*****
THE NUMBER ONE QUESTION RALLY ATTENDEES ASK IS,
"How much do I owe?"
The reply --
"Nothing."
That answer causes a range of reactions, as you
can imagine. For those who have attended our previous rallies, it's old
news. For first timers, it is always a surprise.
When first organized in 2006, our core group
was small, most of our members lived in Southern California, and 12-15 units at
a rally was considered a good turn-out. In discussing how to organize "SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends", it was decided to keep it informal with no dues, officers, bylaws, bank accounts, etc., etc.,
etc.
SWBB's mantra continues to be, "keep
it simple and informal."
In the beginning, planning and coordinating activities was
relatively easy, with low expenses that were paid out of pocket by the group coordinators.
Today,
we continue to grow as word spreads about "SOUTHWEST BLUEBIRDS and friends", with a nationwide and Canadian membership roster, plus one
listed member who lives in England (does that qualify us an
'international' group?). Along with this
membership growth, rally attendance has grown since 2006.
All this growth means higher out-of-pocket expenses. These expenses include: window cards and name badges, and ink for printing them; cash deposits that RV parks require to hold a block of sites; the initial website name registration fee; the ongoing monthly hosting fee to maintain the SWBB web site; the SmugMug photo sharing website fee; set-up fees for the group merchandise; a PA system; and many other miscellaneous expenses.
To pay for these costs, we could charge
membership dues, collect registration fees for each rally, or sell tickets for
the special BBQ's or breakfasts some attendees provide for us, but that gets us
into an area we don't want to go -- formalizing the organization, electing a
treasurer, keeping financial reports, etc. All this would violate our 'KISS'
principle!
Instead, voluntary donations will be used to let everyone help offset rally expenses.
This plan is 100% voluntary with no requirements
on anyone to donate. We believe this is the best way to maintain
a balance between allowing those who want to help, and our desire to "keep
it simple and informal."
<<<<<>>>>>
Details about how you can help are below --
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< "I WANT TO HELP" DONATION CONTAINERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
At each rally, there will be a "I WANT TO HELP" donation container located at Phil’s coach. Attendee can donate any amount to help offset the cost of web site registration and monthly hosting fees, the SmugMug photo sharing site, and other miscellaneous rally related expenses.
<<<<< DEDICATED BBQ DONATION CONTAINER >>>>>
A separate container will be set up for a BBQ donation to offset the cost of the meat and supplies. Two dollars per person is suggested. The BBQ donation container will be located at Shane's coach.
<<<<<< ORDER YOUR OWN PERSONALIZED WINDOW PLAQUE AND NAME BADGES >>>>>>
Printed window cards and name badges represent one of the highest expense items incurred for each rally.
As the number of attendees at our rallies increases, so does the cost of providing printed window cards and name badges. At 'Q-2008', arrangements were made with "toocrazyladies" to produce permanent, personalized, window plaques and individual name badges, using our SWBB logo.
Click on this link to go directly to the "toocrazyladies" order page-- "Order Your Window Plaque and Name Badges" .
The window plaque is placed in the passenger side window to help identify the coach’s owner. When photos are taken of each coach, a close up is always taken of the window plaque. After the photos are uploaded to the SmugMug© site, or included on a souvenir CD, it is easy to see who owns the coach (saves time renaming the photos).
In addition, the window plaque and name badges identify you as a rally participant, helps everyone get to know one another, and helps provide security within the Birds' Nest.
Please order a set to keep in your coach and display them when attending our rallies. The one time cost of these items is much less than we'd have to charge for membership dues, and you will help us eliminate a large recurring out of pocket expense.
<<<<< ALUMINUM CAN and RECYCLABLE PLASTIC CONTAINERS >>>>>
DON'T THROW AWAY THOSE ALUMINUM BEVERAGE CONTAINERS AND PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES!!
Labeled collection containers for recyclable aluminum cans and plastic water bottles will be set up to collect aluminum and CLEAR plastic water bottles. A separate container for non-clear plastic bottles will be set up.
At our California rallies, the recycle containers will be located at Phil's coach. At Quartzsite, the containers will be located around the campfire area.
Please deposit your empty aluminum beverage containers and recyclable plastic bottles in their respective containers. While not necessary, crushing the aluminum cans will save space.
The cans and bottles will be recycled for cash to help offset rally expenses.
<< VOLUNTEER TO HOST AN EVENT or ACTIVITY AT OUR RALLIES >>
During our 2008 'Q' Rally, several members stepped forward to organize and lead activities that helped make the rally a huge success.
If you have an idea or activity you believe would add to the fun, and that you want to organize and conduct, feel free to submit an outline so we can include it in our rally schedules.
A list of events and activities will be posted on the website. Let us know if would like to host any one or more. All help is appreciated.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
REMEMBER!! IT'S ALL VOLUNTARY, FOLKS --
Making a donation is entirely voluntary. There is no requirement nor obligation to donate anything and no one is excluded or prevented from taking part or sharing in any activity or meal for not making a donation.
Simply, many of you approach us at our rallies asking to contribute something towards the expense of coordinating and conducting SWBB’s activities. We believe the "I WANT TO HELP" donation method maintains a balance between your wishes to help, and our philosophy of maintaining our informal organization and relaxed rally atmosphere that are praised and appreciated by all who attend SWBB functions.
All we ask and "require" of you is that you come to our rallies to relax and have fun; meet some new friends; share your experiences; and share your BB expertise.
And, if you ask, "How Much Do I Owe?" we'll answer, "Nothing."