STAFFING -- THE REPLACEMENT TEAM

Although the web site, and CD, can in fact exist when 'owned' and 'managed' by one person -- that is NOT the way it is to be established.   That type staffing, or if the 2 alumni are from the same family DO NOT provide for the safe guards needed to guarantee the continuity of the project. 

Simply put, this project like most other businesses operate with the best possibility for long term continuity when they are in partnership, incorporated, or become a 'company' with a 'board'......   That is a condition that basically guarantees survival of the 'existing' conditions when things go awry; and offsets those unforeseen and sometimes catastrophic events that could disrupt or completely destroy it without possibility of resurrection. 

One reason the RT should be composed of alumni from 2 different families when possible is that a catastrophic event in the RT family that eliminates one of the two from ownership/manager duties is likely to also eliminate the other as well -- rendering suddenly the web site without ANY backup owner/manager at all.

To achieve our desire, and yours as well, so as to insure the project has the best chance to extend into the future then it's composition must be established as follows:   

In our opinion, the 'association' is the best option.   Why? To answer will require some 'reflection' on our experience with YOHI which will in fact be valuable observations for you, and we will  keep our 'opinions' very short.

We have been major players in the evolution of YOHI 'Alumni' world, since the mid 1980's.  We were not the first, or the only ones involved, but because of involvement we know a great deal about how and why the alumni community as a whole evolved to where we are today -- our only point.   If any one wants to correct any of our observations, or provide additional material we would welcome that. 

In the early 1980's only ONE formally organized 'group' probably existed -- the 'Beach' Group under the leadership of Mr. Hart; although it was known a couple all YOHI alumni reunions had been held on the west coast in prior years -- some by Ed Weise and another alumni in the Washington / Oregon area.   Some alumni 'lists' were also developed at that time.

In 1987 the 'Bluff' Group became an organized reality.   The 'Bluff' and 'Beach' Groups began coordinating in the late 1980's and it was also discovered there were other 'younger' alumni around wanting and waiting to be 'found' and be organized.  

After the formation of the Yohi web site in 1996 a group now known as the 'G' group, was identified.  Simultaneously another group began forming and is now known as the 'E' group.   Along the way other smaller groups organized but have subsequently dissolved by being absorbed into the larger more stable organized groups, or moved to the 'A' group. The so called 'A' group picked up alumni who were being 'located' for the first time and had not joined another group, or were left when the smaller groups dissolved and had no place to go.  This 'A' group has no formal organization -- it just exists as a collection of names...... and is the largest group.

Each of those groups except 'A', have organized them selves in a formal way -- some more formal than others -- and totally manage their group / membership. 

During all those years of heavy involvement with Yo-hi, and to our knowledge there is not now nor has there ever been an alumni 'association' for YOHI.   Yes, we have groups that use the title 'association' but in fact they are not an association of the type needed as they only represent their membership -- which is exclusive.   We NOW believe a small group of alumni, representing all the organized groups / alumni in general, who are dedicated to band the alumni together as a whole with a common purpose could make a big difference in the posturing of the alumni into the future and also hold some ownership in the web site -- if it is worth saving.  Regardless if the web site survives, the alumni can and need to band together -- and have a voice in and support the school ............ The benefits are obvious.

To consider an 'association' one must anticipate where it would come from -- thus a short analysis.

The listing of the groups below from which to draw from, has a trend that is  important to recognize.  The group whose members are of the oldest age -- is the best organized -- and it makes sense -- it just turns out that way.

Of the organized groups then in our opinion the 'Bluff', 'B' group is the best organized.   They of course are the group whose membership is the 'oldest', more are 'retired' and have less 'outside' involvement which explains in part why it is that way.  They have been around almost as long as the 'Beach' Group as an 'organized' and identifiable group but are doing the MOST for their membership.  The 'Bluff' group conducts reunions, publishes rosters and newsletters in hard copy so 'non-internet' membership can benefit, coordinates internally with it's members and supports them with assistance when needed, and supports our school with two scholarships, and .......... In our opinion this group is 'set' for the duration 'as is' and might participate in an 'association' by providing a member......  We have NOT discussed the matter with them in any way so really don't know.

The next best organized group is the 'Beach', 'C' group.  Basically they provide the same services to their membership, except they do not have a scholarship to the school.   In our opinion this group is 'set' as defined above.

The 'E' and 'G' groups are the last of the organized groups, and the services provided to their membership is either unknown or limited by comparison.  Either way, the task for the future for them could be to advance to the status of 'B' or 'C, and we are confident that will happen in time if they wish it.   These alumni primarily attended YOHI in the 60-80's, and are still actively engaged in raising a family and 'making a living' so they have not had a chance yet to develop their groups -- but will.

In our view '50-'70's alumni from the 'C' and or 'E' groups are in the best position to take on additional functions and jump start the development of an 'association', or become the RT.  It is from these groups that the RT would provide the most stability and long term future commitment for the site -- let's say 10 - 20 years.  They are not to old, or young.  Oops, here we go again on age discrimination, but it is so important.

Yes alumni in other groups could do that as well; however: generally the 'B' group is beyond the point where they would have much interest for such a project and would provide almost no continunity, the 'C' group is still in the 'age' where they qualify and still probably have interest in such a project and would provide stability, but the 'E' group is probably the best choice since they are at that special age where they have lived long enough to finish much of their goals in life and are looking for more challenges before they become sedentary and just play golf or 'bridge' -- and they are going to be 'active' in life for years to come, the 'G' group probably has to many other goals in life at this time to be stimulated.  Okay, I'm on sensitive ground here so just one more comment.   

The 'E' group stands out because they are at that delicate point where individually and collectively they can make a huge difference for themselves and the advancement of the Yohi World.    We know there are alumni in 'E' group who have talked about an 'association' before.  Obviously they have given this issue some thought.

If an 'association' is the direction the alumni wish to travel -- some one needs to take the leadership soon and get it started as it will take a great deal of time before it can be organized and functioning.

Regardless, it's up to the alumni to organize themselves as they wish, and respond individually or collectively to this solicitation for a RT if they wish.      The specific procedures for responding to this solicitation are published separately.