I ask, do we need a club, because of what appears to be a lack of interest in club activities, and except for a few members, a lack of interest to organize events.

There also seems to be a feeling of "what does this club do for me" when the real question is"what can I do for the club and it's members".

So lets talk about this issue, in an open forum, with the best interests of the club as the focal point. Ideas about things the club "could" do are OK to talk about, but things folks are really willing to "Do" for the club, are what will keep it active.

My thoughts.

The club is made up of folks from all kinds of different backgrounds, but with one common interest, MINIs. I bought a MINI 5 years ago for many different reasons, but the main one is to "motor" in it. So I tend to enjoy the events that have motoring as the main reason for getting together. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a frosty beverages with me mates, but a frisky run on some twisties will always get my vote. Social events are nice, motoring events are what a MINI club should be about in my opinion.

That said, I also see a need for tech. type of events. Detailing, swaps, mod/maintenance days. These kind of events are MINI centered, and can add to the enjoyment of the "motoring" events.

So speak you mind about this, won't hurt.

Mark

 

As a co-founder of the club 5 years ago, here's my opinion:

Yes, we do! We just had 29 cars show up for a winery run, which is more than most clubs can get for ANY event! We have a diverse group of people in the club with varying interests. Some are into motorsports, some into detailing, social events, fun runs, etc. We seem to have a good array of events for everyone.

As always, the main issue is planning events. Event coordinators can become frustrated when club members suggest an event but then don't want to help plan it. Members can be frustrated when the club isn't doing the kind of events they want. When Mike and I started the club, we planned almost every event ourselves. As an event coordinator, I always did the following:
- Plan events that I was interested in myself
- When suggestions for events came in, do my best to facilitate organization from club members with my assistance
- Not worry about attendance or kinds of events

In the end, the club is an organic thing with ups and downs and is affected by many factors (economy, weather, local events, holidays, etc.) It will take the path it wants. I think we still have a great club with great members, and should keep things going they way they are.

Keep up the good work!

Aaron

 

So, Aaron, I think what Mark is trying to say is how do we entice members to host events? I was the events coordinator much longer than you. Over the years, the same members always hosted the events such as Balducci, Bobby's Custard, Christmas Lights Rallye & the Spring & Fall Runs. A Club is what it's members make it. If the members are always looking to the officers or the same members to host events, the Club becomes stagnant and those dedicated members become weary of always being the ones to step forward.

We have some very good members but for the most part they have been around since you & Mike founded the Club. The problem lies in always expecting them to "keep up the good work"

Lois

 

I hear you Lois! Let's all think on this and see what we can come up with. Members, let us know how we can make it easier and more inviting for a new event to be planned!

 

Yes! Clubs are an excellent way to share your enthusiasm, learn how to maintain and modify your car, and squeeze as much performance out of it as possible. I also think the fringe benefits such as networking and building friendships with other like-minded enthusiasts is appealing.

There will always be "movers and shakers" in any group. The important thing is to encourage participation AND that everyone feels free to get involved in the planning stage. I've coordinated several car shows back east when I was involved with the Long Island Chrysler Association. At first, I was very introverted and preferred to work behind the scenes, but as time passed, I became very comfortable with decision making and handling situations that I would have normally avoided. It's a process. Once you enjoy the fruits of your labor, you get a taste for it and want to organize and participate in future events.

 

Being removed from the management of the organization for a while has put me at a disadvantage but I agree completely with Aaron.

What I do know, for what it's worth, is that this has been an issue from the beginning for Aaron and I.

Here's a couple thoughts I've had...

I wonder if there is a forum (maybe here on NAM) that would be a place for club directors from all over the country to chat about issues such as these.

Our club can't be the only one in the country experiencing these issues and it seems the since we've run dry on ideas (and people) it might be time to tap into some other resources?

Or maybe even some other St. Louis club directors might be of help (BMWCCA, PCA, Gateway Miata Club or AUDI CC)?

You guys probably know more people in other clubs than I do but if anyone would like some contact info, please feel free to contact me.

