AZOHVC Meeting & Pool Party

[Sedona Jeep School]

Wow! What a morning! All the COOL kids were there. :D

I learned some very good things today:

1. The poolside drink service was far better at this meeting than any of the others I have been to this year. My glass never went dry. But I thought it was very inappropriate how skimpy those girls' bikinis were!

2. What I thought would be "just another OHV group" turns out to be an effectively diverse group with goals that fill a much-needed niche: an Arizona-based, multi-interest, "partnering" entity--focused enough to represent our interests, but just broad enough to bring some attention-getting numbers to the table of negotiations with politicians and land managers. And the tone is a perfect niche, too (in my opinion): effecting change through creating partnerships, not adversaries.

3. Speaking of adversaries, the Sierra Club picks fights against OHV interests because we are "an easy fight". A representative of the Sierra Club actually made the statement that they don't go after developers because they don't think they can win, but they do think that WE are a bunch of pushovers. They think we will just sit on our seats and take it. And, so far, they have been right. (Thanks, Bill, for that blood-pressure-raising bit of info!)

Now, stand back for the very-important-raving part:

So, are each of you going to keep thinking that it is not important for little old you to get involved? Steve said there are 300,000 ATV's in the state, and I couldn't even guess how many 4x4's. Membership in the AZOHVC (see http://www.azohv.org ) is only $30 per year. It will make me sick if we can't get $30/year from each and every person who owns a 4x4, ATV, or dirt bike in the state of Arizona. $30 per year to help keep trails open. Eat peanut butter sandwiches for a week. Sell your sway bar to the recycling center. Bike to work one day. EVERYONE can come up with $30. If you don't, you are casting a vote to close trails.

So now I come to this point:

If you can't pay $30 for an individual membership, or even if you can, the AZVJC can have a membership in the AZOHVC. We don't have to be a club--just an interested group. How many active members do we have on this board? 100? Let's set up a Paypal for an AZVJC membership to the AZOHVC. If each of the active members donates $3--only $3!--our "group" can help, instead of just typing about it.

Flame me. I am in the mood for a fight.

Oh, and, by the way, #1, above, was not true, but if it will help get more people to meetings! :D

[Devil Man]

Let's set up a Paypal for an AZVJC membership to the AZOHVC. If each of the active members donates $3--only $3!--our "group" can help, instead of just typing about it.

:D
i am in thank's Nena

[Devil Man]

Flame me in BBQ sauce I am in the mood for a BBQ.


:rolleyes: :confused: :cool: :D

[Sedona Jeep School]

Okay, I see how to play the game now. I talked about Devilman wearing diapers and now he doesn't let one land use thread go by! :D I love you, man <sniff>.

So, bikinis, beer and bbq sauce (with bikinis), and ridiculing other members (also with bikinis) is what it takes to get some attention around here? :cool: :D At least I know what kind of party to throw to raise land use money! ;)

[jim0352]

Did someone say something about bikinis?

I'm in for either the group or indivdual contribution (or both if necessary). I appreciate the links you have posted. I would like to take a more proactive role in protecting our right to use the trails, but it is sometimes hard to filter through the BS and find the groups that are actually doing something (not just talking). As a new member, I need you senior members to keep posting these kinds of threads, both to help educate me and to help direct my efforts. Thanks for the links and keep putting the info out there that will help us protect our trails.

[weasel_ugs]

If each of the active members donates $3--only $3!--our "group" can help, instead of just typing about it.

:D
I'd do $3. Don

[cactuscatcher]

If you can't pay $30 for an individual membership, or even if you can, the AZVJC can have a membership in the AZOHVC. We don't have to be a club--just an interested group. How many active members do we have on this board? 100? Let's set up a PayPal for an AZVJC membership to the AZOHVC. If each of the active members donates $3--only $3!--our "group" can help, instead of just typing about it.
Oh, and, by the way, #1, above, was not true, but if it will help get more people to meetings! :D

Darn, bikini pool parties are so boring anyway. :D
$30 is not an issue if it actually goes to a real cause but I'm not giving PayPal any business ever in any fashion after they gave so much to the Brady Campaign and helped fund so much anti-2nd amendment legislation (no, I am not a gun nut but believe people should be free to make their own decisions) so how about an address to send the donations to?

[jeepsonly]

That was a great meeting - quick and to the point. I'm in for an individual membership but I think AZVJC needs a voice in these meetings too so I'll happily contribute $3. The only way we can do that is to have the AZVJC buy a membership. We only need $300 total so $3 a pop should take care of that. Like Nena said, we don't have to be an incorporated club. I think they decided to make it that way with the AZVJC in mind.

