In his January Flight Deck column, EAA Chapter 54 President Marlon Gunderson asked for some help.

"All of our officers and board members, other than our three Class 2 directors (Bill Schanks, Evangelos Savaas, Bruce Olson), per our bylaws have terms expiring in November and will be up for re-election if they choose to continue to serve.  This includes me in the role of President. I am willing to serve in this capacity for another term but I'm also perfectly happy to let someone else take the helm if they feel inspired to lead the chapter with their own particular vision (and I'm happy to provide a supporting role). Feel free to reach out to me if you'd like to explore taking a role on the board, including mine. We welcome any who would like to become more active in chapter leadership," he wrote.

He didn't hear from anyone, which is why he repeated his request at the opening of the February monthly meeting.

What are we talking about in terms of how much time we're asking you to give?

An hour, once a month.

As a member of the Board of Directors, you'd be attending - virtually, so you don't have to even leave the house -  a monthly meeting on the first of the month at 7 p.m.  It usually lasts about an hour.

Yes, there are opportunities for more duties if that's what you want. But the reticence so far suggests that's not what you're looking for. Fine. The Chapter will take whatever you can give. Can you do one hour a month? If so, there's a spot on the Board of Directors for you.

Here is an FAQ on serving Chapter 54's members:

What happens at the monthly meeting

Marlon makes the agenda available the Friday before the meeting. The meeting itself consists of check-ins, upcoming programs, review of minutes, and any reports (i.e. treasurer's report) that directors submit (most don't submit any). There are usually three or four old business items that tend to stay undisturbed, and there are usually three or four new business items (insurance renewals, EAA Oshkosh camping information, fly-outs etc). There is no heavy lifting involved.  You can find the agendas/minutes here if you'd like to see what a typical meeting involves..

Granted, there are times we have longer discussions, particularly at the beginning of the year or when we're about to have a major event.

I don't really have much to offer

Yes, you actually do or you wouldn't be in the chapter to begin with. We talk about flying things, we talk about things we want to do to make the chapter better, or things we have to do to make it function at all.   And if you find a meeting discussing something about which you have nothing to offer, you simply sit back and enjoy your beverage and say nothing. There's no stress involved.  And, frankly, it's pretty interesting to see all the stuff that's going on under the Chapter 54 hood. 

I'm kind of an introvert

This chapter is 99% introverts. It's not a problem.  You don't have to make speeches, give presentations, talk to strangers, or anything else you aren't comfortable doing.  And you'll get to know the people of the chapter more.  You'll feel better about your choice to be a member.

If I join the Board of Directors, you'll eventually make me an officer

Well, that would be swell, but it doesn't work that way.  Now, after learning what goes on behind-the-scenes at Chapter 54, you might decide that you'd like a bigger role.  But that's entirely up to you.

We do have officer positions that need to be filled every two years and those are listed here. We'd sure like you to consider stepping up, but we'll take what you can give.

I'd be interested in an officer position, but I don't want to run against someone

Oh, you're so Minnesotan! Seriously, there's a pretty fair chance that some members holding a leadership position want to move on to try something else. Or maybe they've given their two years (or more!) and it's just time. Either way, nobody will be put into an embarrassing or uncomfortable position for them, and we'll help find the right fit. Maybe you just spend the next two years learning whatever it is they do with the understanding that you'll succeed them at a later date. Whatever. We'll make it work.

I just don't have time

There are 720 hours in a typical month. We're asking you to consider giving one of them. And, frankly, few directors show up to every monthly meeting.  If you find yourself too busy to attend an occasional meeting, then don't.

I don't want to commit to a two-year term

When you fly an airplane there are only two things you need to focus on: (1) the thing you have to do right now and (2) the thing you have to do next. So look at serving on the Board of Directors the same way.  Commit to attending the next meeting and the one after that. If you decide that it's not for you, then it's not for you and we'll live. But we think you're going get something out of serving your fellow aviators and getting to know everybody better.

I haven't been in the chapter that long

It doesn't matter.

What are the perks?

Well, Marlon is going to run again unless someone else wants the job, so you get a chance to work with a great guy. Also, we'll give you a pony.

Seriously, what are the perks?

The chapter stays alive, basically. The reality is Chapter 54 can't survive without chapter leaders.  Leaders provide perspective that gets us to do things and, as the folks in Oshkosh say, "if you're not doing something, you're dying." Without chapter members willing to take on a leadership role, we die. End of story.

Can I think about it?

Can you let Marlon know you're thinking about it? Why not sit in on the next Board of Directors meeting and take us for a spin.  We don't have the election of leaders until November.

Please click this link and step up for Chapter 54.