Chris - I was going to hold off on making a post in this direction until a few things could be determined - but since the subject is suddenly exploding, it might be better to go ahead with some suggestions. It should be noted primarily that not everyone in the chase community is in favor of organization that protects them. So this discussion is simply based in terms of proposal to generate further exchange of ideas at this point.
The following is an off-list e-mail sent to Amos, Tim Vasquez and Tim Marshall concerning this subject yesterday:
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It is becoming increasingly clear that some type of structure is required to represent storm chasers in the media and government authority. As time goes on, the utilization of a mouthpiece organization to aid in the establishment of peaceful relations with communities, emergency management, law enforcement and government agencies, and to promote awareness and safety guidance, is quickly becoming more necessary.
I will be speaking with one of my attorneys to discuss the feasibility of maintaining a non-profit organization involved in the establishment and promotion of safe and ethical practice, and more importantly - to serve as a media outlet for the voice of the community and chasers everywhere, no matter what their purpose in chasing may be (enthusiast, media, scientist, student, tourist, etc.). There will need to be some discussion of this among serious chasers who are interested in promoting a structure that would ultimately benefit and protect them, serving their interests to a greater degree as time goes on.
To function, the goals of the organization would need to be clear, with an established mission statement and set of standards. Membership might be voluntary, possibly through a voluntary certification process (this situation is very similar to that of paralegals across the country right now, which also use a similar organization to represent them ... known as NALA -
http://www.nala.org ).
Membership benefits would include recognition as an individual interested in the promotion of safe and ethical practice, and eligibility to participate in a merit system to recognize and reward those actively involved in the promotion of the activity. As time goes on, chasers who are not members will become more and more inclined to want to become such, simply so they can have a voice in the world, with international media, and before government.
Let me know if this is something that interests you and merits further discussion. You've been contacted privately, off-list. Please maintain confidentiality in this matter until we have the opportunity to discuss its feasibility at length.
If you are aware of other chasers who might be interested in talking about this matter further, and who would also possibly represent the community positively, please offer some names to contact.
I would be interested in talking to a full range of individuals about this from every walk of chaser life. Everyone would need some form of representation, with preference given to no particular group or individual. The ones most actively involved would obviously need to be those of the highest caliber, who already demonstrate a strongly positive influence in the eyes of others.
Let me know if you think something along this line is desirable, and if you feel it is do-able. Currently, a sort of vigilante spirit seems to exist in the community, which involves more lashing out publically than working toward some clear-cut and meaningful goals that actually do some good. We need to get some sort of positive public relations in motion, or everyone will soon be feeling the effects.
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Following this email I spoke with one of my attorneys - a partner in my firm who is quite capable and well-versed in non-profit organizations.
For this organization to function properly, the board of directors cannot come from the ranks of chasers like you or me. We would need direction from a core of long-term, recognizable chasers who are willing to serve on the board for this to be successful.
It would also require endorsement from key agencies. The organization needs to have a functioning legal structure, likely that of a non-profit corporation. The umbrella agency merely acts toward specific, key goals:
*that of serving as the mouthpiece or public relations agency for storm chasers
*protecting and serving the interests of chasers themselves by endorsing and promoting education on severe weather, chasing ethics and responsibility, and the basic meteorology involved
A sample mission statement might go something like (and I had considered a name like A.W.E. - for Association of Weather Enthusiasts, but you can insert your favorite acronym here):
The Association of Weather Enthusiasts will maintain a key and active role in the promotion and defense of safe and ethical storm chasing practice, the promotion of severe weather awareness and education, and the promotion of positive relations between storm chasers and government agencies, including the National Weather Service, NOAA, the Storm Prediction Center, local law enforcement and local emergency management. The A.W.E. also serves as a mouthpiece for individuals involved in the pursuit of severe weather, acting as a clearing house and public relations structure for international media groups.
Examples of activities of the Association may include:
*implementation of a VOLUNTARY certification process
*issuance and revocation powers for certificates
*organization and delivery of semi-annual seminars, in which chasers receive specific training
*the monitoring and delivery of news to members that affects their ability to chase freely
*the monitoring and delivery of news to the media concerning chaser activities and the benefits that chasers have.
These are just a few ideas - I'm sure this will be an active discussion, but hopefully you can see that taking a serious direction is the only way to go with something of this nature. It cannot be another SCOA or Stormtrack, or anything even remotely similar. The legalities are easy to care for, as I understand that aspect of the process well. However, marketing is another story - and will be a challenge - requiring additional support from other agencies.
