Club affiliation is so much more than who goes to what annual national meet
and where it might be each year. The vast majority of either club's members
never have been and probably never will be attending the national meets. Of
course there's the core group like any organization that will try their best
to attend, but that might amount to less than 10%.
There are two distinct flavours in these two clubs. One strives to serve its
members by having regional chapters, a board of delegates for national
decision and policy making, support and publicity for regional and national
club events and a magazine, national insurance and web site to tie it all
together.
The other has a magazine subscription and support for their members regional
and national events.
Of course each has much more for its membership, but I'm speaking in
generalities here.
Oh, and keep in mind, they are both more international than just U.S. with a
substantial percentage of Canadians deeply involved, including hosting many
of the national events. So it ain't just, quote, "this country", unquote.
Rich
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