Thank You EAA Volunteers!

[Zack Baughman]

April 10-16 marks National Volunteer Week (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/08/presidential-proclamation-national-volunteer-week-2016). Volunteers are the heart and soul of this organization. It is you, the volunteer, who carries on Paul Poberezny's torch spreading the gospel of aviation. On behalf of all of us at EAA HQs - THANK YOU!!!!

"Dedicated hearts like yours
are not easy to find.
It takes a special person to be
so generous and kind.

To care so much for your fellow man (and woman)
Is a quality all too rare.
Yet you give of your time and talents,
For all in need to share.

So thank you for being a volunteer,
We're privileged to work with you.
We want you to know how appreciated you are,
Not just today, but the whole year through."

[rvmike]

So why are you driving us away?

[cub builder]

So why are driving us away?

Kind of what I was thinking. Thank you Volunteers, but we now consider you to be perverts unless you prove otherwise.

[wyoranch]

So why are driving us away?
+1

[Jeff Point]

No good deed goes unpunished, does it? :rollseyes:

[deftone]

So why are you driving us away?

Possibly the best reply that has ever been posted on here.

[deftone]

Volunteers are the heart and soul of this organization. It is you, the volunteer, who carries on Paul Poberezny's torch spreading the gospel of aviation.

Something Jack Pelton and his gang of cronies seems to have forgotten.

[Floatsflyer]

Zack, it is said that in life, timing is everything. Yours is awful or whoever asked you to post this. You had to know that any posting about EAA volunteerism at this time would elicit these types of replies. And if you didn't know, you should have known. The members are angry, asking them to eat cake is adding insult to injury.

[Zack Baughman]

If you want to turn this into another discussion on policies, so be it. I won't lock it down. But regardless of how some of you feel about the organization and the people who work for it, we staffers DO appreciate all of you and what you do to keep the spirit of aviation alive and growing. I was a volunteer long before I interned and then became an employee, and over the years I have been blessed to work with some of the absolute best volunteers on the planet with the Timeless Voices oral history program and museum docent corps. Whether you believe me or not, you all have my personal heartfelt thanks for what you do for EAA.

Zack Baughman
EAA Lifetime #530987
Curator of Collections
EAA AirVenture Museum

[rvmike]

Somewhere in another thread it was stated Jack lied about his qualifications while at Cessna. And you want us to do a BACKGROUND CKECK if true? Really???

[wallda]

April 10-16 marks National Volunteer Week (https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/08/presidential-proclamation-national-volunteer-week-2016). Volunteers are the heart and soul of this organization. It is you, the volunteer, who carries on Paul Poberezny's torch spreading the gospel of aviation. On behalf of all of us at EAA HQs - THANK YOU!!!!

"Dedicated hearts like yours
are not easy to find.
It takes a special person to be
so generous and kind.

To care so much for your fellow man (and woman)
Is a quality all too rare.
Yet you give of your time and talents,
For all in need to share.

So thank you for being a volunteer,
We're privileged to work with you.
We want you to know how appreciated you are,
Not just today, but the whole year through."

This past weekend I was at the EAA Weeks hanger, surrounded by wonderful volunteers who very much believe in the mission of the EAA. I wish I could volunteer more often than I do.

Thank you to the many volunteers who day in and day out support Aviation.

[Zack Baughman]

Zack, it is said that in life, timing is everything. Yours is awful or whoever asked you to post this. You had to know that any posting about EAA volunteerism at this time would elicit these types of replies. And if you didn't know, you should have known. The members are angry, asking them to eat cake is adding insult to injury.

People need to quit imagining insult where there simply isn't any. How far we've fallen as a society when someone cannot give thanks without being attacked or questioned for it. I am honestly grateful for the volunteers I've had the honor of working with, and I am not ashamed to say so. If this lands me in hot water, so be it. I have no hidden agenda. No one put me up to this. I care about the people of this organization. Simple as that. IF I didn't, I wouldn't have stayed on for the last 14 years and I sure as heck wouldn't have become a lifetime member. I believe in this family that Paul started and I'm damned proud to be a part of it, warts and all. I'll stand by my statements and again I say, thank you, THANK YOU, for all that you do.

[rvmike]

Are replies now being deleted?. I stated that Jack had Issues with his resume and they want us to do background checks, REALLY? If you want to delete this post also it shows who you guys really are!!

[Dave Stadt]

Thanks Zach. Been volunteering up there 20+ years. YPP training and background check completed and proud of it.

[wallda]

Are replies now being deleted?. I stated that Jack had Issues with his resume and they want us to do background checks, REALLY? If you want to delete this post also it shows who you guys really are!!

Your previous post is still there.

