Off and on since 1962, I have been a member of MAFCA and in 1990, I joined both simply to keep up with events that might not be advertized in both magazines and newsletters. As a member of the Skyline Chapter, I am required to belong to both, which I do. I enjoy going to national meets principally to see how others enjoy their cars plus I enjoy the people that share my interests. I find it inspiring and enlightening to read the work of the people, both current and past, who study the design and construction of the Model A, and then meeting them at national events. It is real clear in my mind that both organizations have two major components which I will label: The Social Side and the Technical Academic Restoration Side. Within each club, there are extremes of each. Personally, I gravitate toward the intellectual and technical aspects of restoration, but I don't mind going to an ice cream social now and then.
I have been in a number of national professional organizations having to do with my vocation. I have led and studied the operation of these organizations and how they function...or in some cases how they dysfunction and how they need to be consolidated to eliminate wastefulness.
It occurs to me that there are several "scales of economy" that will accrue to the combined membership with one collective organization...conventions, membership meetings and magazine publications come to mind immediately. All the services offered to both could be consolidated into a single source entity, such as the fine point committee that exists for both clubs, and those services for individual groups that may be regional related could continue.
It also occurs to me that it can start by having each club alternate annual meetings, which is about to happen by default for the next couple of years at least. Sooooo, it might not be a bad idea for the leadership of each organization to form a study committee comprised of leaders from both organization to discuss the pros and cons...and keep it seated until something happens. I was also thinking that the MAFFI museum at the Gilmore might be a great HQ...with an addition to house the staff and records.
I also think that original membership numbers should be reused if one renews...as a matter of propriety...I think my original membership number was only three digits...
OK, enough musing for a Sunday afternoon, back to the paint shop to get the Silver Mine Black 180A out for Niagara....