Any Lassiez-Faire Squadrons Looking For More?

[aestu]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a serious individual who is nonetheless more often than not committed on weekends. I am interested in joining a squadron that does not necessarily require participation of every member every weekend, but is interested in having the dues and person of another member. Are any squadrons looking for just one more?

PM me if interested.

[Eclipse]

...a squadron that does not necessarily require participation of every member every weekend...

This would be any and all of them.  This is not a requirement of CAP members, nor are their any units that active.

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but is interested in having the dues and person of another member. Are any squadrons looking for just one more?

Unless specifically set up as an additional fee, units do not receive any funding or percentage of a member's dues.

[SarDragon]

Telling us where you are in the country might help.

[aestu]

...a squadron that does not necessarily require participation of every member every weekend...

This would be any and all of them.  This is not a requirement of CAP members, nor are their any units that active.

.
but is interested in having the dues and person of another member. Are any squadrons looking for just one more?

Unless specifically set up as an additional fee, units do not receive any funding or percentage of a member's dues.

I understand both points. I don't mind an additional fee, while I am looking to minimize required inputs of time. So I am looking for a squadron that can facilitate those goals. It need not be near me geographically (Ohio)

[RogueLeader]

If you are not looking for an active role, might I suggest a Patron membership?

[Eclipse]

It need not be near me geographically (Ohio)

To join as an active member you need to present yourself in person, with identity documents, along with a fingerprint card
and be approved via a background check.  Before that is accepted, you need to be approved by the unit's membership committee, and these days
most Unit CCs require 1-3 meetings before considering a new applicant, not to mention the Unit CC has to attest that
you have been appointed a mentor to assist with your orientation and training, plus have an understanding of the Core Values, Ethics and safety policies.

That's a fair effort in exchange for your commitment to be a resource for the unit.

Otherwise, as mentioned Patron Membership requires none of this, nor any contact with a CC.

[Holding Pattern]

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am a serious individual who is nonetheless more often than not committed on weekends. I am interested in joining a squadron that does not necessarily require participation of every member every weekend, but is interested in having the dues and person of another member. Are any squadrons looking for just one more?

PM me if interested.

It might be worth mentioning what you can bring to the table and what you specifically want to do. It is also worth interviewing any local squadrons to you first to find out what staffing holes they have in their orgs that you might be able to fill.

[RogueLeader]

I would dare say that we, as an organization as a whole, has too many empty shirts as it is.

[MSG Mac]

Before replying, give us a hint. Where are you located??

[PHall]

Before replying, give us a hint. Where are you located??

He already said he's in Ohio.

[aestu]

It need not be near me geographically (Ohio)

To join as an active member you need to present yourself in person, with identity documents, along with a fingerprint card
and be approved via a background check.  Before that is accepted, you need to be approved by the unit's membership committee, and these days
most Unit CCs require 1-3 meetings before considering a new applicant, not to mention the Unit CC has to attest that
you have been appointed a mentor to assist with your orientation and training, plus have an understanding of the Core Values, Ethics and safety policies.

That's a fair effort in exchange for your commitment to be a resource for the unit.

Otherwise, as mentioned Patron Membership requires none of this, nor any contact with a CC.

I don't mind making any contributions remotely, nor travelling for the initial intake. Like I said, if it works for anyone, send me a PM.

[Flying Pig]

Based on reading your posts, I don't think you have a very solid understanding about how CAP works.   You give the impression that if you don't commit to weekends you are willing to pay more to be less active? That's not even anything CAP entertains.  There is no "initial intake".  You aren't going to MEPS and enlisting.

Find a local unit, talk to the commander and tell them what your interests and availability are, and join.  What I used to tell my people was pretty simple,  "Just do what you say you'll do and don't leave me hanging when you said you would show up. "

[aestu]

Based on reading your posts, I don't think you have a very solid understanding about how CAP works.   You give the impression that if you don't commit to weekends you are willing to pay more to be less active? That's not even anything CAP entertains.  There is no "initial intake".  You aren't going to MEPS and enlisting.

Find a local unit, talk to the commander and tell them what your interests and availability are, and join.  What I used to tell my people was pretty simple,  "Just do what you say you'll do and don't leave me hanging when you said you would show up. "

I was of the understanding that one has to show up to mandatory activities. Is it like CGAux where everything is optional?

[PHall]

Based on reading your posts, I don't think you have a very solid understanding about how CAP works.   You give the impression that if you don't commit to weekends you are willing to pay more to be less active? That's not even anything CAP entertains.  There is no "initial intake".  You aren't going to MEPS and enlisting.

