Member Affairs

By Robinil Jameson, CPM
RHJCPM@aol.com

About four years ago I received a call from a close friend many of us dread, “you owe me a favor and I am calling in my marker.” It seems my friend had recently been elected President of an organization of professionals and their financial and membership records were to put in mildly, in a mess. He knew that I had served as Treasurer and Membership Chair of the Kentucky Society of Certified Public Managers® (KSCPM) and having bragged about our system of checks and balances, felt the organization in question could benefit from the KSCPM system. Finally after several weeks we established a financial and membership model and written guidelines to aid future officers in preventing a reoccurrence of this problem. Two weeks ago, the new President of this same organization called and requested my help once again. It seems not observing the guidelines they now find themselves in the same situation four (4) years later. “Those Who Forget The Past Are Destined To Repeat It”.

Why do I tell this story, it is not the mismanagement of the persons in the office that troubles me it is the inaction of the membership that allowed the same mistakes to occur. As members we often abdicate our responsibilities to maintain and enhance the organization because we are professionals and we assume everyone will carry out the functions of their office in like manner. We fail to recognize that procedures, communication, and change play vitally important functions in any organization, especially volunteer ones. Although volunteerism is defined as the willingness of people to work on behalf of others without the expectation of pay or other tangible gain, most recognize a need and fill it. Everyone benefits where people help each other!

In  preceding years there has been a decline in interest and participation in elections and on committees, but this year we are fortunate to have a full and competitive slate of officers – volunteerism. However, once the election is over membership involvement does not end there, whether it is on the National or State level, you should apply the same principles and standards you would on your job and ask yourself the following questions.

• Are your leaders keeping you well informed?
• Am I open to inventiveness?
• Do I demand accountability?
• What have I committed to the success and future of the organization?

“I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve. Those among you who will be truly happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” – Dr. Albert Schweitzer

© Copyright 2006, American Association of Certified Public Managers®