On Tap from the Pub

By Tom Field

Executive Summary:

Is it time to review your membership in organizations?

Let’s go clubbing

“Hello. My name is Harold; what’s your name?” “Geraldine.”

“Well, welcome to the Cat Logistics and Wranglers club, or as we like to call it, CLAW. Meow!!! [chuckle, chuckle]. Anywho… I know you’re new; what brings you in today?” “Well, ‘Shusi’—that’s my cat’s name—has been quite the wanderer lately. But I’m really here just to check out the club. It’s my first visit.” Geraldine is smart. Some people join an association without even attending first. They heard it was good to do and that’s enough. Nah. You should check it out yourself, first. This time of year (the end of one, the beginning of the new one) is a good time to review your involvement with organizations, nonprofits, chambers, professional and trade associations, networking groups, and whatnot. Some of us got involved with a group, perhaps long ago, and we just stick with it. Some of us are in groups that are known “players” in our vocation or industry, and we see them as necessary.

Whatever your criteria, here’s one simple flowchart you can consider: #1: BUDGET – Admittedly, few of us REALLY start our decision with this factor at the top of the list. But we should. Budgeting here, refers to the time commitment as much as financial. Would your current level of involvement with groups outside of work change if you accounted for the investment of time and fees? (Hint: if you’re in more than one “club” it probably would.) If you put on paper the fees and time BEFORE joining or participating in a group, there’s a good chance the value of each possibility will rise up and reveal itself in obvious fashion. I’d recommend considering your TIME first, then the cost. (Can you be a dues-paying member and be uninvolved? Yes; happens frequently. But if that’s your plan, consider being a sponsor instead—which may bestow membership, anyway. That’s better than being a constant no-show.) #2: ENJOYMENT – If you’re a scanner (you see the big points before reading from start to finish) or you enjoy spoilers, you noticed I placed enjoyment before mission (or usefulness). For participation in organizations outside your work and home life “curriculum” it’s rather foolhardy to stay with a group you just don’t enjoy, regret the time, or even despise (even if you “need” to be a member). There are far too many other options out there. If you can’t find a group in your area of interest that has some fun to it; maybe you should start one.

#3 MISSION – Believe it or not, mission goes in all directions. Is the mission of the organization going to serve you? Or are you going to serve the organization’s mission? Or… does it clearly go both ways: you serve each other? I’ve been involved in all three; and that last one (mutual and collaborative) has proven to be the best for me and most sustainable. (NOTE: It’s not likely going to be 50/50 equitable.) But I’ve certainly enjoyed tremendous satisfaction from serving