Find a local unit, talk to the commander and tell them what your interests and availability are, and join.  What I used to tell my people was pretty simple,  "Just do what you say you'll do and don't leave me hanging when you said you would show up. "

I was of the understanding that one has to show up to mandatory activities. Is it like CGAux where everything is optional?

No, you really need to talk to your local unit because your understanding of CAP is faulty.

Based on what you've posted here, CAP will probably not be a good fit for you. But that's just my opinion.

[aestu]

Considering how apt CAP squadrons are to "steal" each others' members, I would think one would be interested in just one more, with limited ability to commit on weekends.

If I don't commit to doing anything in particular, then, will that be fine, or are there mandatory activities?

[Flying Pig]

Considering how apt CAP squadrons are to "steal" each others' members, I would think one would be interested in just one more, with limited ability to commit on weekends.

If I don't commit to doing anything in particular, then, will that be fine, or are there mandatory activities?

CAP squadrons don't really steak each others members.  In my 20yrs as a member, it was never an issue.  You join CAP as an organization.  You really don't "join" a squadron.  Most people join a particular Sq based on convenience and geographic area..  Nor is a Sq just about numbers.  Again, join and do what you can.  Just do what you say. 

[aestu]

But are there non-optional activities?

[Flying Pig]

Nothing is really mandatory.   When I was a Sq Commander, the Seniors only had a meeting 1 Thursday night a month.  Of course they could come every week if they wanted to, and most did.  During those meetings we would do our safety briefs, etc    Most anything in CAP in regards to meetings or anything "required" can always be planned around or made up later if you cant make it.

[Flying Pig]

But you also have to keep in mind human nature.  if nobody every gets to know you because you cant ever show up.... don't feel weird when people don't take the time to "get to know you."   I had a guy in my unit who couldn't be counted on for anything.  Not that he was really part of anything.. .he just NEVER showed up.  But whenever there was funded flying or funded SAR training, the guy was always the first person in line.  Hmmmmmmm so you can make CAP a priority when its all fun and games, but you cant be bothered to show up on a Saturday morning 1x every 6 months to wash the plane and clean the Sq building?   That was pretty simple... I just retricted his flying.  And shortly after that, he let his membership lapse.  This guy didn't have any issues showing up with his hand out while letting everyone else work to make CAP happen.  Those aren't people CAP needs.  But again, if you are just a busy person, but be upfront.  let people know.    Take on responsibilities that can be done at home or done outside of regular meetings.    Don't show up thinking the Sq just needs numbers. 

[aestu]

I just want to rack up tenure until my life changes again.

[Flying Pig]

I just want to rack up tenure until my life changes again.

That doesn't mean a thing in CAP.

[Flying Pig]

So I guess it comes back to why you even want to join?  Just wait until you can participate.  In addition, you need to visit a Squadron, because you have a pretty skewed idea of what CAP is and how it works in regards to being a member.

[Eclipse]

Members who don't participate become administrative headaches for the commander to no benefit to either party.

A good one would get to know you over the course of several meetings, ask what you are interested in doing, and
what experience you bring to the table.  If there is a fit, he will invite you to join, if not, he won't.

There are no "mandatory" activities, unless you accept a role or responsibility that requires your presence to accomplish it,
but having said that, members who cannot participate regularly will not generally be an asset to CAP, nor will they be able to
participate in the kinds of activities most would consider valuable or worth their time.

Most new member takes 6-months to a year to be come legitimate resources (beyond intentions), that's meetings, online courses,
outside training, and proficiency exercises.  Staff jobs require various duties be completed in a timely manner, and people are waiting
for them to be done for their own experience.

It serves no one to sit on the roster writing a check, or showing up once a quarter, sitting in a meeting and not coming back for three months.
In those cases there is no personal progression or development, no opportunity for promotion or staff appointment, you won't be
able to participate in ES, etc., etc.

With more experience and qualifications achieved, it is possible to be less active and still be able to come back and catch up, but that first year,
especially, it's important to be around.  Echelons higher then the unit have different expectations, and some staff positions are more remote
then in-face, however you have to get to a point where you have the program knowledge to be of value even though you aren't around.

If there's a squadron in your area, seek them out.  If not, wait until your life changes and you can participate on a regular basis.  Few, if any,
units have activities every weekend, but most have at least one a month.  A couple of meetings and the occasional weekend isn't that much to
ask in return for the opportunities CAP affords, but not every one can do even that because of life circumstance.  No harm, CAP isn't for everyone.

[MSG Mac]

Before replying, give us a hint. Where are you located??

He already said he's in Ohio.

Big State, If some one asks for a unit I would like him to narrow it down to 50 mile radius before offering suggestions.