NAFO 2012

[FJRGuy]

I don't necessarily want to stir up a can of worms here, but...

After reading 7 pages of posts on EOM '09 (and still not knowing when or where it will be) some references to NAFO 2010 made me think a bit.

We are a rather large, diverse and very dispersed group of like minded individuals. Rather than the committe chairs of the various regions' rallys deciding which region get's the next NAFO behind closed doors and leaving location up to them, why not have members interested in hosting the event make a bid to the membership and let the membership decide.

I know there would be a lot of details to work out to make this work but it may get the membership more involved.

Not many people can go anywhere in NA at anytime so you'll never make everyone happy but this way the majority would rule.

Some initial thoughts:

- Bids presented via websites prior to the next scheduled NAFO

- No bids from region that is hosting the next scheduled NAFO

- Either all 'active' members get a vote or by delegates at NAFO

- votes tallied and winning bid named at NAFO

This may be too much work but may not be either. Just putting it out there for discussion...

 

[madmike2]

Ahhh...Grashopper...you seem to have forgotten that this isn't a "pure" democracy, but rather a benevolent dictatorship.

And:

The responsibilities are HUGE.

The rewards are few.

The qualifications are more than a simple desire to serve.

 

[thompsonian]

FWIW, NAFO 2012 will more than likely be on the West Coast again. Just sayin.....

 

[wheatonFJR]

FWIW, NAFO 2012 will more than likely be on the West Coast again. Just sayin.....

Not Kansas or Arkansas? Blasphemy. :lol:

 

[Joe2Lmaker]

I vote for Arkansas. Let CFO host it.

No wait. Let SFO host it.

No wait...

 

[FJRay]

Ahhh...Grashopper...you seem to have forgotten that this isn't a "pure" democracy, but rather a benevolent dictatorship.
And:

The responsibilities are HUGE.

The rewards are few.

The qualifications are more than a simple desire to serve.

That sums it up quite well.

 

[FJRGuy]

The responsibilities are HUGE.The rewards are few.

The qualifications are more than a simple desire to serve.[/i]

Exactly why those with the desire should illustrate thier ability to host by preparing a good bid!

...and puting together a small gathering like NAFO is a lot of work, but it ain't rocket science!

 

[thompsonian]

FWIW, NAFO 2012 will more than likely be on the West Coast again. Just sayin.....

Not Kansas or Arkansas? Blasphemy. :lol:

Trying to keep all the sheep/other farm animals safe from Scabo h34r:

 

[madmike2]

FWIW, NAFO 2012 will more than likely be on the West Coast again. Just sayin.....

Why would that be? And why the assumption? The last I heard, from those who put much effort into the programs, was the opinion that NAFO should rotate around the different regions and be hosted by the different "blank"FOs. I am of the opinion that EOM, SFO, SW-FOG, CFO and CFR, having demonstrated their ability to plan and execute a gathering of "some size", already have their capabilities "on display". I would assume their organizing committees of motivated people are willing and able to host a NAFO rather than having it revert back to the West.

 

[madmike2]

The responsibilities are HUGE.The rewards are few.

The qualifications are more than a simple desire to serve.[/i]

Exactly why those with the desire should illustrate thier ability to host by preparing a good bid!

...and puting together a small gathering like NAFO is a lot of work, but it ain't rocket science!

I'm assuming your unstated desire it that YOU want to plan and be involved with hosting a NAFO event. Rather than using the venue of this thread, have you sent a PM to those involved with NAFO and presented your qualifications and desire?

I also assume that you have contacted FastJoyRide and volunteered to help with CFR so you get a feel for what is involved and the people who are already volunteers and those who attend an event near you.

 

[thompsonian]

FWIW, NAFO 2012 will more than likely be on the West Coast again. Just sayin.....

Why would that be? And why the assumption? The last I heard, from those who put much effort into the programs, was the opinion that NAFO should rotate around the different regions and be hosted by the different "blank"FOs. I am of the opinion that EOM, SFO, SW-FOG, CFO and CFR, having demonstrated their ability to plan and execute a gathering of "some size", already have their capabilities "on display". I would assume their organizing committees of motivated people are willing and able to host a NAFO rather than having it revert back to the West.

I guess that was just my take on how it would be. First on the western half of the states, next on the eastern and so on. Maybe I understand it wrong. VERY GOOD possibility of that. I am quite wrong very often and not afraid to admit it. It was just my take. I DO like the idea of the different "FO"'s hosting it. Could be an interesting way of seeing the country.

 

[Geezer]

I vote for Alaska. :innocent:

 

[wheatonFJR]

I vote for Alaska. :innocent:

Are you sure? Isn't that "right next" to Russia?

Do they even have paved roads up there...and the bears...don't they just eat passing motorcyclists for a snack? :huh:

 

[Old Michael]

...and the bears...don't they just eat passing motorcyclists for a snack?

Hate 'em. Bears? You mean Godless Killing Machines!

 

[FJRGuy]

Could be an interesting way of seeing the country North America.

Corrected! Is that, after all, not part of the point?

I vote for Alaska. :innocent:

If there were members up there that put together a convincing bid, I'd consider voting for that. Never been up there... yet!

 

[Geezer]

Well, if the generous people who organize NAFO decide to have it in Alaska, or where ever, I'd plan on being there. Umm, except maybe Kansas or Nebraska. The point of a North American meet is for people from all over the continent to attend so most are going to have to travel to get there. I mean, that's the point, to go some place I have never ridden before.

 

[FJRGuy]

I'm assuming your unstated desire it that YOU want to plan and be involved with hosting a NAFO event.

My unstated desire is for NAFO to grow and improve with age to the benefit of all forum members.

Rather than using the venue of this thread, have you sent a PM to those involved with NAFO and presented your qualifications and desire?

Not the purpose of this thread. (That being said, I did that prior to NAFO2008 and my offer went largely unanswered.)

I also assume that you have contacted FastJoyRide and volunteered to help with CFR so you get a feel for what is involved and the people who are already volunteers and those who attend an event near you.

Involved more than you probably could imagine.

I think maybe the point of this thread is being lost in translation.

My thoughts are that having bids for future NAFOs would be highly beneficial. It would:

- increase membership involvement (and possibly increasing interest and attendance.)

- reduce the expectations places on those who created NAFO and gave it it's start.

- promote, through bidding competition, improving what NAFO has to offer.

- eliminate any "I thought it was agreed..." and discussions around that.

- provide potential attendees with lots of planning time that an extended vacation often requires.

Please understand that this is certainly not an attempt to undermine the "benevolent dictatorship" (as you called it.) I applaude your founding NAFO and sincerely appreciate the time and effort put in by all involved!

If my thoughts about improving NAFO are not shared by others or if our "benevolent dictatorship" decides that they want to dictate the future of NAFO, so be it.

Forums are about discussion. So let the discussion (about the topic of the original post) begin!

 

[FJRBluesman]

I say we have NAFO 2012 at Fairlaners house.

 

[fjrob1300]

Ontario has my vote! Ottawa Valley would be great. And would I volunteer to help? Not likely. Well maybe.