Tlca 30% bylaw

[packman73]

BINGO! You got it in one!

I'm not the first person to say this, but maybe I'll be the last.
TLCA has a stable membership demographic of 2500 - 3500 members since the late 90's.
Merchandise sales has always sucked.
Rubithon has succeeded only because three California chapters take responsibility for it. Rubithon has NEVER been a cash cow.

We started in 1976, the Internet didn't get popular until the early 90's. So, for 15 years or so Toyota Trails served as THE forum for cruiserheads. Now, it's a pretty magazine that graces the toilets of cruiserheads all over America.

TLCA needs to focus on chapter formation and try to keep the Trails going because we all enjoy the magazine.

Happy Trails! N

I agree, new chapters are a must. Now we brought this whole conversation full circle...if chapters members aren't TLCA members... and thus this is the viscious circle we are in.

To me the bottom line is this, we all LOVE Toyota Trails, I think we can agree on that. If we as TLCA members want it to continue, WE need to do more as chapter members to grow our chapters and thus the TLCA.

On another note, I don't think I've ever seen a How-To form a TLCA chapter in Toyota Trails. I'm sure there are groups out there that exist that get together from time to time and talk cruisers, but they aren't chapters... I know of several that are pseudo chapters...have a forum on MUD but aren't officially chapters as they don't want to fill out the paperwork or particpate in the monthly call.

 

[Rzeppa]

I can't believe that this is the vision of the current TLCA leadership. Or, at least, I don't want to believe it. Change is not always a bad thing. Perhaps we should all consider just how much change we are comfortable with...

Bingo. I snipped the quote I was agreeing with the most, though I don't disagree with all of what Thad wrote. I guess for me (and other members of the board) there are varying levels of agreement with various statements.

As Thad wrote, the opinions of members and voting board members is all over the place, and those of us in leadership sift through it and do our best to serve the interests of as many members as we can. We can't please everyone! And we are CONSTANTLY changing and adapting; we do listen and we act as we can and where we feel it is appropriate.

As President, I work hard to enable an environment where our voting board feels comfortable in representing the interests of membership. We do have boundary conditions, and among them are not running the club into the ground and alienating the majority by acquiescing to a vocal minority. And, we have to be proactive, peer around corners and make our best guess on what is coming in the future. Only reacting is a prescription for failure.

Lastly, we on the voting board are volunteers, and as such we have to set our expectation levels in line with that. We have a lot of good initiatives that are languishing due to not enough time committed. I can't complain about that - it is just the way it is. People have jobs, families and other interests besides TLCA. So we do the best we can.

Anyone reading this thread, please note that we are ALWAYS happy to welcome help. We need volunteers to help with a number of things. You don't even have to be on the voting board to serve on a committee, and we'd love to have ya!

Thanks, and happy cruisin'!

 

[Rzeppa]

On another note, I don't think I've ever seen a How-To form a TLCA chapter in Toyota Trails.

You are 100% correct, it has never been in Toyota Trails (at least since 1996 when I joined). It is too long to fit the magazine, but maybe that might be a good topic to touch on in my next Trail Leader column. But it has been on the web site through many iterations of the web site. Click here.

 

[REKCUT]

So the solution would be to have fewer but more active chapters? Does anyone else find this line of thiinking strange? Putting aside for a moment that it's a "rule", why do we care if 31% of a given clubs membership does not currently own a Toyota 4wd vehicle with a low range transfer case? You are suggesting that chapters discontinue their association with TLCA if they have a problem enforcing this rule! I just don't see how this sort of exclusionary mindset promotes the best interest of the TLCA and it's members chapters and individuals. Sorry.

No, I am saying that if a chapter does not want to enforce its own bylaws then it should CHANGE its bylaws instead of just ignoring them. If the TLCA does not want to enforce the 100% rule for chapters then it should CHANGE its by laws.

Putting aside for a moment that it's a "rule", why do we care if 31% of a given clubs membership does not currently own a Toyota 4wd vehicle with a low range transfer case?

