Sierra Nevada Airstreams -|- Sierra Nevada Unit

Enjoyment of the whispering winds, the zephyrs, the airstreams of the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin areas of the United States in a recreational vehicle.

Sierra Nevada Unit, Wally Byam Club International

Operational Notes

The following are concepts by which the Sierra Nevada Unit operates. They provide the basis for the decisions and actions of the SNU.

Welcoming Fellow Airstreamers

The SNU welcomes any Airstream owner or potential owner to visit with us and learn more about the SNU, WBCCI, and the Airstream way of life. Those who meet the criteria for membership in WBCCI are welcome to become members of the SNU and WBCCI.

The vitality and growth of the SNU is in part contingent on encouraging the participation of new members. New members bring new ideas and different perspectives, as well as diverse backgrounds and experiences to the Unit. Enthusiasm for the Airstream RV and the unique experiences of Airstream ownership create a focus for common interests and goals. This common focus is the basis for the great fellowship and camaraderie that develops from participation in SNU rallies and other activities.

As Wally Byam, founder of WBCCI says in his creed “To open a whole world of new experiences . . .a new dimension in enjoyment where travel adventure and good fellowship are your constant companions.”

New members are where you find them

The SNU actively seeks out fellow Airstream owners in various ways. These methods include:

• Following up on referrals from WBCCI headquarters, Region 12, and other WBCCI entities

• Publishing PSAs in local newspapers inviting Airstreams to visit SNU rallies and other activities.

• Working with the local Airstream dealer to gain the names of people who have recently purchased an Airstream.

• Being involved in the local Aistream dealer open house which provides the opportunity to meet current and potential Airstream owners.

• Following up on people who have contacted the SNU through the website.

• Making contacts at Airstream gatherings outside the SNU. These might include WBCCI international rallies, Region and other Unit rallies, and public events or camping activities outside WBCCI.

• Other member initiated contacts - When an SNU member spots an Aistream – in someone's yard, in a parking lot, at an RV park, or during their travels, they often stop by and chat. They usually provide the owner with a copy of the SNU newsletter, an SNU card or other material. One SNU member who volunteers as a campground host often shares information about the SNU with Airstreamers who visit the campground.

Information Packet

The SNU considers every Aistream owner a potential member. When someone is referred to the SNU or expresses an interest in the Unit they are provided with an information packet. This packet includes:

• A cover letter (if the material is to be mailed)

• The SNU promotional booklet which includes Who We Are - What We Do, the current rally schedule. the website information, and other information.

• A copy of the most recent SNU newsletter

• The flier for the next upcoming rally

• An application for membership

Support and Follow up

The SNU believes that encouraging membership is an ongoing process. There is no set time frame for when a contact is made to when they become an SNU member or to when efforts at encouraging their participation might be suspended. We add all contacts to the SNU database. Experience has shown that sometimes after a period of months or even years, contact might be re-established and a new membership might follow. The SNU general policy for following up on immediate contacts includes:

• Maintain all contacts on the newsletter mailing list for at least one year. Check the newsletter page for more information.

• Follow up on all contacts with a phone call, additional mailings or whatever is appropriate for the circumstances.

• Promote the flexibility of the rally schedule to encourage attendance or at least visits. Share the SNU's interpretation of Wally Byam's “Four Freedoms”

• Ensure any visitors to rallies and other activities are introduced and provided with any information they might need to ensure their participation.

• Continually seek ideas, input, and feedback from current members, new members, and potential members.

• Keep the founding principles of WBCCI in mind. Continually strive to build an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that encourages involvement and participation.

back to main page – operational notes

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