Stephan Mentler <<stephmet>>
writes:

Does the USHPA pilot population deserve the access to the quality
flying sites that our insurance coverage permits? This is a question that every
pilot member of our organization needs to ask him or herself. I recognize that
the USHPA pilot membership comprises a broad swath of individuals representing
most socioeconomic classes with the lowest to some of the higher income groups
in the U.S.; however, we are remiss not question why only 20% of our membership
has donated to the Risk Retention Group (RRG).

Is this a reflection of Americans overall attitude toward giving? The short
answer is no – the number of Americans who give to charity has steadily
increased over the last several years to an estimated 83% of income earners in
our nation, according to Gallup. Is this a reflection of the nature of our
pilots – cynical, individualistic, and miserly? The short answer again, is no –
the pilots that I meet day to day are consummate optimists - think it is
soarable on the worst of days; welcoming of other pilots – drink and eat
together, arguably mostly drink; and are generous, giving regularly to those in
need – on many occasions to other pilots. So, what gives? Are many of our
members suffering from bystander effect in thinking that other members are
giving enough so they don’t have to?

Not everyone can donate much, but everyone who flies should be able to give,
even if only a dollar. The solution may be to have USHPA publish the names of
members who have donated, regardless of how little or much they gave, with the
member’s permission. That way, we can keep ourselves accountable to one another
and ensure participation in funding the RRG across our entire membership pool.

As I recall they are in the process of doing just that.