 

I'm watching this thread, but I'm going to be honest and say, my participation is going to be about what it has been with the BMW CCA. I'll mostly join in for the track events and the Euro Car Show in June, and participate here on NAM. Otherwise, I often don't have much time for club events other than the occasional XMas party, etc. It doesn't mean I'm not interested, I just get busy.

 

[quote=STLMINI;2478588]

I wonder if there is a forum (maybe here on NAM) that would be a place for club directors from all over the country to chat about issues such as these.

I can't find a forum like that here on NAM, but I will look into it. Great idea though

This is a good start.

Mark


I just sent this to the site administrators:

Just wondering if there is a way to start a forum for clubs to discuss general club issues. Things like getting interest levels up, getting more members to help organize/run events, a place to brainstorm different kinds of events, a place to post the kinds of events other clubs offer.

If a forum like this already exists, please PM me where it can be found.

Thanks,
Mark

 

Yes, we need a club. We live in the land of 4x4 trucks and even three years after buying Gromit, we still see a lot fo people who have never heard fo MINIs. The club has allowed us to meet other MINI owners and has been an invaluable learning experience about mods, detailing and mechanical information for us.

For us distance, as well as very irregular work schedules with no set days off, mean we can't participate as much as we would like to. Unfortunately those two factors also severely limit our ability to take active roles in club activities. We have an idea that we've been working on that we mentioned to Dan recently and hopefully we're close to finishing it.

If there is a way we can help via the internet/email, making phone calls, or anything else please let us know. We are more than willing to get involved.

 

The club needs a webmaster for it's site, that would really help to keep members up to date.

Mark

 

Hmmmm....

 

That's a good start

Mark

 

I thought I would chime in and let everyone know that I am watching this thread and listening to suggestions. Since I am on the inside, I do not want to add my bias to the discussion. I would like to see what everyone else has to say first.

I will say that the board is looking for any help or ideas. Mishka is on the right track with being willing to make a few calls or emails. Anything helps. If you have a half baked idea you started to think about but don't have time anymore, email us or post it here to get someone else working on it. If the club would work together, we could accomplish and do much more.

 

I started this thread to prod and poke members into taking on active roles in the club. Voicing an opinion is an important part of being active, so I invite ALL members to chime in, new, old, past, and officers. If your going to whine though, I suggest a grape growing website.

Mark

 

Whoa.

 

I did not mean to suggest that anyone has whined. Good discussion so far

Mark

 

Do we need a club? We already have one and a good one at that. I have to agree with everything that Aaron said in his post, he was, to use and British term, Spot On.
The detailing clinic had a great turn out, the spring rallye was another winner. We are lucky to live in St. Louis where there are so many things to do. This past weekend, with competition from The Balloon Race, Scott AFB Open House, The British Car Show, The Webster Groves Jazz & Blues Festival and too many other events to mention, OUR CLUB, managed to have 27 cars show up for a fun day of motoring and at the same time, we raised $720.00 for BACKSTOPPERS. I would say that is great in any club’s book. I keep in touch with many clubs throughout the USA and they have the same kind of events that we have, some more than others.

The following is taken from Phil Weeden’s column in the September issue of Modern MINI (a British publication): APATHY IN THE MINI SCENE………. Apathy can be a problem, especially when purses and wallets are being tightened as they are at present. Getting people committed to coming out and supporting an event is becoming increasingly hard to do………….Clubs and event organizers need to be more determined and more creative to win members over, and they need to tell more people about it. Members must make the effort and support the local club as and where we can………..It is only by supporting the local club events do we stand a chance of the expanding the MINI culture. As you can see, the club scene is the same all over the world.
I love my car, but the best part of owning a MINI/Mini is the great people that I have met and the camaraderie of ownership.
We have a good club, let’s all try to make it a great club!
Cheers,

 

"All" being the key word.

So it would seem we do need a club, and I agree, we have a good one. Now what do we do to make it a great club.

Mark

 

Hello!

First off, the Winery Run and the Club Picnic was fun! I'm glad to have met many of you and I even recognized some faces from the wineries.

Here's my input on making the club a *great* club.

