When Respect Slips, So Does the Culture: A Reflection on Community, Conduct, and the Future of Car Meets

Angel Rogers
May 18
3 min read

Updated: Jun 3

A Car Enthusiast's Shout Out: The Importance of Community Respect

At Selfvation, we’ve created more than just a car community; we’ve built a movement. Our focus is on unity, mental health, local business support, and family. This culture is not formed by chance. It’s nurtured by people who genuinely care. Recently, one of our dedicated members, Ashley, put this into action.

The Vision

Ashley teamed up with a local business to organize a family-oriented car meet. Her goal was simple yet powerful: bring people together. She sought to celebrate car culture while providing an enjoyable environment for her kids and others in the community. It was a commendable vision.

However, the reality was quite different.

The Challenge

What transpired served as a stark reminder of the hurdles we still face. Despite extensive planning and collaboration with a reputable business, the event was disrupted by unacceptable behavior. Activities like burnouts and aggressive car stunts occurred, undermining the welcoming atmosphere Ashley aimed to create.

While we cannot always control the behavior of every attendee, the fallout from these actions ultimately burdens the hosts. This is not right.

The Damage Done

Let’s clarify: this incident was not just a minor annoyance. It represented a breach of trust. The chaos disrupted a local business that opened its doors for our community. It also disrespected Ashley, who worked hard to create a space for everyone. Most importantly, it set a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize what makes Selfvation unique in the car world.

Ashley did not simply organize an event; she invested in the community's future. She is one of the few committed to building a strong foundation. Allowing her efforts to be overshadowed by reckless behavior is completely unacceptable.

Where We Stand

At Selfvation, we strive to uphold a higher standard in the car community. We are not perfect, but we are purposeful.

We do not condone activities that jeopardize others' safety or jeopardize the integrity of our events. We are not here just for the showmanship; we are here to create a sustainable environment that respects our members' time, families, and businesses.

Our Structure

To enforce this, we have a tiered structure for events:

The Selfvation Website Calendar: This showcases officially sanctioned events that align with our core values.
The Selfvation Facebook Page: This includes community-supported car meets organized by clubs in our network who share our objectives.
The Selfvation Group Chat: Here, you’ll find unsanctioned or spontaneous meets. While these events are often well-intentioned, they do not carry Selfvation’s endorsement unless specified.

This structure is in place to safeguard the community and those who strive to contribute positively.

For the Hosts—and the Helpers

If you aspire to organize a meet, collaborate with a business, or create something under the Selfvation name, know that we support you. We see your efforts and genuinely want you to succeed.

However, success is only possible when the community respects your work. That respect must flow both ways—from organizers, attendees, and bystanders who witness misconduct and remain silent.

If someone is putting others at risk, speaking up is not “dramatic.” It is leadership. Selfvation thrives on leaders at every level.

To Ashley—And Others Like Her

Ashley, your efforts mattered. You dedicated time and trust to our community. That requires heart and bravery. What occurred at your meet was disappointing, but it does not diminish your value or erase your intentions.

This situation highlights the urgent need for individuals like you—those who persist in trying despite setbacks. As a community, we owe it to you—and ourselves—to improve and do better next time.

You remain a vital part of this community. We welcome you to promote your future meets, and you still have our respect.

What Happens Next?

Moving forward, Selfvation is dedicated to enhancing how we support and advertise events. This includes:

Providing clearer guidelines about which events are officially supported.
Encouraging hosts to set explicit expectations ahead of events.
Offering direct assistance to those collaborating with local businesses.
Taking a firm stance when community values are compromised.

This is not solely a leadership issue; it is a community issue. If we want Selfvation to evolve into something significant—whether an indoor space, a national platform, or a culture for future generations—we must treat it as something worth protecting. Because it truly is.