Exploring a Myth or Two
THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, numerous questions arise regarding local chapter operations. Most deal with detail items which can be answered fairly quickly. However, a few broader, more philosophical concerns surface with surprising regularity. The important point with these concerns is that they focus on certain perceptions which are incorrect! Hence, this section has been put together to address some of the misperceptions -- myths -- that commonly exist.
Reality
: In spite of the fact that the Air Force Association is NOT now (nor has it ever been!) a registered lobby organization -- and literally hundreds of written communications have emphasized this fact over the years -- the misunderstanding persists that it is. And this misunderstanding often extends to the belief that lobbying is AFA's primary objective. Indeed, certain key AFA staff members maintain regular contact with Representatives, Senators and key staffers on Capitol Hill. This is a continuing effort to assure that we, the AFA, are fully informed on the "issues of the day." The process of insuring we are fully informed requires a great deal of concentrated study and analysis. But this in no way can be likened to a lobby in either the classic or informal sense. Our purpose is to gather information for our own requirements, and to provide information when asked. WE ARE NOT IN THE ARM TWISTING GAME that registered lobbyists play.In reality, the true lobby of the Air Force Association is our membership! Because our membership receives AIR FORCE Magazine, and our field network of chapters, states and regions receives additional valuable publications, our members are among the best informed constituents in the country. An informed, articulate and active constituent is the best, the strongest, and most productive informal "lobby" in the country.
In this light, the chapter should encourage its membership to accept the responsibility to actively function within the role of an informed constituency. Part of this responsibility is, of course, the chapter president's. Encourage the Vice President of Communications to take advantage of the opportunity presented in the chapter newsletter to "digest" or reproduce some or all of the information received from AFA Headquarters. Once the president has insured that everything possible is being done to keep the membership informed (including President's columns in the newsletters, remarks at chapter programs etc.) then encourage members to make and maintain contact with their Congressional Delegation. The chapter should establish a position of Vice President for Government Relations on the Executive Committee to assist in this effort and to promote the ideas covered in the "Legislative Line" section of this handbook. In all of this effort, do not overlook your local political representatives as well. They too are involved and need to be informed because they often have direct links to our representatives in Washington.
(. . . or colonels' or generals' or retired generals' or industrys', etc.) The exact myth seems to depend on which group an individual is from (or not from).
Reality: AFA is a civilian organization. Its membership is composed of veterans of active duty (either present or past) with any branch of the military service of the United States, their spouses, widows (or widowers), and members of the Reserve and National Guard as well as cadets. Additionally, anyone else may join as a patron. (But remember, patrons may not vote nor hold elective office). In a word, AFA IS EVERYONE'S ORGANIZATION.
Why then, does this perception persist that AFA is an "officers" club? A number of reasons seems to be the answer. First, many former officers (including retirees) serve in chapter elected leadership positions. This, to a greater extent than ex-enlisted, seems to be simply a result of interest and initiative on the individual's part. More and more chapter presidents, state officers, regional vice presidents and AFA board members are ex-enlisted. The local chapter needs to be proactive in this regard and get everyone involved.
A second reason seems to stem from our Air Force heritage. The Air Force is a branch of the armed forces, so the officers run the show. For perfectly legitimate reasons, most keynote speakers and honored guests at chapter functions are often recorded by the camera and sometimes later published in AIR FORCE Magazine. The "visible" impression given is also one of "officers association".
An interesting fact: In the mid-60's, AFA changed from "squadrons" to chapters; from "wings" to states; and from "commanders" to presidents in recognition of the need to emphasize the civilian nature of AFA.
A third cause of this perception can be traced to the location of chapter programs. Many AFA chapters, for a multitude of reasons (some good, some not), consistently meet and/or hold their programs at the nearest Officers' Club. Strong consideration should be given to scheduling events at a civilian facility (potential Community Partner). At a minimum, when on-base facilities must be used (half the time is fine), "share the wealth", with NCO and Airman's Clubs occasionally (many chapters do!) -- this will help send the message that AFA is for everyone. Holding functions exclusively at the Officers' Club sends a powerful (and often times counter productive) message.
A fourth cause: In printed programs, etc., chapter officials are frequently listed with retired rank. Though other associations encourage this, AFA DOES NOT. For instance, take a look at the listings of senior elected AFA officials in AIR FORCE Magazine. Though most all have some former military rank - from PFC to 4 Star, in fact! - no rank is listed. That's not an oversight - it's on purpose! For other than active duty members, don't use rank.
Certainly, other reasons for the continuation of this myth exist. It is the responsibility of all concerned individuals within the chapter to examine the often "hidden messages" which are sent, and make changes where necessary.
Reality
: Most active AFAer's know the reality here, but many who are not active may not. This can be overcome by continuing to educate the public and the membership on the goals of the Association. Additionally, the chapter can go a long way in overcoming the myth simply by not persistently "existing" on base (the principle detailed above in Myth #2). We are a separate, civilian Association which supports the need for a strong national defense through adequate aerospace power. No where does this say, or imply that AFA is tied to the Air Force. The Association may be a spokesperson for the Air Force in the community, but principally AFA is the spokesperson for its entire membership!Reality
: Yes, of course, AFA is a non-profit organization. Unlike many similar organizations whose "cash flow" is from local units to national, AFA provides a constant flow of money, in terms of new-member rebates and support payments, to its chapter and state organizations. But for most, this is not sufficient to cover local operations. There IS NOTHING in either the AFA Constitution, nor IRS regulations to preclude a chapter from legitimate fund raising efforts to support appropriate causes such as:How then can the money be raised? Again creativity is the key here, but consider:
Also, there is no reason why, when a chapter luncheon or dinner program is being organized, some margin of "net operating income" cannot be built into the overall cost.
Hopefully, these typical myths have been answered to your satisfaction. Of course, many more exist, and perhaps need to be answered. But these seem to be the most common. Hope the answers and ideas help!
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