Joe West, can you setup a PayPal "product" people could buy for $3 to sponsor the AZVJC so we can eventually buy a membership to the AZOHVC? Additionally or alternately, any ideas for a place where non-PayPal people can send a check/money order?

BTW, if you guys think Nena is fun here, you should meet her in person sometime! She's pretty cool. :cool:

[AZXJ]

Nena,

Thank you so much for this post.. I really wanted to be there but after not getting off work untill 10am today I was usless.. Hell I barely made it home..
This information will be passed on to the other groups that I am in.
The ArizonaXJ club will also be joining be it individually or as a group.
I will be joining individually and will contribute to the VJC fund as well.

[Hackle]

Nina it was nice to finally meet you face to face. I thought the meeting came off well. This has been in the works for a while and I was very happy to see it get to the first meeting. I think the AZVJC joining is a great idea. I will kick in to the pot.
Jim F.

[aklars1]

Did the chicks in bikinis look anything like this?!?!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a244/aklars1/hottieonhooptie.jpg
I am in for the VJC membership as well as my own, just gotta round up some cash :( The new jeep has been expensive so far :eek:

[mingoglia]

Once the Paypal is set up I'm in....

[weasel_ugs]

Only thing that makes me wonder is look how long it took to raise money for Hunters registration for ORBA,how long do you think this will take. Don

[AzTrailrunner]

I'm in nena.

[Sedona Jeep School]

Only thing that makes me wonder is look how long it took to raise money for Hunters registration for ORBA,how long do you think this will take. Don
I thought of that, too, especially with the poll going in another thread about requiring $ to post in order to support Hunter's ORBA membership.

To be honest, both are important. My perception is that AZOHVC is the "speak softly" part of OHV interests, while ORBA is the "big stick" part.

Regarding ORBA, it is harder to get people to donate for someone else's membership, to a complex and nebulous organization, in which they will never participate or attend meetings.

AZOHVC is a friendlier, local organization, in which our group members can actually participate and attend meetings to see how their $3 or $30 has been spent. Its local relativity and non-combative stance invites more direct involvement, especially from people who have not bothered with land issues in the past. But through the AZOHVC, many people may better appreciate what ORBA does.

ORBA and AZOHVC are not mutually exclusive--quite the contrary--they go hand-in-hand. Involvement is the bottom line. The AZOHVC has now made it so easy for us to do so.

[Sedona Jeep School]

Did the chicks in bikinis look anything like this?!?!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a244/aklars1/hottieonhooptie.jpg
I am in for the VJC membership as well as my own, just gotta round up some cash :( The new jeep has been expensive so far :eek:
Wow. Now I have to wash my eyes out with soap. Plus the Sharky flashbacks...:eek: But, it gives me a great idea about fundraising--how much will you pay NOT to see that? :D

[SHNIPE]

lemme go find change in my jeep to help... count me in

[aklars1]

Don't worry Nena if you go to the Hunter BBQ I will bring him with, maybe he will dance for you haha:D

[twstdtj]

After my eyes stop burning . Id be in for the $3 or more if needed

[AZXJ]

Looks like the site is down.. (AZOHVC.org) anyone have the logo ??
If you do can you please send it to me so we can update Arizonaxj.com..

Please... :D

Thanks DaveO

[Sedona Jeep School]

Dave and all,

The site is http://www.AZOHV.org not AZOHVC --I tried that one the first time, too!

[AZXJ]

Thanks Nena Your Awsome!!!! :D


Xcept, the link is dead..... :(

[LKD TJ]

I am in for donating the $3 or $30 as well. Actually I think both.
Let me know about the paypal account when/if it is setup.

[Allen]

I too can join either or both! A great idea! I'm just sorry I missed the bikinis :(

Think we can do that part again??

[Hackle]

Hows this?

http://www.azohv.org/pics/AZOHVC-Logo1.jpg

[bgwhtjp33]

Do we have a paypal or other way to make donations?

[jeepsonly]

Not yet but I think soon. Joe is asking for more info about it...

[AZXJ]

Hows this?

http://www.azohv.org/pics/AZOHVC-Logo1.jpg

Thanks Hackle.... Good News... ArizonaXJ should be members by tomorrow evening.. These guys/girls really pulled together and donated the required $200.00 in less than 24hrs.. Howz that for a bunch of unorganized redneck short bus drivers.. :D

[Sedona Jeep School]

Thanks Hackle.... Good News... ArizonaXJ should be members by tomorrow evening.. These guys/girls really pulled together and donated the required $200.00 in less than 24hrs.. Howz that for a bunch of unorganized redneck short bus drivers.. :D
Dang! 24-hours?! And you didn't even get to go to the meeting!! How did you do it?

