Lately I have been attending a series of Community Meetings, in our Community as well as others, and it occurred to me that there are a lot of people out there that would like to help out somehow and make a difference. It became apparent that they most likely have the same main goal and that is to add to whatever we have as well as improve what we currently have in whatever way they can. I think everyone knows my position as the elected official in the area as one of the nine members of Council at Rocky View County, our Municipal Government, and that is why I am invited to these get-togethers for the most part. I also go to these meeting since I am a member of the Community and I would like to see things improve and be added as much as anyone. Before I was elected, I also went to Community meetings, the prospective was different then and it was in different areas but the meetings were much the same and the people also were much the same, people who cared generally. Of course there are always a few of those with some different motives like employment and business opportunities, political ambitions, curiosity and others I’m sure but again, mostly just people who care.
Over the years I have watched volunteer organizations in every state of their existence, from just being formed to wrapping up, even though it is very tempting to make some sort of comparison to life in general, you know, being born, growing up, getting old and the inevitable end, I’m not going to go there at all…it isn’t that way. Many of these organizations can exist forever, there will always be a need and they will always be important. In the last few weeks I have been to meetings of organizations well over 100 years old to ones that are relatively new or just forming, and from organizations that are strong and vibrant to ones that are getting a renewed enthusiasm that were dormant. Lately and thankfully, I haven’t been to any that were winding down, it usually isn’t a good thing but then again there are some that were there for a specific purpose or project and once it is accomplished, the winding up is a cause for celebration.
I have come to a conclusion, the ones that do the best and have the best overall feel and attitude are the ones that take responsibility for what they are doing and are prepared to go it alone with no feeling of entitlement to outside assistance whatsoever. They also have a good base and a well organized way of operating, from their organizational Board of Directors to their action committees. These exciting groups are also generally the ones that appreciate the outside help wherever it comes from whether it is Government programs, Corporate donations, fundraising activities or donations of time, goods or cash, no input is too small and an empty can that brings in a nickel to a hundred thousand dollar grant or donation is appreciated just the same. Having been on all sides I also find these type of groups refreshing, their excitement tends to be contagious, they get things done and you can either watch, take part or get out of the way. It doesn’t matter what part you play, if any, since there is a task at hand. The only unknown is time, the good things take a lot of it, but are generally worth the wait.
I have no moral to this story, we get enough of that. I do thank those who take part in any committee, group or organization though. You impress me every time I have the pleasure of attending your meetings and I am always thankful for the privilege of representing you and being invited to take part somehow.