I would consider that I am at the younger end of the MINI owner spectrum. (23). It's safe to say that spectrum is pretty vast, which in my opinion, is an excellent characteristic. It's great that there are several events that provide opportunities for the club to assemble, rally, and have fun. I imagine that it's an extremely difficult task to plan and mutually agree on an outing that will appeal to the majority of club members. I tip my hat to those who have done such an outstanding job already. Please excuse any redundancy since I am a fairly new member; I've not thoroughly investigated much of the club's history.

Would it be in poor taste to begin facilitating additional events that cater to different groups of club members? Here are just some raw examples.

1. Downtown St. Louis Trips, Pub Crawl, Laclede's Landing, arrange for a casual downtown drive, VIP parking up front/discounted entry at a bar, etc. I know The Big Bang lets groups rent out some of their seating area. They are also quite known for *ahem,* pointing out that a particular group is in attendance.

2. Sporting Event Viewing Parties. Some sport bars (Buffalo Wild Wings and Hot Shots for sure) have reputations for semi public rentals, drink specials, etc. Ideas would include a friendly Cards fans vs. Cubs fans ballgame night, Arch Rivalry game, major fight nights, Indy 500, etc.

3. Sport Events in General. This could include all kinds of events. Trips to a golf course would be fun and could offer good charity fundraising opportunities. (Our own version of a "Longest Drive" competition!) We could have our own wacky version of an annual Club kickball game at a municipal park. I know the STL Blues, Cardinals, and Rams all offer big group discounts. Even by attending one of these games, there are several ways we can connect and express our love as MINI owners.

From my perspective, introducing more events that may not necessarily appeal to the entirety of the club, might provide a better foundation for the events that are catered for everybody. Also, it would spread more interest about the club for MINI owners that are not already members, generate more interest in MINI motoring, and allow the members to have more options and availability to participate in STL Mini events.

I hope I've contributed to more ideas.

 

I think we do need a club. There are some problems with the one we have and I'm hoping to be able to start coming to meetings... if not this month(depending on if I can get off of work) then definitely next month.

Problems:

1) I feel like there has been very strong negativity floating around the club over the last year. I really wish that would stop. I hate to point fingers but it's really getting old having one or two people in the club really just making it hard to want to help or do anything with them.

2) We need to have all the areas of St. Louis represented at club meetings. We need to know that there is always someone from St. Charles county, West County, and South/Jefferson County is there to represent their areas, to get ideas and help to have events all over instead of in the same places.

3) We need to do what it takes to get people to events... Some of the previous points address some very good suggestions. We have 3-4 big events a year and I really think that we can do better than that. The people who host those events (you know who you are) do an absolutely amazing job. We need more, but it will take some time to get there.

Positives

1) We have some wonderful people in this club that would really like to see it go in the right direction. I have talked to many people and there are many different opinions on what people want out of the club. We need to find a way to satisfy everyone at some time or another.

2) We have the numbers in the club to make it work. it's just going to take a few newbies to stand up and say I'll help.

3) We have great motivation to get this done... We have MINI's for crying out loud. We are supposed to be the happiest and nicest people on earth.

Well if we can get more people to the meetings especially over the next few months, I think we will be on the right foot. Hopefully my comments help.

Shannah

 

Hi Shannah,
As a former officer (and now, due to having crossed over into the land of being a Cub Scout Leader with NO freetime I think I qualify as an outsider, at least a little) so I'm going to comment.

I'm saddened to read your item #1. I would hate to think that there are people who want to help and are being turned away or being made to feel unwelcome. If this has happened to you (or someone you know of) I would encourage them to either talk to the person involved about how they feel, or seek the counsel of one of the other officers. I know that some of the officers have in the past been "burned" by people who said they would help and didn't come through, etc. so I can see that people might be skittish about handing things off if they think they can handle them, etc. I know nothing about the particular situation but we deal with this same issue in scouts all the time.... people say they will help and don't, and others are worried about future bad outcomes, so lean towards just doing things themselves.

On item 2, just a little history, in a previous Charter/Bylaws we did have regional representatives. It was hard to fill the slots due to some parts of town being more scarce in the MINI department....I believe that's when we went to non-regional reps on the Board because we felt that was better than having empty slots. With a club like this, and everyone's busy lives, there's no way to "always" make sure a particular group is represented, therefore the decisions get made by the people who are there, and that's where the events end up. If there are indeed people from each region willing to get involved, I'd encourage them to attend the meetings and just jump right in. I can't imagine the Board turning someone away who genuinely wanted to come and represent their area on a regular basis! I don't know that the Bylaws look like now, but it sounds to me from some of the things I overheard at the Picnic (which was great, by the way!) there are plenty of positions/roles to be filled whether formal or not.

