Family RVing
This month we unveil a new name and new design for FMCA’s official publication.
By Jon Walker, F268778
National President
jwalker@fmca.com
Jon and Sondra Walker
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change — Wayne Dyer
It’s an exciting time at FMCA. At the end of last year, we embarked on a history-making adventure when the membership voted to branch out and include owners of all self-contained RVs as full members of our association. This was a first since FMCA’s formation 54 years ago. The impetus for this change had been bubbling up among the members of FMCA for some time, as more and more asked about FMCA opening its membership to welcome the like-minded folks who travel in RVs that don’t have their own motive force — people who share the same love of RV family fun, freedom, and flexibility.
With this issue of the magazine — which you might not have recognized at first glance — we unveil a new look for our association publication, along with a new name: Family RVing. This new title for the magazine embraces the fact that FMCA represents a close-knit community of RVers, tied together by a love of traveling and exploring, discovering new places, and meeting new people. “Family” and “RVing” are part of our heritage, our present, and our future.
FMCA hired a design firm to help us give the magazine a refresh, which hadn’t happened in a decade. Most magazines change their look every few years, so we were long overdue for some revitalization. The magazine refresh was planned regardless of what happened with the vote, but the fact that the membership did decide to change FMCA’s structure added a bit of serendipity in terms of the timing.
I received a sneak peek into the process, and I’m excited by the results. Several artists at the firm submitted designs for our consideration, and any one of them would have been a fine option. You are looking at the result of careful consideration that their designers and the FMCA staff gave to creating something that would appeal not only to our current members but also to the new members we want to welcome to the fold. One goal was to have the magazine reflect the fact that RVing is fun! So, we’re hoping this new design brings the publication new energy and that you enjoy exploring within the pages.
You’ll find that the things you love about the magazine are still there, even though they may look different or fall in a different spot. We’ll continue to bring you RV maintenance information, technical and travel tips, stories about destinations that appeal to RV travelers, RV industry news, RV features, and the latest information about FMCA benefits and services.
We also want to encourage your input. We definitely want to hear what you think about the new look. That said, we realize some of you were quite happy and comfortable with the previous design and weren’t ready for this change. We understand that. But we think that even if the change initially catches you by surprise, you’ll grow to enjoy and become comfortable with this new design as well.
We also want your ongoing input. We need you to help us provide the content in the magazine. Send us your letters to the editor. Tell us about interesting people and places you’ve encountered in your travels. Share your favorite tech and travel tips. Send us interesting photos you’ve captured as you roam. This is your magazine, and we want it to reflect that.
RVers are “Wanted In Wyoming” for FMCA’s convention at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities July 18 through 21, 2018.
Don’t forget that you’re Wanted In Wyoming! FMCA will be making a return visit to the CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming, July 18 through 21. This fantastic facility served as the site of FMCA’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2013. We had a great time and no doubt will again this summer during our 98th International Convention & RV Expo. Registration currently is under way, and the early-bird deadline is fast approaching! Sign up to attend by May 23, 2018, and save $30.
The last time FMCA had a convention out West, I ended up in the hoosegow and had to beg for bail money! Here’s hoping that doesn’t happen again! For those who weren’t in Chandler, Arizona, don’t be alarmed and conclude that your FMCA president has a criminal background. My temporary incarceration was all in good fun, and the money then-national president Charlie Adcock and I raised while we were behind bars at Rawhide Western Town went to charity.
You never know what’s going to happen at an FMCA convention, though, so make plans to join us. The registration form appears in this magazine and is available online at FMCA.com.
Remember, it’s still all about having fun!
The mission of FMCA is to bring together RV owners who share similar interests in congenial traveling, recreation, and social activities in order to preserve and perpetuate the traditional ideals and spirit of friendly and wholesome family fellowship as manifested by the founders of FMCA.
Get Social With FMCA
Tips for staying connected with your association and your RV friends via a wide variety of social media platforms.
By Chris Smith
Executive Director
csmith@fmca.com
Chris Smith
May is a busy month. Spring has sprung, and many of us are eager to kick off summer. Temperatures are warming up, the school year is winding down, and your family may be eagerly anticipating a summer vacation. All this made me think of how my own family plans a trip. Where do most of us plan in this day and age? The internet, of course!
The beauty of RVing is that there is always a new place to see and new people to meet. In today’s technology-filled world, it is easier than ever to stay connected. Thanks to the internet, the world is at our fingers. My bet would be you’re already using the internet to plan your trip routes, read campground reviews, and stay in touch with friends and family. But did you know technology can help you stay in touch with FMCA and your FMCA friends, too? I invite you to join your fellow FMCA members on social media.
Facebook is one of the most popular social platforms, and you may have a profile already. “Like” our page at www.fmca.com/fmcafans. This is a great way for you to learn the latest news and interact with our 18,000-plus followers. We post many updates, especially about member benefits and events. Want a chance to win FREE merchandise from the FMCA Store? Each month, we host several fun contests on the page.
