So there has been a lot of interesting discussion on here, lots of thoughts and details, more than I have read.

Kowboy's above-quoted thought got me thinking though...

It didn't seem like that long ago that the TLCA was pushing to get individual membership up above 4000. There were prizes and everything. Our club places a copy of the Trails in FJ Cruisers at the local dealerships.

So which is it?

Does the TLCA need to grow?

or

Does the TLCA have excess members that aren't needed?

As an organization, the TLCA should figure out which camp we are in before exerting any further marketing efforts...

One last question - what would be that dividing line that determines what members we don't need? If I attend one TLCA event a year and miss plenty of club meetings to balance spouse/child/work/swimteam, etc, am I in that "no longer needed" catagory?

Quick question, just tossing an idea out here...but if anyone that is a current member were given the opportunity to get $5 back (or towards their next years renewal) for bringing another member in, would that interest anyone? So if you had six friends that were on the fence, and they signed up, your next years membership would be FREE...
Maybe using a referral code, say your TLCA number?

Pretend when you watch this video that instead of passing the beer, it's a Toyota Trails...



Let's hear your thoughts please.

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Went to Pismo and first hand got aquainted with folks from all over including Kowboy.

Fantastic guy with stories to keep you glued for as long as he could keep them coming.

BUTTTTT, this is a not a sanctioned run and the only run I have attended thus far(couple times}. So can you tell me I have no connections in the landcruiser community in a positive way or form and TLCA does not need folks like me?

I have befriended the likes of many cruiser heads who have been my friends for years after only one meeting through my cruiser biz, Mud or Pismo. Would not change a thing, I still keep in contact with most even tho I am and have not been a member for some time now.

Really, I would love attend all TLCA events, its my dream but as my family grows and most of thier outside interests do not include off roading I will not likely attend. Oh and not to mention I do not have the funds to attend these adventures, thats my excuse.


Luckily I have internet and use to have the Toyota trails to keep me up on whats happening abroad with cruiser folk.


I did not want to make excuses for why I have not been a member or involved but it is what it is and I am not ashamed in any way.

To all the guys in the BOD who have tried to help me and the guys out with the TT for getting it to Canada,no one ever saw the PMs to me from these guys offering help me out with deliver after all my belly achin and I never took them up on it? You guys work hard, thanks.

Thats my grand finale...............................................




And my grand finale ...

We got us 2 types of members:

1) Active members that attend events
2) Members we don't need.

Carry on ... and have a nice day

[/QUOTE]

 

[pismojim]

... it’s more important to have fun then grow in membership. Funny thing is when others seeing your having a lot of fun, they want to join...

Agreed. Fun is the goal, membership follows.

"If you build it they will come."

The question is what to build...

According to the TLCA bylaws:
PURPOSE AND AIMS

1. TLCA shall be non-profit in character.
2. Bring together and promote the interest of four wheeling.
3. Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser.
4. Protecting as well as enjoying our country's natural resources.
5. Support local, state or area associations.
6. Educate our members and the public on land use and rights issues, responsible off highway behavior and the environment.

IMHO, all but #3 are generic.

These Purposes and Aims are all well and good but certainly nothing you can't find elsewhere. There are many obvious options available for promoting four wheeling, protecting our country's (US centric?) resources, land use and responsible environmental behavior.

For example, it's much easier and likely more rewarding to join a non-vehicle specific local four wheeling club, Blue Ribbon, Treadlightly and/or a group like CA4WD, etc.

#3 is what differentiates TLCA.

I like #3 and I would even add or change the others to:

• Bring together Land Cruiser enthusiasts
• Promote vehicle specific Land Cruiser wheeling events

Please note the above references to LAND CRUISER. Basically, I'm describing a LAND CRUISER car club.

I'm not that interested in mini trucks, 4runners, FJCs or ???. They are all great and so are "_________", "_______" and "_______". Their owners are awesome people, heck I might even own one. I can learn a lot from them and even borrow some of their parts. The best part, they all seem to have vehicle specific clubs where I would no doubt feel a bit misplaced with my Land Cruisers.

Before you think I am strictly "Exclusively Land Cruisers" (Why does that sound familiar? Hint: The Truth is in the Marketing) My vision is a Land Cruiser Club that sincerely welcome everyone - no matter what they drive - IF they have a modest level of interest in "Preserving and protecting the history of the Land Cruiser" and they realize they are "getting together with Land Cruiser Enthusiasts".

Keep it simple. The tail shouldn't wag the dog.

Just in case I'm banned, could someone direct me to a "Land Cruiser Club"?

 

[packman73]

Jim, thanks for your comments. I need to point out though that while the purpose has stayed the same, I believe that since the late 80's early 90's the membership requirements were changed from "Exclusively Land Cruisers" to "Any Toyota with a Transfer Case". Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Not saying that I don't understand where you're coming from and your sentiment. Is it a matter of it's not just Land Cruisers anymore, or is it the Toyota Trails content? Would you prefer to see a section in each issue for the 40,45/55/60,62/80, etc...?

-Art

 

[Green Lantern]

Wow!
This thread is really good!

Special thanks to everyone for sharing your feelings. Toyota's inspire dedicated fans. We are as overbuilt, reliable, and hard-working as our trucks. Some of us are rusty and a bit dented too. LOL

I believe we have to welcome everyone to the table, but we don't have to change the menu to suit each new visitor. We are who we are. We have a wonderful club, the best magazine, and great events. We are proud, yet willing to help newbies learn all about Cruiserdom.

If you're near other cruisers, start getting together. If not, enjoy Trails and keep in touch over the Web. Don't forget to write down what you're doing and send it to Todd Kaderabek. Some of it will get into the Trails for all of us to enjoy.

