Frequently Asked Questions
About the PRYCA
PRYCA Policy on Release of Member Club Information
At the February Delegate's meeting we will be asking the Delegates to vote on an item to be included in the Handbook regarding what type of membership information will be suitable for release to commercial entities upon request.
Background: For many years PRYCA has received requests from commercial entities for membership information for the purpose of marketing. Generally these requests have been from marinas and other marine industry companies. Historically we have denied these requests citing member privacy issues. This has always had generally good support from the membership. We are finding now, especially with electronic communication, that many members are already receiving "mass mailings" from many companies based both on email communication and member visits to facilities. Some members who have received these mailings and questioned us on our policy - PRYCA has not released any membership information to date - seemed to find our policy a bit restrictive. We now figure that it's time to move forward and address the issue with an eye on the potential benefit to PRYCA members.
Proposed Action: What PRYCA is proposing is not a by-law amendment, but rather a policy to be included in our Handbook. While this action does not require a vote by the Delegates, we feel that since it does have a potential impact on the member Clubs we want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to be included in the process.
The wording of the entry in the Handbook is not firm but the policy will be based on the following:
- The PRYCA Secretary will maintain a simple, one page listing containing the following information:
A list of Club names, registered mailing address, and telephone numbers (only if the telephone number is listed as the number of the Club itself and not of an individual).
- Upon written request from a commercial entity the PRYCA Board will send a copy of that list to the requester.
- No individual member names, addresses, or phone numbers will be included.
- All Clubs will be given the opportunity to "opt out" of inclusion on this list.
- All Clubs will be given the opportunity to have more information included, such as email or web site information, etc. if they wish.
Summary: We truly feel this is a good idea and has the potential to benefit the members. Already folks in my own marina have received some money saving offers from marinas for things from week long stays during the boating season and discounts on winter storage. We also feel that with the limited amount of information being supplied that the risk for abuse is virtually nonexistent. Frankly most folks we've talked to have leaned toward releasing more information such as Club management, etc. Unfortunately that is an administrative task that is beyond what most of us really want to deal with at this time. We could certainly look at the PRYCA, or other member Club web sites as a vehicle for that type of information, but we're taking small steps right now.
If you have any questions about this proposed policy that you would like addressed before the February meeting please feel free to contact either Commodore Mark Viehoever (tkfive@aol.com or 301-292-4010) or Immediate Past Commodore Steve Donock (sdonock@erols.com or 703-255-0573).
Page Last Updated: 01/30/00