[Chris In Marshfield]

Thanks, Zack, for all you do, and all the others at HQ. I spend a fair amount of time with various folks around there, and I know you certainly don't have ivory towers, people that serve you peeled grapes, and private jets that fly you all around the country while being served martinis. Keep up the great work! I appreciate every one of you!

~Chris

[Floatsflyer]

Personally after reading the posts here there are a few members we could do without.

Your abject intolerance for the opinions and feelings of others is quite apparent. And quite frankly I can do without you....eternally.

[Jeff Point]

Come on guys, lighten up. There are plenty of threads for the YPP discussion, it doesn't need to permeate everything. I'm as fed up as the next guy, but this ain't the place for it. Show some manners.

[rvmike]

Wallda,
When I logged back on my post was not there, now it is. My mistake or computer who knows?. Your post shows the hostility this organization now has by its management and members like yourself. Enjoy their organization not yours. I was waiting to cancel my membership when it expired but am now outta here along with my 20 years of YE flying.

Mike

[Antique Tower]

For you, Zach..... Hang in there. See you in July.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/85-new-100-percent-howard-bragman

Our society has become more polarized. Here's how to survive this new normal.Apr 11, 2016

6,840 views

908 Likes

72 Comments (https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/85-new-100-percent-howard-bragman#comments-7956725694937265032)



Share on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2F pulse%2F85-new-100-percent-howard-bragman)
Share on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fpuls e%2F85-new-100-percent-howard-bragman&t=Our%20society%20has%20become%20more%20polarized. %20Here's%20how%20to%20survive%20this%20new%20norm al.)
Share on Twitter (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fpulse%2F85-new-100-percent-howard-bragman&text=%22Our%20society%20has%20become%20more%20pola rized.%20Here's%20how%20to%20survive%20this%20new% 20normal.%22%20by%20%40HowardBragman%20on%20%40Lin kedIn)


SURVIVING AND THRIVING IN THE 85% WORLD
Here’s how I explain it to my clients: You could cure cancer and 85% of the world will name hospitals after you, give you a Nobel prize, throw ticker tape parades and name you TIME magazine’s, ‘Person of the Year.’
But watch out for the other 15%—they’ll come after you. You’re the bad guy who put pharmaceutical companies out of business, emptied hospital beds, took away business from respected oncologists and put compassionate cancer nurses on the unemployment line.
In other words, 85% is the new 100%.
It’s hardly surprising—truth has been sidelined and what people believe has become much more important than what really is.
As a people we have become more polarized that at any time in recent history. Much of it due to exploitative political campaigning where divide and conquer has gone from a strategy to a way of life.
Some of us have become empowered as ‘contrarians,’ people who are defined by going against conventional wisdom. Sometimes they’re soothsayers and truth tellers who see the possibilities in a way most can’t; sometimes they’re ‘nattering nabobs of negativism.’
We not only have trouble finding common ground, we have trouble agreeing with what common ground is.
Social media has fueled our differences. Before, if you disagreed with someone you told your best friend or your spouse. Now we tell the world, or at least our world on Facebook, Twitter and numerous other public squares.
Compromise has become a dirty word—it now means unprincipled. Except of course when we need to be. Then we’re flexible.
So why does it matter?
Because as a PR guy, I have two key responsibilities: 1) To present my clients to the world and 2) To tell them what kind of world they’re walking into.
This is one of the times I see such a societal shift that I would be remiss if I didn’t speak up and acknowledge that is going on. Polarization, a celebration of the contrarians, a time where homespun wisdom is put front and center and a good education is viewed as elitist are upon us and it is imperative that we know how to navigate this unusual new terrain.
If you want to survive this ‘new normal,’ I have some advice:
First, agree to disagree with certain people. It’s just not worth it. My brother and I don’t discuss politics. It wouldn’t achieve anything positive in our relationship.
Question yourself. Look at other sides of the issue; be informed. Learn why the opposition feels the way it does and absorb it. It might reinforce your position or it might force you to reevaluate yours.
Who are your role models? Where do you get your information? Fame does not equal intelligence or respect. Legendary thinker Marshall McLuhan said, “The medium is the message.” It still is.
As Mark Twain said, “Never argue with a fool.” Call your shots when you want to stand up and shout. Remember, it’s ok to be quiet.
If you’re a public figure and something is posted about you, don’t read the comments. They’re toxic and counterproductive.
Take a beat. Sometimes your initial reaction to a situation may not be where you eventually land. Sometimes we don’t have enough information to make an informed statement. Time can be our ally in these situations.

