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Westenders 101
(Or, "Everything You Wanted To Know About Our Scooter Club...
But Were Afraid To Ask")
History
The Westenders got their start in the fall of 2006 when four West Seattle scooterists thought it would be a neat idea to have their own scooter club. There are many great scooter clubs in the Seattle area, just none of them really addressed our needs. A good idea tends to attract like minds, and like Topsy, the Westenders 'just growed'. We do not limit membership to West Seattle scooterists. Westender is as much a state of mind as a question of geography. As of summer 2007, the Westenders have over 30 members, and enjoy a fairly active riding and social schedule. Read our Riding Protocols here.
What We're Like
We are into scooting, food, friends, music and fun. We are a family-friendly organization that is open-minded and accepting of all people of good will; in other words, the 'golden rule' applies here. We love to get together, party and have fun, but believe in moderation and common sense when it comes to alcohol and riding. In other words, you can drink and scoot if you wish, but be careful and responsible. We do expect every Westender to be a safe and responsible rider who uses good judgment and ride discipline when group riding. We are a "no dues, no drama" kind of crowd. We have no established leadership structure; decisions are made by consensus.
Membership is by invitation. While we don't mean to come across as cliquish or exclusive, this policy is made with good reason. We have a good thing going here with the Westenders, and we have seen examples where the chemistry in a group is spoiled by the sudden appearance of an abrasive personality or a reckless/inconsiderate rider. We encourage all prospective members to first be a member in good standing of the Vespa Club of Seattle. Joining VCOS demonstrates one's commitment to the greater scooter community. Any current Westender can recommend a prospect for membership.
Westender Quirks
(or "just what is it with the 'portfolios' and nicknames, anyway?")
You may have noted that each Westender is a minister of something; here's the backstory on that: the Westenders were inspired by the 'Mod' scooter culture in 1960s England. England also has a quirk in that it's government offices are 'ministries' (and a ministers assignment is known as a 'portfolio'). The wide range of frequently odd-sounding government ministries was lampooned perfectly by the English Monty Python comedy troupe with their "Ministry of Silly Walks" sketch.
Hence, for no particularly logical reason except, like Napoleon invading Russia, it seemed like a good idea at the time, each Westender is invited to pick a ministry for themselves. It could be something that one can use to contribute to the group, a personal trait, or whatever. Let your creativity run wild. The self-assignment of 'portfolios' is one of the things that makes the Westenders unique, sort of like the way members of the Wussys SC tattoo the word 'wussy' on their bodies.
