Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Relationships Strengthen

In response to my request from members to share one idea for strengthening the Society, Karen Tinstman, Pennsylvania, submitted the following.  

For a long time I have felt that relationships were one of the most important aspects to our Society.  Your articles have reinforced my premise. Of course, this is nothing new to our Society but I’m afraid that we need to be more intentional in developing this aspect of organization.

 As Chapter President many years ago, each of our meetings started with a communication activity, so that by the end of the biennium each one would know more about 8 different members.   The premise was based on the notion that there are so many distractions that prevent members from attending. Perhaps a strong relationship with several members would be enough to say, “I don’t want to miss our meeting because I would miss seeing everyone.” In addition, knowing someone cared whether they came to the meeting or not might make all the difference.

There are many activities that can help foster good relationships. One thing seems clear; we can find ‘common ground’ in everyone and use that to develop a relationship. As a member of the Membership Committee in Pennsylvania, your articles have encouraged us to challenge our chapters to see the benefits of this idea.  It is interesting to me that our church has recently been on the same bandwagon. Just last week, our pastor used the catch phrase 'No Know, No Grow.'

So in answer to your question, “What is one thing you believe will make the most difference in our organization to maintain our viability into the 22nd century?” In my opinion,  RELATIONSHIPS."


 

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