Happy Trails! N

 

[TRT2]

I believe that since the late 80's early 90's the membership requirements were changed from "Exclusively Land Cruisers" to "Any Toyota with a Transfer Case". Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. -Art

I believe you are correct Art. and that was only to exclude RAV4s. (mention that because in light of the discussion here, that might not have been appropriate.) TLCA wanted to open up to all off roading types of Toyota vehicles. I believe the text is valid.

 

[REKCUT]

Now to address the "members attending events" I live in the middle of Nebraska and there is not a local club. The closest clubs to me is a minimum of 5-6 hours of travel. Now if I were to join the TLCA am I required to go to the club meetings? If so how many? Or do I have to attend a certain number of events to be considered an active member?

Pam, too answer one of your question, you do not have to attend anything to be a member of the TLCA. All you have to due is pay your membership dues. You do have to be a TLCA member to attend closed TLCA events or to be a member of a TLCA Chapter like TAC as you mentioned, if you own a Toyota with a 2 spd transfer case.

 

[ne715]

Pam, too answer one of your question, you do not have to attend anything to be a member of the TLCA. All you have to due is pay your membership dues. You do have to be a TLCA member to attend closed TLCA events or to be a member of a TLCA Chapter like TAC as you mentioned, if you own a Toyota with a 2 spd transfer case.

Thank you for answering one of my question, and yes I have a vehicle titled at a Toyota with a 2 spd transfer case. Was hoping to make DSR, but work on the truck has come to a complete halt due to weather and long hours at work. Hope to join both clubs when the FJ is done, maybe next summer.

No one still has answered if the TLCA has a vision or mission statement, I have seen by-laws posted, but they appear that they may need to revised.
Maybe this would help Basics of Developing Mission, Vision and Values Statements
If there isn't any of these above maybe they are needed to help guide and focus the club. Just food for thought.

See ya on the trails.

Pam

 

[REKCUT]

This is as close as I can find to a mission statement

ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND AIMS
TLCA shall be non-profit in character.
Bring together and promote the interest of four wheeling.
Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser.
Protecting as well as enjoying our country's natural resources.
Support local, state or area associations.
Educate our members and the public on land use and rights issues, responsible off highway behavior and the environment.

 

[ne715]

This is as close as I can find to a mission statement

Quote:
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND AIMS
TLCA shall be non-profit in character.
Bring together and promote the interest of four wheeling.
Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser.
Protecting as well as enjoying our country's natural resources.
Support local, state or area associations.
Educate our members and the public on land use and rights issues, responsible off highway behavior and the environment.

Now the big question, HOW? How does the club achieve these "purpose and aims"?

I'm not trying to be a PITA, but reading through this thread it seems that the club has lost site of it's "purpose and aims", just trying to help with a little focus.

Pam

 

[pismojim]

... it seems that the club has lost site of it's "purpose and aims"

I nominate my new friend Pam to facilitate a workshop aimed at developing a TLCA mission statement, vision and updated purpose and aims.

... food for thought.

 

[Texican]

I nominate my new friend Pam to facilitate a workshop aimed at developing a TLCA mission statement, vision and updated purpose and aims.

... food for thought.

Pam that thing ya feel in your back is a Locomotive

 

[Green Lantern]

Go for it Pam!!!!

Anything you do will help the club.

TLCA started as a small group of Cruiserheads in California back in the 70's. The Bylaws were written to ensure fairness to a small group scattered across southern and central California. Obviously, we've grown a bit since then.

The important point is this, most cruiserheads are self-reliant and VERY independent. The bylaws reflect goals and arbitration rules (voting, terms, expulsion, etc). Most of our members, IMHO, prefer to be told "what" rather than "how." Of course, once the goal is determined (e.g. website, increased membership, Toyota Trails) we talk it to death (beer helps here) before the "how" is settled.

Thank you for looking at TLCA with new eyes. Please continue!
Happy Trails! N

 

[TRT2]

Quote:
ARTICLE II - PURPOSE AND AIMS
TLCA shall be non-profit in character.
Bring together and promote the interest of four wheeling.
Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser.
Protecting as well as enjoying our country's natural resources.
Support local, state or area associations.
Educate our members and the public on land use and rights issues, responsible off highway behavior and the environment.

Now the big question, HOW? How does the club achieve these "purpose and aims"?

Pam

The entire by laws and SOPs were reviewed extensively in the late 90s by a committee assigned to 'square them away'. Basically many changes had occurred that were not documented. During that time, a full review of the mission statement and Purpose was done, and ironically, most of the statements remained static and one or two were added/edited.

Personally, I believe the association is following its mission statement.
TLCA is non profit.
TLCA does bring together and promote four wheeling. How? Chapters and events.
Preserve and protect the history of the Land Cruiser was left specifically in there so that as the association grew and allowed various other models, the land cruiser would always be the core vehicle of interest.
Protecting and enjoying natural resources... this is backcountry ettiquete while four wheeling, and minding our reputation as OHV enthusiasts. How? Event rules and Safety guidelines. For Rubithon, its routine tasks like packing a toilet. Obeying fire restrictions. Picking up trash left behind by idiots.
Support local area and state associations. Remember, TLCA was heavily involved with CA 4wheel and other state associations. United, BRC, Tread Lightly. We have moved away from much of this over time.
How? TLCA primarily supports BRC to this day. We have also provided BRC with large monetary donations when called upon (remember the 2K donation when TLCA itself was cash strapped?)
Educate our members was the statement added. The times were changing and the gates TLCA helped install were now being closed and locked. Back then the OHV reputation was beer drinking boony bashers. I believe we have come a long way but have a ways to go yet to break down that rep.

So just don't quickly decide the association is not following its mission. While mission statements in general are very high level, I believe using the context above, I think we are pretty close.