More recently, we have started hosting Q&A sessions via Facebook Live, the platform’s real-time video program. These sessions are a way for FMCA staff members to connect with you (for free) without the need for you to install fancy video software. Members have found our Facebook Live Q&As very informative and enjoy asking questions in real time. We plan to record more Q&A sessions in the future.
Be sure to join the conversation as well via the new FMCA group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/fmcarvclub/ Facebook offers group pages for users to have detailed discussions. These groups are different from business pages such as the FMCA page mentioned above. Think of them as a “virtual campfire” — a place to gather online and chat. Join the FMCA group today to chat with fellow RVers, conveniently from your Facebook account.
RVillage
Have you heard about RVillage? RVillage.com has been described as a “Facebook for RVers.” The site was created by RVers for RVers. If you have a particular interest such as an RV type or a travel destination, this is the site for you. There are hundreds of groups to join based on geography, RV club, RV model, interests, and more. Be sure to join the official FMCA group (https://www.rvillage.com/group/830/family-motor-coach-association). If you are in an FMCA chapter, don’t forget to join your chapter page, which can be located using the “Browse Groups” tab. The site has a really neat map feature that allows you to “check in” to RV parks or even FMCA event sites. RVillage is very user-friendly. If you’d like tips for navigating the site, watch one or more of the video tutorials that are available. Don’t forget — when you create your profile, be sure to grab your FMCA badge so other members can find you.
Social media helps us to share our travel adventures with friends and family back home.
Do you take pictures during your travels? Many RVers are sharing their journeys via Instagram. Instagram is a photo-based platform. This is a great source to visit for inspiration and to find a new destination! The site was created for real-time updates and is very mobile in nature. Keep in mind you can post photos only from a smartphone or a tablet (not a desktop computer). When you upload a picture, you can “tag” the photo’s location and add “hashtags” to make it easier for others to search. I encourage you to follow FMCA’s page (www.instagram.com/fmcarvclub) and tag your pictures with #fmcaRV to share with the community. If you’ll be at our Gillette, Wyoming, convention in July, please use hashtag #fmcaWY18 to share the fun.
Keep up with the news? Then you’ve probably heard of Twitter, thanks to a tweet-loving president. All politics aside, Twitter is a popular platform for many, including the RV community. Oodles of RV families have created their own Twitter accounts where they post their adventures. Each message consists of 280 characters or less. On our page (www.twitter.com/fmca_) we share breaking FMCA news and industry news. Especially during FMCA events, we use Twitter to share last-minute updates (time changes, weather alerts, etc.). Tweet us using hashtag #fmcaRV.
DIYers and crafters, this is the social platform for you! You literally can spend a whole day surfing Pinterest for RV ideas — remodels, upgrades, camping recipes, campsite decorations — the list is endless. Follow FMCA’s page (www.pinterest.com/fmcarvclub) for ideas on tailgating, traveling with pets, closet organization, and more.
YouTube
Warning: This is also a site where you can quickly lose track of time. Did you know FMCA has a YouTube channel? Subscribe for free at www.youtube.com/fmcaonline and watch videos about RV product reviews, FMCA events, tech tips with “RV Doctor” Gary Bunzer, DIY advice . . . you get the idea. The list goes on and on.
Commercial members, this one is for you. We know you’re busy running a business. You may be using LinkedIn already to post jobs or to network, and now you can stay in touch with FMCA that way, too. We recently started a page (www.linkedin.com/company/family-motor-coach-association) where we’ll be posting updates relevant to our commercial members. Follow us.
FMCA Forums
And last but not least — the Forums at FMCA.com. You may be familiar with this great resource, but I always like to remind members: Join 60,000-plus users to troubleshoot tech issues, obtain advice about towing options, explore RV modification ideas, and more. Post your questions and also chime in with your advice. This is an invaluable resource, and I strongly encourage you to visit the Forums if you’re not familiar (or if you haven’t visited in a little while). If you have an RV question, this is THE place to ask. I encourage you to reach out to your FMCA family — that is what family is for.
So, did you know FMCA has a presence on all these networks? We don’t expect you to follow us on each platform (no complaints from us if you do, though), but we hope you at least follow us on your favorites. Social media is a great way to stay connected with the FMCA community, to swap stories, and to learn about breaking news. We know you love reading our magazine and monthly e-newsletter; social media is another chance to stay in touch with FMCA.
I hope to see your tweets, follows, likes, posts, pins, and views. And be sure to send me a friend request on RVillage!
P.S. On the road, how are you connecting to our social media? Don’t forget that FMCA offers members discounted mobile internet plans through Verizon and Sprint. Learn more at https://www.fmca.com/fmca-tech.