Since I became a member of this forum, there have been several get-togethers and runs put on for everyone’s enjoyment. My first run was in January of 07 and I instantly got hooked on off-roading! Since then, like all of you, I look for opportunities to take my rig out and have a bit of fun with it. The biggest plus to all of this, are the friendships that I’ve made and the outstanding people I’ve met. I find it amazing that a funky looking truck could get me a few more friends and provide a barrel of laughs.
Several months ago on Mud, Bill asked about the Chicago area TLCA chapter. The answer was really not what he wanted to hear. The chapter was dead and there was not a lot of interest in bringing it back. I followed this thread with interest since I was a TLCA member looking for a home just like Bill. I too was disappointed in the responses from former members but I could definitely understand their hesitation at re-living some bad history. The main complaint was the politics and headaches involved in running a real TLCA Chapter. It’s an awful lot of work even for dedicated people.
Bill and I have had some discussion regarding a club. We elicited insights from the former TLCA Chapter members. Their response has been positive and supportive. They would be more than willing to support and participate in a new TLCA Chapter and offer guidance. Their main concern is getting caught up in the politics. I don’t blame them. (The Toyota Land Cruiser Association is a national organization dedicated to Toyota 4x4vehicles, responsible off-roading and ensuring that TLCA member’s voices are heard in the politics of environmental issues.
Toyota Land Cruiser Association )
That leads us to where we are now. We could keep doing what we’re doing by posting potential runs and tech days. We’re pretty much informal and some folks step up to the plate to take the lead when putting things together. I love that aspect of what we’re doing now. No pressure, relaxed, and easy going. Then again, there is something to be said of being in a formal organization. Pre-planned events and get togethers, respectful associations with other clubs. Having access to discounted goods and services. There are a boat load more positive things I could mention. Then it all has a cost. Dues and mandated meetings and decisions made by board members you might not agree to. There are positives and negatives to both sides of the coin.
Over the next few days I’m going to post formal questions in this thread regarding this issue. I’m also going to ask you to please stick to the questions at hand and not hijack the thread. I know other questions will arise but hold onto them! We will definitely discuss them shortly!
The first question I want to ask is “Do you want to form a Great Lakes regional club dedicated to off-roading with Toyota 4x4 vehicles, specifically the FJC?”
(Great Lakes Regional – specific to Wisconsin, Illinois, and NW Indiana. Just to note, I am not looking to take members away from any existing TLCA Chapter. It will never be my intent nor will I advocate any such measure. It takes an awful lot of work to even become a TLCA Chapter and that is not even an option as of yet! Let just look at what it would take to make a club.)
Please answer yes or no and a brief 2 sentences regarding your position. Hold onto other questions you may have and they will be addressed in the very near future.
Here we go.....
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