Diablopilot’s Weblog

In everything I do, I feel to be driven to improve things. When I see problems, I point them out, and while this has caused me grief in the past, I rarely am without a solution, or at least a path to begin fixing what I think is wrong. In my time in skydiving and as a USPA member I began as many did, simply paying my dues, and not being too worried about what happened with the inner workings of the organization. As time carried on, and I began to have a more direct involvement with the USPA through being an instructor, and skydiver affected by changes in the sport, I began to pay more attention to the organization. Some things bothered me while other actions from the BOD, and HQ were well received. I began to feel however that maybe I wasn’t being represented as well as I wanted. I found problems that were not being addressed in the fashion I thought they should be. I talked with other jumpers about this, and found many might have been interested, if they felt like they were represented. Most just paid dues to keep skydiving. I got more interested, enough so that I attended a BOD meeting, and after that meeting, my “solution” was found. If I had dissatisfaction with the way things were being done, I’d have to pull up my sleeves and get involved.

In other words, put up or shut up.

I’d like to be a representative to all jumpers, a conduit for communications and information. I can identify with the newest of students like the ones I work with on a daily basis, onward through the novice, and intermediate jumpers that I share the packing mats with, to the highly experienced jumpers and instructors I’ve worked with across the country.

In order to be this representative, I needed to find out what it takes to do a good job. I’ve studied the resources available, talked to those who have a history with the organization, made contacts with former and current seated BOD members, and attended two BOD meetings (Winter 2008 in Orlando, FL and Summer 2008 in Alexandria, VA).

What I’ve learned: To do this job effectively, one needs to be able to listen, communicate, and make compromise. It’s a team effort, little is accomplished by simply being unmovable, but sometimes a bit of perseverance is needed. One must constantly be seeking the opinions of those the decisions of the BOD affect, the members, and seeking facts long before the decisions are made to give the widest considerations to all details. It’s not simply a job of two 3 days meetings a year; it’s a daily duty.

I seek election to the BOD as a National Director because I’ve traveled across the country and may continue to do so, and those I’ve met and feel I’d represent best are not contained within any one region. I plan to continue to attend BOD meetings as often as I’m able, as an individual member CAN contribute, and make a difference, however I’d feel honored to walk in the door of those meeting not only carrying my interests with me but those of a large portion of our 30,000+ membership.