The one thing that I think combines these two ideas, (and this is my personal opinion, and this is how I operate my Cub Scout group) is this: if you're willing to put in the time to plan an event, you should feel free to plan it at a time/date/location that works for you. Sure, it's nice to keep it in balance if you can, but from experience, I'd rather have people plan stuff that works for them and then just have whoever can attend show up, than to try to meet everyone's needs and end up with nothing but frustration. Events don't have to be massive - some of the most fun events in the past were short-notice "breakfast runs" and things like that, morning with the MINIs type of things, rather than big rallyes or events with special parking and arrangements. I would encourage anyone with even a little idea to be like Nike and Just Do It. You'll probably end up with some die-hards and some newbies, and a bunch of fun regardless.

And BTW it was great to see all my old Mates at the picnic, thanks for putting up with my son being afraid of the dogs (although he did finally pet Murphy.)

Amanda

 

I do understand what you are saying, and I agree with your points, on my first comment, I didn't want to delve into details or point fingers. It's something that I hope will go away once the club becomes more active again.

As far as the regional thing, I wasn't intending that it be a formal position, just that we should attempt to encourage people from all the areas to come. I think being at the MINI dealer now will help if for no other reason than we all know where that is.

I'm not sure if I saw you at the picnic or not as I was a late comer due to church first thing that morning and then running into the Rat Run on 94 with all the bikers, which was fun to see.

I know things have been tried before and they may not have worked before and maybe we should try again and try anything people want to suggest. I know I am willing to hear any and all suggestions people have.

You don't meet everyone's needs by making one event to make people happy. You make people happy by having many events that people can choose to go or not to go to.

I am going to try to plan more events out in St. Charles. The thing I had trouble with early on in planning things is that when I would ask people if something was interesting to them. I would get Adam telling me I can't do that on the MINI Club forum that I had to go through the event planner. I don't know if that is still how it is or if it's really not a big deal.

Shannah

 

Shannah,

If you would like to plan an event independent of the Club, you may post it here on NAM. NAM is not exclusively for the Club. I wish more people would just get a wild hare & decide to do a run or some other type of activity with or without Club sanction.

I am sorry that some members may have been unkind to you. But for the most part in my 5 1/2 years with the St Louis MINI Club, I have only ran into a few bad apples.

And , yes, I am one of those board members who parted ways for various reasons. I dedicated almost 5 years to being the Events Coordinator only to be criticized about the job I had done by a few sour grapes. But it is a volunteer job, so it was not worth the aggravation any longer.

I will remain a member, enjoy the events & plan an event or two along with Mark.

Lois

 

I'm not a club officer, but previous experience in other organizations has shown me that just approaching a club with an idea vs approaching a club with an idea and a plan with most of the basic information in hand will get much different results. It's helpful to say "I have an idea", but it is a much more helpful when someone says "I have an idea, and this is what I've found out about making it possible." This allows the leaders to work on scheduling and other things instead of doing it all.

When we planned our Rallye (Nov 1), we basically did all the planning by ourselves (over several months, thanks to work ) and got all the info put together. Once we had most of the bases covered, we sent the info to Dan and Brian. We felt that this would help them out since most of the details and time consuming stuff was already worked out when they got the info. Then they could decide if additional info was needed and whether to schedule it or not.

For some things, you might not be able to plan things as thoroughly as a Rallye, but if you can get most of the basic info lined up before you present it to the Club Officers, it helps them decide the feasability of your idea. If you're wanting to plan a night at a restaurant to watch a sporting event, find out any requirements for using their facility, parking, directions for those of us not familiar with the city, types of food, etc. so that when you approach the club you have answers to the main questions that could be asked. The more info you can give them up front, the easier it will be to get events planned.

Just my $.02.

 

Oh we have meets, don't worry, mostly they don't get posted because it involves 3 phone calls.