Message #4009

[msrobbie]

Back in October, I posted the following response to a similar question in Admins 4 Admins.  It was titled "Membership Organizations" and was started on October 3, 2000, in case you want to find it on these pages and read everyone's responses.  I think my reponse back then could be pertinent to your question as well.



Here it is:



When joining a group or organization (whether it's IAAP, Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, or any other group), you can't expect to get anything out of it unless you put something into it. Just joining a group (under most circumstances) does not get you an automatic return, and if you enter an organization expecting instant gratification with no effort on your part, you'll be sorely disappointed every time.



If you don't expect to contribute and only want "something for nothing", then don't join a group. You will only be wasting your time and the time of the members of the organization who are trying to improve and expand their group.



The purpose of bringing together a group of people is to draw from each individual to attain a goal, solve a problem, or provide a service. What you bring to a group is very important, and your efforts must include improving the organization, to give the group something it did not have before.



Participation and commitment to making the group evolve into something that will benefit all the members should be the goal of every person who joins a group. Get involved. Make suggestions. Encourage others to join in. Promote diversity in backgrounds, ages, gender, and points of view. Interact to build an organization that can give something back to you. Enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that you've attempted to make a difference.