Purpose

[Tim Wood]

YSA has a proud record in pilot training, with particular emphasis on youth training. There is a large body of ex-members who have qualified as licensed glider pilots, many of whom have gone on to excell in the sport or who have pursued careers in aviation. Your Board has agreed that this large body of ex-members is a significant potential asset to the club, and it has agreed to the establishment of an Alumni Association.
Puposes of the YSA Alumni Association are
-to foster lifelong relationships between YSA and its former members
-to enable former members to continue to participate in some club activities
-to support YSA's current operations through fund raising and volunteerism
-to offer a possible on-ramp back into full club membership

If you have any comments to offer, please give us your feed-back

Thanks, Tim Wood, the glider pilot

[Sharon O'Leary]

Thank you, Tim. We had 3 people come to the desk at the Open Day who were Alumni. One wants to do another flight in a 233, as that was the plane they trained on. Others had great memories of Walter and some of the members, and another was a championship glider pilot. YSA has a tremendous group of alumni with outstanding knowledge and experience. I look forward to seeing the success of this project.

[Dave Bax]

This is an important project, spearheaded by Tim, supported by the Board.
It may take 12 months to get up to speed, but will be worth it in the end.
Any YSA member (or former member) who would like to assist please let Tim Wood know.

[Luis Rodriguez]

It sounds a great idea from Tim and supported by the Board. As any great idea, inspiration is only 5 % of the task and It will require 95% of transpiration. You can count on me in whatever I could be useful.

[Dave Bax]

Moved from Discussion area to correct thread

Alumni connections
Post by Mark Voysey » Sat Jul 04, 2026 12:46 pm

Thanks for entertaining the following ideas.
1. I feel strongly any "alumni group" should be part of YSA. There are no real needs to separate them at present. "Legal risk" can be managed by clear boundaries and expectations.
2. Gathering names and contacts should be a major task.
3. Highlighting the benefits should be a prominent part -
a. "Contributing to the sport from a different perspective" -
i) story nights, show and tells, etc. - unique
ii) overlapping Alumni dates with public events - promotes mixing of youngest and oldest - unique.
iii) Wisdom reserve for major ideas/comments, e.g. medical problem assistance, record setting, XC, etc.
iv.) Financial costs to YSA should be minimal to nil.
v) Any benefits however should be labeled as "Alumni funded/supported" - e.g. library/contributions.
vi) collegiality and connection - incl. showing respect for alumni.
vii) Should look into SAC as a charitable vehicle to make SPECIFIC donations allocated to YSA . . . .just like "junior team project" donations go to that fund only. Problems with charitable status may not necessarily be problems at this stage.
viii) Donation can also be in direct cash or kind (aircraft, books for example) for a specific purpose - no tax deduction needed/given.
ix). The Alumni group should make a pathway for will gift giving available to all members in a readily accessible manner.
x) I strongly support the idea of a "last solo flight" (pin, label, trophy/plaque, etc.) to signify this important flying transition that is not otherwise acknowledged. Alumni appearing on the field can be offered flights by anyone (instructors can let them fly - as appropriate - or they can be a passenger with Intro pilots.) - this is cost neutral to YSA.
xi) I would offer (associate) membership to spouses/family - often there are companionship or grief issues that may be advanced by reaching out with some connection or closure (incl. gifting of any relevant items from a person's estate.)
b. "Remaining engaged".
c. "Passing it on" - such as we are each willing or capable.
d. Acknowledging the full life cycle duration of an aviation hobby/career.
P.S> I believe the clubhouse could benefit from additional (proper) bookshelves for more books.
Thanks for entertaining these preliminary ideas,
Sincerely,
Mark Voysey

[James Lemke]

Very good Tim! Let me know where I can help.