So it’s another year. A new beginning. Out with the old, in with the new. Sometimes letting go of the old stuff is hard. Sometimes not. As some of you know, in December I wrapped up my second year as President of my local writer’s group. It was a challenging yet rewarding period in my life. I learned a lot. But now, it’s time to turn over the reins to a new leader. I’m going to be honest here, I’m ready to hand over the tiara and the scepter.
Some of you are probably all too aware of the challenges associated with leading a group of volunteers all of whom are already over-worked in other areas of their lives. It is, after all, usually the busiest people who volunteer to take on yet more responsibility. If not for these willing souls, however, many things would simply not happen. Until you’ve volunteered or filled in for someone in a volunteer capacity, it is hard to understand what that person experiences. Volunteering is not for everyone, but it certainly enriches our lives when we do it.
So as we move forward with 2015, I wish the best of luck to our new leadership team at the Sacramento Valley chapter of RWA and look forward to learning and growing by your example. I offer my continued support and bow humbly at your feet for stepping up to the plate.
Have you ever volunteered? Did you learn from that experience? Did you regret your decision to help out?
Word of the Day: Â Xiphoid
Fun fact about me: I don’t volunteer because I have the time; I volunteer because I have the heart.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, January 2015. Photos courtesy Google Images.
I was treasurer of my RWA chapter for ten years, because as the person who did the weekly bookkeeping for my husband’s business, I was the most qualified (and no one else would do it until I didn’t run). It was a great way to get involved and really get to know some great people. It was very worthwhile because of that, but it was a relief to step down when I did. Being president is even more of a time commitment, one that has only gotten worse as the IRS cracks down on all nonprofits and their chapters. I have so much respect and appreciation for you, and all the wonderful ladies who served on the board in my chapter. Sadly, that chapter is no more, since we couldn’t field a president who met National’s standards.
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You know Jennette – RWA is making it harder and harder to find board members. We are not a large chapter and almost everyone has served at least one term in the past. The Treasurer position is the hardest to fill in my opinion but serving more than 2 years is ridiculous. I’m not sure how the really small chapters do it. I guess that’s why there are more and more on-line chapters, although they still need a board.
I like RWA but it seems like the “rules” are getting harder and harder to comply with.
Thanks for stopping by my fellow volunteer! Here’s to the chapter leaders!
Have a great week.
Patricia
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Congrats on finishing your year!
I had a tendency to jump in an volunteer, but now I wait to experience the group before knowing where I am needed. I did volunteer at a writer’s conference. It was EXHAUSTING!!!
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Good for you for being brave enough to volunteer. Some positions are more challenging than others, but no matter what capacity you donate, it’s always rewarding.
Thanks for stopping by. How’s the weather in Colorado? We have almost no snow here in the Sierras. It’s looking like another bleak summer for us.
Patricia
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As the person who humbly took on that sceptre and tiara that you so willingly handed over, I honor all that you did and are still doing to support our chapter! I’ve volunteered a lot, and have had amazing personal growth and the birth of great friendships through those experiences.
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Thanks Debbie. You’re going to be a great President! And I totally agree, I too have met some wonderful people while volunteering for one thing or another.
Here’s to a great year!
Patricia
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