We've Long Advocated Aggressive, Even Radical, New Solutions For Aviation's Troubles... Might We Suggest The Same For Our Associations?

Over the last year, as a function of some of the subjects and concerns I've shared with you about the state of aviation, one unmistakable concern keeps coming to the fore... that many (but not all) of our so-called aviation associations no longer serve us very well.

As a matter of fact, one of the inescapable conclusions we've come to, along with the fact that aviation has not kept up with the times (as far as the outside world is concerned), is the thought that many of the a...ssociations have fared even worse.

There is a lack of leadership... yes.

But worse, there are few platforms left in this industry from which real leadership has a chance to affect lasting/useful change.

Few associations are listening to their members and supporters, even when they have their hands out looking for funding.

So... what will it take?

I think we need to look at what might ultimately become the 'non-association association' -- a way to create a new platform that beaks away -- aggressively -- from what we've been doing for so long... mostly due to the fact that it (and the mindset that espouses adherence to the regrettable maxim of "that's the way we've always done it") plainly has ceased to be effective. With all the tools available now to communicate, collaborate, message, inform, educate and build consensus, I'm amazed that today's association look just like the associations of years past... and while I've argued that the aviation world MUST embrace radical new solutions in order to create a sustainable industry, it is possible that this effort might have to begin with how we're representing our interests to the rest of the world.
In frequent conversations with some of the true leaders that I've worked with over the years, its also possible that such efforts can start simply -- and be lean, mean, cost effective and yet virtually unrecognizable from the efforts of the past... that the online world and extraordinary new social media tools might serve as a far more powerful backbone for a GRASS-ROOTS effort to improve aviation's fortunes.

Let me be clear... no one is trying to tear down anything worthwhile -- or even attempt to putter around with some reasonable, albeit unsuccessful, efforts -- but we do believe that certain agendas are being ignored, certain opportunities are being missed and I want to explore the potential for aggressively innovative, if radical, alternatives that will do what must be done... and is not currently being pursued.

And no, I do not want to start an association, per se, though I do want to instigate and advocate a change in behaviors, methodologies and outcomes.

What say you?

What ideas do you have to make a BIG break with the past in order to fashion a new generation of tools for a non-association association that has a chance to rebuild our community, educate us all, and build a bridge to representing our interests to the rest of the world?

Your ideas, all of them (especially the most radical and innovative), are welcome... and yes, we're working on this aggressively... more news to follow.

FMI: ANN Readers... What Do You Think A Truly EFFECTIVE Aviation Advocacy Association Will Look Like?