Pitching In

Across the country there are countless associations, organizations, and clubs comprised of members who supposedly support the goals of the given group. Some of these organizations are local affiliates of a national association, but nevertheless strive to satisfy a given objective within their neighborhood. Some are civic, some professional, and some focus on leisure activities, but all are geared toward specific areas of interest. Each, despite differences, has a common thread shared with all others: the dependence upon the membership to move forward.

Why is it, then, that any given group relies upon a minority to do the majority of the work required to accomplish anything? I’d wager that most of you belong to some type of group described above. Do you pay your dues and nothing more? Or do you pay your dues and pitch in to help from time to time? No heroics, necessarily, but every leader needs minions to carry out a mission. Are you ready to step forward and be the minion of the day?

Many are not and I’m damned to understand why they belong to the group in the first place. Perhaps they believe their mere presence provides a positive addition to the organization. And others may have no life outside of the club and maintain a membership for some level of socialization. The former is presumptuous; the latter pathetic.

The needs of any group are simple: ideas from an engaged membership and the man-power to put those ideas into action. Anyone else is dead weight (except for the dues, of course) and serve to limit any hopes of high morale and accomplishment. Everyone knows this, but every group seemingly remains mired in the “minority doing the majority” mentality.

And there is no good way out of this, either. What do you do? Throw someone out because of their lack of participation? Pretty soon, the association no longer exists, does it? There may be a way to prod our non-producers, though. My wife belongs to a horsemen’s group that has monthly meetings and regular trail rides along with special functions throughout the year. Each of these events (save the meetings) is awarded a point value and each member that participates is awarded appropriately. At the end of the year, the top ten point earners are recognized and rewarded with a token gift for their participation. I’ll tell you what: this group is something to envy when it comes to esprit de corps and promoting their agenda.

Maybe this formula might be a good way to incentivize any membership into doing more for the good of the group. True, we’re employing bribery to a point, but the end is still a noble one that may well justify the means. I’m not sure, but I can tell you that, in the case of the horsemen at least, you couldn’t ask for a more engaged membership.

For those of you (us) that join up and join in, good for you (us). And for the rest of you: give me an idea as to why in the world you’re here, sitting beside me with your mouth shut and your hand in your lap. Surely you have something better to occupy your time or sense of duty. It’s pretty obvious you’re not interested in making this group a better place to be.

Some may think my position is a bit harsh. After all, it’s the 21st century and we’re all busy and on and on and on. While I can’t argue that today’s schedules are hectic, I can argue that the tried and true adage of “anything worth doing is worth doing well” still applies, regardless of the date.