Understand something important—we don’t all think alike. We have different upbringings, histories and values, and all these can affect the way we evaluate a situation. Don’t make the mistake of thinking we’re all of one mind or everyone thinks like you do. It’s not that simple.
And if you want to really benefit from this world and thrive—rule one is make yourself happy. Get rid of the noise—both the outside noise and the little voices in your head. Listen deep within and be honest with yourself.

If you do educate yourself and make a change, own it. Explain how you got there and move on.
Recognize the difference between fads and trends. In other words, what’s fashion and what’s real?
Be the person who says, ‘The Emperor has no clothes.’ The pack can be fun; independence is a better foundation.
Empathy is underrated. Practice listening; imagine yourself in someone else’s life; recognize ‘your way or the highway’ isn’t always the most productive option.
Most important of all—be grateful. Be especially grateful during challenging times. These are called lessons. This is where life is truly lived and you have a chance to show your truest character and make the biggest difference.

[cub builder]

.... How far we've fallen as a society when someone cannot give thanks without being attacked or questioned for it. I am honestly grateful for the volunteers I've had the honor of working with, and I am not ashamed to say so. If this lands me in hot water, so be it. I have no hidden agenda. No one put me up to this. I care about the people of this organization. Simple as that. IF I didn't, I wouldn't have stayed on for the last 14 years and I sure as heck wouldn't have become a lifetime member. I believe in this family that Paul started and I'm damned proud to be a part of it, warts and all. I'll stand by my statements and again I say, thank you, THANK YOU, for all that you do.

Yeah. I get it. You are saying thanks, and your intentions are golden. However, the issue is how far the EAA has fallen, not how far society has fallen. And it is a very sore subject with many members, as well as many of us former volunteers that feel like the EAA Staff, of which you are a part, is running us off. Once upon a time, this was my organization and I have invested thousands of hours and thousands of $$ to help build it. In January, it was snatched away and now is an organization run by and for the staff. Well stated by Wallda as he would just as soon those of us that disagree or feel disenfranchised go away. I intend to comply with his wishes.

-Cub Builder

[vaflier]

Zack, I have been rather vocal about the background checks but I can still apreciate a genuine compliment. Thank you for the thought and for what you do for aviation. I do believe you are one of the good guys. Again thanks.
Randy

[Acronut]

You are welcome Zack. Feels very good to give a little back.

And as for you curmudgeons, lighten up! LOL. Just kidding. You may resume!!

[Mark van Wyk]

Thank you, too, Zack. And while the implementation of the YPP may not have been perfect, I think you and the rest of the EAA staff are doing a good job. Don't let a vocal few get you down.

[deftone]

Thank you, too, Zack. And while the implementation of the YPP may not have been perfect, I think you and the rest of the EAA staff are doing a good job. Don't let a vocal few get you down.

I think the EAA staff do a great job, I think most of the issues that frustrate the members is due to the current leadership team. I am sure 99% of those on the YPP discussions will agree with me.

[rvmike]

Deleting post's shows how honest EAA has become. I guess I should say thanks for NOT
letting us speak as VOLUNTEERS.

[Zack Baughman]

Deleting post's shows how honest EAA has become

What post was removed? IF something was removed, it was NOT by me. IF you are referring to your post about resumes and background checks, it's still right there on page 1 of this thread.

[rvmike]

The post about the ankle brac e on page 50 of the current SA

[Zack Baughman]

The post about the ankle brac e on page 50 of the current SA

Never saw it.

[wallda]

The post about the ankle brac e on page 50 of the current SA

Actually I am with RVMIKE on this one. I replied to his question about the ankle bracelet saying it was an ankle brace. (My reply was a bit snarky, maybe it was removed)

[Glory Aulik]

All - the post regarding the supportive ankle brace was completely irrelevant, therefore deleted.

Any questions can be sent to me directly.

[rvmike]

This thread is about volunteering with a picture of 3 volunteers, how is that irrelevant

[Glory Aulik]

This thread is about volunteering with a picture of 3 volunteers, how is that irrelevant

Correct - this thread is about the volunteers, not the ankle brace.

[deftone]

Correct - this thread is about the volunteers, not the ankle brace.

*edit* - deleted my post, I do have differences with the EAA management but do believe this thread was started with honest intentions and don't wish to hijack it any further.

[Frank Giger]

I've been a moderator on a couple different site forums where it became a sort of hobby-horse flame fest and it's really difficult to keep things moving in a positive direction. Either you try your best to bring people back on topic (which is a long, frustrating road) or you pull out the ban hammer shortly after a set of warnings and remove posts.

The other technique is to move all posts to the appropriate forum with a note why it was moved.

Think the mods on this forum like the background check headache? Bet they don't. But they're trying to keep things positive all the same.

Crap in a hat, it was a simple thank you to all volunteers past, present, and future for doing what they've done (and do) and it's a stoning offense.