The exact reason I am making is because it is a rule. I still have seen no decent reason why it should be left and just ignored. Why do you pay your chapter dues? Because you just feel like it, or because the chapter is out there enforcing the policy. IF you go to rubicon, why would you pay the TLCA dues on top of all the other cost associated with it? Because its a rule and its enforced.

Why leaves rules in the bylaws that we have no intention of enforcing. CHANGE, ENFORCE, OR GET RID OF THEM.

 

[Bodean]

No, I am saying that if a chapter does not want to enforce its own bylaws then it should CHANGE its bylaws instead of just ignoring them. If the TLCA does not want to enforce the 100% rule for chapters then it should CHANGE its by laws.




The exact reason I am making is because it is a rule. I still have seen no decent reason why it should be left and just ignored. Why do you pay your chapter dues? Because you just feel like it, or because the chapter is out there enforcing the policy. IF you go to rubicon, why would you pay the TLCA dues on top of all the other cost associated with it? Because its a rule and its enforced.

Why leaves rules in the bylaws that we have no intention of enforcing. CHANGE, ENFORCE, OR GET RID OF THEM.

I agree and we will be looking at changing our by laws at the next meeting.

Later,

 

[KOWBOY]

No, I am saying that if a chapter does not want to enforce its own bylaws then it should CHANGE its bylaws instead of just ignoring them.

On behalf of The White Trash, I've simply done away with our bylaws. Although they were meant to be entertainin' from the get-go ... we just don't need 'em anymore.

That eliminates any enforcement issues.

 

[66fj40x2]

I think the change has to happen at the TLCA level first. IIRC, the chapter bylaws have to, at loosely, mirror the TLCA bylaws. If you change the TLCA verbage then the chapters can change their's and remain in "good standing".

Maybe getting a discussion on Bodreps I and/or II regarding a bylaws change would be a good place to start. It may be time to review more then just this issue (although it's been a while since I've read them... or even cared to read them). I fully understand you can ask 50 people for ideas and suggestions on any topic and get 60 different ideas and still never come to a consinus. Of course getting input on Bodreps sounds like it may be a challenge unto itself right now.

I personally don't see a reason for clubs to force Toyota 4x4 owners to join TLCA. I'd be happy to join, or rejoin, TLCA at a reduced level as I don't really glean much from Trails, but enjoy wheelin' with other Cruiserheads. Let me renew so I can go to events and y'all can keep the magazine. Again, Todd does a great job with Trails and it's a great publication! My wheelin' and my rig have now outgrown it is all. I know this has been discussed but haven't seen, heard or read much about it in a couple months now...... Maybe it's time to find Clutchee's thread and revive it.......

 

[packman73]

I think the change has to happen at the TLCA level first. IIRC, the chapter bylaws have to, at loosely, mirror the TLCA bylaws. If you change the TLCA verbage then the chapters can change their's and remain in "good standing".

Maybe getting a discussion on Bodreps I and/or II regarding a bylaws change would be a good place to start. It may be time to review more then just this issue (although it's been a while since I've read them... or even cared to read them). I fully understand you can ask 50 people for ideas and suggestions on any topic and get 60 different ideas and still never come to a consinus. Of course getting input on Bodreps sounds like it may be a challenge unto itself right now.

I personally don't see a reason for clubs to force Toyota 4x4 owners to join TLCA. I'd be happy to join, or rejoin, TLCA at a reduced level as I don't really glean much from Trails, but enjoy wheelin' with other Cruiserheads. Let me renew so I can go to events and y'all can keep the magazine. Again, Todd does a great job with Trails and it's a great publication! My wheelin' and my rig have now outgrown it is all. I know this has been discussed but haven't seen, heard or read much about it in a couple months now...... Maybe it's time to find Clutchee's thread and revive it.......

It's being worked on...but it's tough to get things DONE when we can't get enough people to participate...

 

[66fj40x2]

It's being worked on...but it's tough to get things DONE when we can't get enough people to participate...

No doubt..... not sure how to light that fire.

 

[packman73]

No doubt..... not sure how to light that fire.

