Well, I sent this to Garrett privately at first, but after reading the
other responses (I'm on the digest version) figured I'd pitch it out
here...

Personally, I think they're suffering from "aging organization" disease.
Look at the median age of PS members. Nothing at all wrong with that,
but when I joined, I was single and in my 30's. Was a member for a
couple of years, took a lot of courses and enjoyed it, but really felt
like a "fifth wheel" at all the social functions. There certainly
weren't any other singles there, and the couples, while polite, seemed
to regard me as well...who knows? Didn't renew my membership later on. I
believe they need to focus on recruiting and keeping younger members,
otherwise membership will continue to decline. God knows I have a lot to
learn and they have a lot to teach, but I think they need to learn to
focus and encourage a wider age range mix to be successful. Maybe a
"mentor" program? BTW, I'm thinking of joining again to take some more
courses, specifically AP and Celestial.

--

Keith
Just be glad we don't get all the government we paid for.

I taught the BS&S and Navigation courses for the Auxiliary back in the
70s.  I too was in my 30s at the time and the powers that be wanted me
to teach in a uniform.  I enjoyed the teaching, but felt only the
military, police, fire, and parochial school students should be wearing
uniforms so I opted out after a few years of teaching.  I must also say
my teaching partner and I were, on average, 30 years younger than most
of the members so the philosophical differences were likely predictable.

What's interesting is my views haven't changed and I'm now part of that
"older" generation... Like in business, understanding the needs and
requirements of your students is the only formula for success IMHO.

I hope the USPS and Coast Guard Auxiliary can respond to the needs and
increase their membership and student days. After seeing boating skills
from New England to Florida, Obi-Wan knows, their education programs are
sorely needed!

                             Regards....

Phil Rosch
Old Harbor Consulting
M/V "Curmudgeon" Marine Trader 44 TC
Currently Moored in Key Biscayne

"The speed at which you travel is a measure of your discomfort..." Uffa
Fox