The last session of the Workshop was an open forum.   The panel was to answer questions on any topic from the more than 200 plus Members in attendance.  The panel consisted of David and Kathy Orr; Leadership Training Division Directors, Mike Stiger; Rider Education Division Director, Jim Hall; Rider Education Division Assistant Director, Charles and Nancy Mallett; Motorist Awareness Division Directors, Ken and Rita Moffitt; the 2008 International Couple of the Year, and us; Ed and Linda Johnson, Membership Enhancement Division Directors. 

We always enjoy participating in these type forums, because as most of you know, I HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS!   Of course, Linda does not agree with me on this.  After several questions were asked and answered by other Members of the panel, we felt things were going pretty well.  Then a Member asked the BIG question!  He wanted to know how to attract younger people to GWRRA, or how do we get younger people to join the Association?  INSTANTLY I WAS IN SHOCK, A RECRUITING QUESTION, ONE I HAD TO ANSWER.   LINDA HAD NOT TOLD ME WHAT TO SAY OR HOW TO ANSWER THIS!   I stood up and gave them the old “we are getting older story” and that young people could not afford the cost of a Gold Wing motorcycle.  Then I asked the audience this question.  How many owned a Gold Wing as their first motorcycle?  I could see only four hands that went up.  Then I asked the audience this question.  How many owned another brand of motorcycle as their first bike?  The room was filled with raised hands.  I went on to point out that almost everyone starts out with a motorcycle other than a Gold Wing.   We are the elite!  We have reached the top.  We have our Gold Wing.  Let’s stop and think.  If we had never purchased a Gold Wing we would never have experienced the “FUN” and “FRIENDSHIPS” we have found in GWRRA.  The other motorcyclists are just waiting until the day comes that they can own a Gold Wing.  Think of all the FUN, SAFETY, AND KNOWLEDGE you missed out on by not being a part of GWRRA when you rode another brand of motorcycle.  Sometimes we are our own worst enemy by overlooking what’s right in front of us.  WHERE ARE OUR YOUNG AND FUTURE MEMBERS?   They are riding other brands of motorcycles until they can afford a Gold Wing or feel they have the safety and knowledge to ride a Gold Wing safely.  Why not welcome them now?  Let them in on the “FRIENDS FOR “FUN”, SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE”.  We were all in their shoes at one time.  THEY ARE THE FUTURE OF GWRRA.

Your next question is how do we go about attracting riders of the other brands of motorcycles to GWRRA?  Simple, we sell them on the FUN we are having.  Then we reel them in by explaining our great Rider Education Program, our extensive Leadership Training Program, and the many other benefits available to all GWRRA Members.  The most important thing is that we SHOW them through our actions that we are sincere in welcoming them to join and be a part of our Association.

P. S. - After writing this article we went shopping.  We found it ironic that while in the store we ran into two former GWRRA Members.  We had not seen them in approximately 15 years.  I could not remember their names but did remember they rode a customized GL-1100.  During our conversation he asked about many current and past GWRRA Members and informed us that he sold the GL-1100 and purchased a GL-1500.  He said he had sold the GL-1500 and now rode a smaller motorcycle because he could not handle the large bike due to knee problems.  We also learned that she also rode her own motorcycle.  We talked for quite a while.  Why are we telling you all this?  Due to a comment this former Member made.  He said, “We STILL miss the Friends and Fun we had when we were Members of GWRRA”.   Did we tell them they were welcome to rejoin?  You already know the answer.   Absolutely!