I don't think it's a fire that needs lit, it's more or less that we need to follow our own bylaws. When I stepped down as Secretary in late January we had a total of 31 CGS forms in. I'm not sure how many have trickled in since then, but if we follow our bylaws, 31 chapters + 10 Elected officers = 41. 41*.3= 12 needed for quorum. If we used that number, we would have a meeting quorum everytime.

I'm going to make some motions to change our bylaws a bit to help alleviate this problem in the future.

Maybe we should explore different "chapter" designations....as we have a lot of chapters (at least 25) that choose not to participate at the national level for whatever reason.

It's another topic for another day.

 

[REKCUT]

I think the change has to happen at the TLCA level first. IIRC, the chapter bylaws have to, at loosely, mirror the TLCA bylaws. If you change the TLCA verbage then the chapters can change their's and remain in "good standing".

Maybe getting a discussion on Bodreps I and/or II regarding a bylaws change would be a good place to start. It may be time to review more then just this issue (although it's been a while since I've read them... or even cared to read them). I fully understand you can ask 50 people for ideas and suggestions on any topic and get 60 different ideas and still never come to a consinus. Of course getting input on Bodreps sounds like it may be a challenge unto itself right now.

I personally don't see a reason for clubs to force Toyota 4x4 owners to join TLCA. I'd be happy to join, or rejoin, TLCA at a reduced level as I don't really glean much from Trails, but enjoy wheelin' with other Cruiserheads. Let me renew so I can go to events and y'all can keep the magazine. Again, Todd does a great job with Trails and it's a great publication! My wheelin' and my rig have now outgrown it is all. I know this has been discussed but haven't seen, heard or read much about it in a couple months now...... Maybe it's time to find Clutchee's thread and revive it.......

TLCA does need to change the by-laws if they are not going to enforce them, but I always look at myself first so. If a chapter doesnt believe in it and the TLCA is not going to enforce it, then I think changing the chapter bylaws is a great start. At least that leave it completely in TLCA's court to deal with as they see fit.

 

[REKCUT]

Then Mike, it wouldnt be such a hot button issue with me, as an answer to your original question.

 

[66fj40x2]

Then Mike, it wouldnt be such a hot button issue with me, as an answer to your original question.

No worries Thad... I wasn't tracking where you were headed with the topic. It's one of those rules that hasn't been enforced and nobody paid attention to.

 

[Bossman]

then I think changing the chapter bylaws is a great start. At least that leave it completely in TLCA's court to deal with as they see fit.

Care to expand on this comment? I don't want to go looking for trouble where none exists but this could be taken as something of a threat. Seems to me that TLCA knows this rule is a problem for some of it's member chapters and, therefore, it would seem appropriate for said member chapters to request consideration on this rule change. To suggest that chapters "change the chapter bylaws" so that the TLCA could "deal with it as they see fit" soulds a bit like the bully on the playground saying "go ahead, I dare ya".

Do I, as a paying member of the TLCA, have the right to request a position statement from the Board on this issue?

 

[REKCUT]

Jeff and Kowboy have both taken the approch that they dont agee with the rule. Rather leave it there and run around winking about it, they are taking it out of the by-laws so that they are at the least, abiding by rules set forth in there own chapters.

TLCA then still has the same options that they did. Ignore it, enforce it, or change it. Could you take it as a threat? I guess so. I assume that in some reality TLCA could say your no longer a TLCA chapter. I dont believe they would. I also dont think it would effect either WT or CC. Their clubs would most like not change and the same folks that are now TLCA members would most likely still be members. They just wouldnt be TLCA chapters.

TLCA could contine to not enforce the rule.
TLCA could change the rule.

Speaking just for myself and myself only. Any of these three options would work for me personally. On basic principle and nothing else, I have a real problem being a member of a chapter that does not enforce its own policy. I choose to be in it . I am not forced to be in it. And I really have difficult time " looking the other way" as certain rules are enforced based on whos running things at that time.

I dont know of any clubs that allow only members to be present at activities. You cant be an officer and you cant have a sticker, but I have run many trails with many members and was not a member of their club.

