I feel constrained to weigh in on this issue because of my background. Number 1--I've been an NCRS member for over 30 years (#211). In fact, I was around when the decision was made to add the mid-years to the organization! I've been the 61-62 team leader twice. I'm a Master Judge and have headed up many national meet judging teams. I've had a top-flight car before the Duntov award was ever dreamed of. I've had 32 62's. I've chaired a number of judging manual revisions, and am part of that right now with the next iteration of the 61-62 manual. I'm a huge Corvette fan! (Not boasting, just giving background.) Number 2--I'm senior pastor of a church of about 7500 people--a primarily volunteer organization, much like the NCRS. I'd like to be involved much more in the NCRS, but my work expectations and schedule (I do work weekends) makes it more difficult.
The first thing about any organization is that they have to know who they are. No group can be all things to all people. The NCRS has pretty clearly indicated that we are about restoration and preservation. The NCCC has a very different purpose--one which some of us have not chosen to be part of, in the same way that some of their members have not chosen to be part of the NCRS. Unless or until what we are becomes meaningless and undesirable, we need not be apologetic for what we have chosen to be and what we have told the world we are. If what we are about is no longer valued in this world we live in, then does our organization (or any organization) need to continue to exist?
The second thing that an organization needs to look at is their recruitment and retention rate, both long-term and short term. The average age in a majority of mainline protestant churches is 60-65. Most of those churches are declining in membership. The average age of the church I pastor is 30, and we have gained 500+ people per year for each of the past 7 years. Why the difference? Because of intentionality in purpose, and because of having specific strategies for growth and retention.
It's obvious to me that the NCRS has chosen as a strategy to try to reach membership beyond their subscription to the Restorer--chapter participation and regional and national meets (with an emphasis on judging)are part of that increased-participation and retention strategy. However, that doesn't, and never will, meet the needs of every Corvette owner.
To me, what's important is not only what you do, but how you do it. What does my church do differently than others? We have worship, we have Bible studies, we have sermons and hymns, etc. We're pointing people to salvation and growing them in their faith--so are 10's of thousands of other churches in this country. Why the difference in "success"? It's how you go about it that makes the difference.
How does that speak to the NCRS? Very directly. In the church, if people aren't adequately cared for and included, they just quit coming. If the NCRS fails to adequately "care for" and include its members, they quit subscribing. That's why it's so critical that all aspects of our organization, and especially the judging process, is a "people-friendly" process. "How" you treat the owner is critical! Because just like in the church, they tell their friends whether they were treated well, or whether they were not treated well. Word of mouth makes or kills an organization! Part of my job every week is to point out people's imperfection and their need for God's grace. Part of the judge's role is to point out the car's imperfections and need for improvment. "How" we do that is absolutely critical! It's about people skills.
Yes, some people join churches for the wrong reason/s. And some join NCRS so that they can be around long enough to campaign a car they paid a restorer a lot of money to do, and then as soon as the car has been judged, they move on, sell the car, and do something else. Those are realities. But the majority are here because they are enthusiasts.
Can the NCRS be everything to everyone? No. Is it the best organization around for preservation and restoration of Corvettes? In my book there's no comparison!!! Is it incumbent upon our leaders to continue to have a vision for the organization that demands excellence in treatment of members in every area? Absolutely!
Does complaining help? No. Does active participation to change those things that, in your mind, are not in keeping with the intent of the organization make a difference? Of course. 99+ percent of the activity of this organization is volunteer activity. This hobby, like every other hobby, is not about cars, cards, stamps, planes, or whatever. It's about people, and the Corvettes are what bring us together.
Thanks for listening to my two cents worth.
Mike Ernst
The first thing about any organization is that they have to know who they are. No group can be all things to all people. The NCRS has pretty clearly indicated that we are about restoration and preservation. The NCCC has a very different purpose--one which some of us have not chosen to be part of, in the same way that some of their members have not chosen to be part of the NCRS. Unless or until what we are becomes meaningless and undesirable, we need not be apologetic for what we have chosen to be and what we have told the world we are. If what we are about is no longer valued in this world we live in, then does our organization (or any organization) need to continue to exist?
The second thing that an organization needs to look at is their recruitment and retention rate, both long-term and short term. The average age in a majority of mainline protestant churches is 60-65. Most of those churches are declining in membership. The average age of the church I pastor is 30, and we have gained 500+ people per year for each of the past 7 years. Why the difference? Because of intentionality in purpose, and because of having specific strategies for growth and retention.
It's obvious to me that the NCRS has chosen as a strategy to try to reach membership beyond their subscription to the Restorer--chapter participation and regional and national meets (with an emphasis on judging)are part of that increased-participation and retention strategy. However, that doesn't, and never will, meet the needs of every Corvette owner.
To me, what's important is not only what you do, but how you do it. What does my church do differently than others? We have worship, we have Bible studies, we have sermons and hymns, etc. We're pointing people to salvation and growing them in their faith--so are 10's of thousands of other churches in this country. Why the difference in "success"? It's how you go about it that makes the difference.
How does that speak to the NCRS? Very directly. In the church, if people aren't adequately cared for and included, they just quit coming. If the NCRS fails to adequately "care for" and include its members, they quit subscribing. That's why it's so critical that all aspects of our organization, and especially the judging process, is a "people-friendly" process. "How" you treat the owner is critical! Because just like in the church, they tell their friends whether they were treated well, or whether they were not treated well. Word of mouth makes or kills an organization! Part of my job every week is to point out people's imperfection and their need for God's grace. Part of the judge's role is to point out the car's imperfections and need for improvment. "How" we do that is absolutely critical! It's about people skills.
Yes, some people join churches for the wrong reason/s. And some join NCRS so that they can be around long enough to campaign a car they paid a restorer a lot of money to do, and then as soon as the car has been judged, they move on, sell the car, and do something else. Those are realities. But the majority are here because they are enthusiasts.
Can the NCRS be everything to everyone? No. Is it the best organization around for preservation and restoration of Corvettes? In my book there's no comparison!!! Is it incumbent upon our leaders to continue to have a vision for the organization that demands excellence in treatment of members in every area? Absolutely!
Does complaining help? No. Does active participation to change those things that, in your mind, are not in keeping with the intent of the organization make a difference? Of course. 99+ percent of the activity of this organization is volunteer activity. This hobby, like every other hobby, is not about cars, cards, stamps, planes, or whatever. It's about people, and the Corvettes are what bring us together.
Thanks for listening to my two cents worth.
Mike Ernst
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