Is the Coalition working on a Paypal account? Do we have a Virtual Jeep Club paypal we can use? I have a Paypal account for Jeep School, but it would be cleaner if everyone could just pay their $3 directly to the AZOHVC. This needs to happen now, while the iron is hot. I am waiting to hear back from Sandee or Jeff at AZOHVC.

Keep the feedback coming!

[AZXJ]

Nena,

I don't give away my trade secrets.. :D

[FlexyXJ]

Did the chicks in bikinis look anything like this?!?!
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a244/aklars1/hottieonhooptie.jpg
I am in for the VJC membership as well as my own, just gotta round up some cash :( The new jeep has been expensive so far :eek:


WOW!!! That looks loke a certain VJC member that posts here ALOT!!!! You know who you are, you Wrangler drivin', cowboy hat wearing hottie.....:D


Joe
Absolute Offroad
602-248-8949

[AZXJ]

Naw, just good a pimpin out good causes... :D

[Joe West]

The subscription for the AZOHVC has been added to our forum subscription page. Multiple donation levels have been added in case people which to donate more than the $3 minimum.

Here's a link:

http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/payments.php

Joe

[jeepsonly]

Joe that's awesome, thanks! While it's probably fine as is, do you think it should be more clear that the donation go towards the AZVJC's membership in AZOHVC?

Anyway, thanks for setting it up!

Paypal is up and running guys - time to pitch in!

[LKD TJ]

Thank you Joe for doing that!

[Joe West]

Hi Bill,

I struggle with the concept that such an etherial entity as the AZVJC can "have" a membership in anything. Help me understand here:

What does it mean for the azvjc to be a member?

Are there individual member benefits?

Is this really anything more than a donation to help a group that some of us believe in?

Who will be listed as the contact point for the azvjc?

Can anyone (including myself) act as a representative for the azvjc?

Can everyone act as a representative?

I think this is a great idea, and I LOVE the fact that the forum can be put to good use helping to keep our trails free... but I'm struggling with what it means for the azvjc to be a member of anything, because I don't know that I have the "right" to speak for the azvjc.

One thing is for sure... this "membership" will benefit everyone in the azvjc, whether or not they choose to donate.

Let's see how people feel, and I'll change the text of the subscription based on how people respond to my questions and how they feel about an azvjc membership. Regardless... the AZOHVC will receive the funds, whether we end up calling it a "membership" or a "donation".

Joe


Joe that's awesome, thanks! While it's probably fine as is, do you think it should be more clear that the donation go towards the AZVJC's membership in AZOHVC?

Anyway, thanks for setting it up!

Paypal is up and running guys - time to pitch in!

[jeepsonly]

Okay I see where you're coming from now. I've been involved with the creation of the AZOHVC from the beginning, as have others here like Sandee and Hackle. One of the things we struggled with is what to do with the AZVJC. On one hand it's easier to require only "real" clubs with officers join as a member club in AZOHVC. On the other hand AZVJC is one of THE most active "clubs" in the entire state and we're certainly one of the...and possibly even the most recognizable group when it comes to meetings with the Forest Service, BLM, etc. Sandee and Jim (Hackle) were officers and lobbied hard to make sure AZVJC could be included and equal with any organized club. But that leaves us with the challenge of figuring out who are the reps, who is the main contact point, etc.

As far as voting goes, AZVJC will have 5 votes (based on 501-1000 members) we can excercise to weigh in on issues like who is an officer in AZOHVC and perhaps what direction to take on certain issues and maybe even where some funds can be spent.

So in short, I don't think AZVJC needs to organize any more than we have already, but we will need to decide what to do with our votes and who will represent us. Perhaps in the spirit of our "wild west" club attitude (not a bad thing) that will be a loose "vote" on the forum or via the AZVJC.org website or something. We have trouble getting people to land use meetings so I don't think we'll have fights over who wants to go to the semi-annual membership meetings.

Lastly, although a "donation" would be better than nothing, I think it's better for AZVJC to be listed as an actual member club in the AZOHVC brochures and notes and meetings. We're very visible and that does give us some leverage/power to do good or improve perceptions. Plus our absence from the club roster would likely be noted.

[Sedona Jeep School]

The subscription for the AZOHVC has been added to our forum subscription page...Here's a link: http://www.virtualjeepclub.com/payments.php

Joe, You are awesome! Oh, sure just sneak in and make things HAPPEN! :D

I agree that the representation part is sticky, since we are not "organized". We DO have a handy Poll topic which we could use on voting issues--even though land use is not nearly as entertaining as opinions on wine, burgers, and breakfast cereal.

One concern with this method is voting "trolls." Are polls limited to signed-in members?

This still requires a contact person to, at the very least, be responsible for posting the poll, then presenting the results as a vote to the AZOHVC. Or do we just go by a show of hands of whoever shows up at meetings?