Another option is for chapters to welcome folks to events and runs, have them over to cookouts, but not offer them full voting membership unless they comply, but it fairly obvious that the chapters are not interested in this course of action. This then comes back to the start of the conversation.

 

[Green Lantern]

My two cents...

I'm not quoting anyone because this post is a response to my interpretation of previous posts.

1) I sincerely believe that no one can successfully live their life by blindly following the rules. Rules are guidelines, only enforced if absolutely necessary. If a person depends on rules (or laws) they are doomed to failure (and endless lawsuits).

2) I sincerely believe that all of us place ourselves first, our local club second, and TLCA a distant third. TLCA has never been that important to anyone. I shutter to think what would happen if someone told a cruiserhead that they are not a member and they have to scrape a sticker off their truck.

3) No officer or even motivated member can change people to act and behave as themselves. (refer to No. 2 above).

So, IMHO, the BOD needs to support chapters and Toyota Trails.
TLCA doesn't have any critical business to decide. Most of the income goes to Toyota Trails and all of the events (including Rubithon) are run by chapters. Many of our clubs give generously to charity in THEIR name, not TLCA. Therefore, many of our clubs are standing down from participating in the conference calls because they ain't fun and they ain't productive.

I've been there at the beginning of three clubs so far. Never was there a discussion about "rules." Lone Star, WToE, and Toyota Trail Riders all came together to have fun. I hope everyone can understand that TLCA is and always will be, a loose confederation of very independent clubs.

Thanks for the bandwidth.
Happy Trails! N

 

[REKCUT]

If your not going to support TLCA, its nots close to your heart, its not productive, and its no fun, why would you want to remain as a chapter. Just to hinder its progress? Why wouldn't you just drop your chapter status, be a fun loving 4x4/Toyota club with several or many individual TLCA members? No calls to participate in, not rules to follow, and no hinderance to the operation of the BOD since you wouldn't have a vote. No less TLCA members or revenue. What am I missing here?

 

[woody]

precisely where WCLC and LCL are...and others too...

 

[REKCUT]

Ozark Mountain Cruisers, Gateway Cruisers.

 

[Green Lantern]

IMO, what's missing in the rationale below is recognition that cruiserheads do things cause it's the right thing to do.

Allow me to use an analogy. Many of us go to church, even though we might have strong conflicts with what the pastor says sometimes. We might disagree with some of the other church members too. We choose to stay involved, because it's the right thing to do. We don't worry about our salvation or our sins... God loves us as we are. We just put up with other eccentric people so our family has folks to hang out with on Sunday afternoon. Now, if the pastor and several deacons start insisting that everyone has to act a certain way or leave..... folks like us just go somewhere else to find good company.

I mean no disrespect to you or your argument. The way I understand it, you're saying that people who skip the politics need to leave TLCA. That TLCA will operate more efficiently if only political folks stay. Finally, the first sentence in your post quoted below implies that you represent the will of TLCA. Sorry, I don't think you do.

I read CottonLand's post and the White Trash of Elwood post as saying they are choosing to focus on their members and having fun. Not TLCA politics. CottonLand has been hosting a national event for five years now. The White Trash participate, as a club, in five or more events each year. The Toyota Trail Riders host a national event and are strongly thinking about breaking all ties with TLCA. TTR doesn't participate in TLCA threads because they're disgusted with the politics. Lone Star has hosted a national event over ten years and stays a TLCA supporter only because it doesn't cost much and our members like the magazine.

I sincerely believe TLCA should encourage people, beg people, and support people rather than imply threats of enforcing the rules.

Hope that helps clarify everything.
Happy Trails! N

If your not going to support TLCA, its nots close to your heart, its not productive, and its no fun, why would you want to remain as a chapter. Just to hinder its progress? Why wouldn't you just drop your chapter status, be a fun loving 4x4/Toyota club with several or many individual TLCA members? No calls to participate in, not rules to follow, and no hinderance to the operation of the BOD since you wouldn't have a vote. No less TLCA members or revenue. What am I missing here?