To gain an understanding of what it means to be a BMW MOA Ambassador, one might begin by studying the list of Ambassadors…. To proceed in this manner, however, invites confusion insofar as the individuals in question often seem to be as different as day and night. A better starting point may well be a standard dictionary. An ambassador is defined as an "authorized representative" and this, perhaps because of its vagueness, reveals much about the function and purpose of BMW MOA Ambassadors.

Years ago, when rallies were few in number and membership was small, elected officers were expected to and did attend almost all events sponsored by affiliated clubs. In time, however, the number of rallies increased and this became impossible. Meanwhile, membership kept increasing and the need for contact and communication rose accordingly.  As a result the Board initiated the Ambassador Program.

The Ambassador Program was conceived as a means of recognizing and making recognizable those who had demonstrated their wholehearted commitment to BMW MOA and their willingness to serve in whatever capacity they could. Those who have been awarded Ambassadorships are, in some ways, akin to shock troops. They are highly experienced and capable members chosen for their ability to promote BMW MOA and to foster a spirit of camaraderie among our members. In addition to serving as official representatives at various functions, they act as emissaries on the road and in their local communities. They are also conduits through which Board decisions are communicated and explained to members, and through which member's ideas and reactions are channeled to the Board.

While some of our members seem to believe that they could serve BMW MOA better were they appointed Ambassadors, the vast majority of those who have been selected had been performing Ambassadorial duties long before they became Ambassadors. Few of them actively campaigned for the title, and most have reacted to notification of their appointments with a combination of pleasure and surprise

To offer a profile of the typical Ambassador is an impossibility.
Those who have earned the designation have done so in countless ways. Some have come to the attention of the Board through their involvement with National Rallies, while others have earned local distinction and have been nominated by their peers.

Still others have become heroes of the road, and have earned a reputation for spreading good will and offering assistance whenever and wherever they could. While many are active in local clubs, others
appear to be congenital outriders. Some are mechanical wizards who
spend much of their time repairing disabled bikes, while others become almost apoplectic when handed a screwdriver or a wrench.

Despite these and other differences too numerous to mention, all of the Ambassadors have been active in promoting BMW MOA and rendering service to the organization and its members in their own unique ways.

Just as it is impossible to provide a profile that will fit all Ambassadors, so is it impossible to cite the myriad contributions made by any or all of this noteworthy group. While they are not Ambassadors Extraordinary [Ambassadors assigned to specific missions] in the technical sense of the term, they are indeed a remarkable group. To those of you who know them, I need say no more. To those of you who don't, I can only say take some time this season and make their acquaintance. You will never regret it.

BMW Owners News, June, 1984