As person in charge, went to our T. U. Chapter stream clean up this morn expecting a decent turn out for a change. As has happened in the past the turn out wasn’t! Had two other people show up. With a chapter of around 220 members you’d think a few more folks could have been there. At this time of year the football games draw some folks away and early bow hunting season does too; but, I’m giving up a great hunting Saturday weatherwise today to be there with the same schedule happening in another two weeks on our other stream. Hate to do it; but, I think my volunteering time in this endeavor has come to an end. Sorry to say; but, I also think our local chapter is headed for inactive status shortly. I’ll just continue to carry a bag whenever I go and do what I can. Probably should have put this in the “Sound Off” section; but, it’s really not meant as such; merely a statement of a bad situation. Sorry if it’s off key JC.
You are not alone. We have a large chapter that has run between 600 and over 800 members at times depending n renewals, and we are lucky to get a half dozen to show up. As few as 3 and as many as a dozen…the dozen being the exception attend cleanups, to help with shocking (DEC) and tream repair. Lunch is provided and we fish afterwards weather permitting…
I belong to a fraternal org. that has over 400 members and it is about 20 (5%) that keep in going. I’ve also been a member of the SCCA with the same %. Sad but true!!
At our club work days the usually turn out is board members.
Bill
just friday i cleaned out the ride,90% of the trash in the trunk came from others, in and around the rivers i fish!!! the more i fish the more trash i bring home!!!
do what u like, like what u do
Bill you mean the board member actually show up. It is normally just a few die hards that show up. The board Never shows.
Unfortunately the lack of involvement is more common than not. Really good leadership helps, a phone committee to call members and urge them to show up is another helper…but
even the fly fishing world has more ‘takers’ than ‘givers.’ The takers are eager to complain, but not contribute. I’m been told the average is about 10% of any group will be ‘active.’
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
I have been in Jaycees & various groups in our church & was extremely active in both. My experience with both is a very low percentage of active members. In Jaycees, many employers paid individuals’ dues, & the individuals (often) were inactive, using the affiliation as a “resume builder”. I am not a member of any local FF group due to my work schedule, which prevents me from making the meetings/activities. I will not join a group unless I can be active. I just wish I could, but maybe later.
Mike
This site’s about sharing!
Your experience is normal . I was an officer for several years in a large Fraternal order around 1000 members locally . Volunteers are pretty much on their own . General meetings were attended by mostly just the officers . One or two regular members would be a big meeting . Work parties were again mostly just the Officers . . I found that you almost had to bribe members to show up . We would advertise a work party , dinner or charity event needing volunteers . We would bribe people to come help out by offering a free meal or the like . If they thought they were getting something for nothing sometimes you got a good turnout. Its just the way the world turns .
I could be wrong , It seems unlikely , but I suppose it could happen.
Thanks all for the comments. I guess it does reflect a “normal” situation with about any club/organization. Looking back on past experiences it does seem like 5/10% of the folks usually show up to do the work and carry on the activities. I agree with the statement that some “joiners” just like a listing on their resumes. Think I’ll adopt that commercial slogan that you see on TV nowadays and just be “An Army of One” when it comes to stream clean up. At least that way I’ll know who’s going to show up and when!
I am a member of a group that when we have a work day we normally run out of room and materials.This is NOT the norm with everything I’ve been involved with. I am assuming it is the dedication of those involved.
This seems pretty normal. I’m on a board for a river clean water group (www.curemnriver.org) and this is pretty normal. Our board and a few diehards. Figured it was just us until I stopped in at a local waterhole one night and heard the snowmobile club’s officers complaining about the same thing. OUr local Lions seems to have more “dedicated” members when they do a volunteer event, but they’re mostly older, mostly retired. Probably just wanting to get our from underfoot and breath some fresh air. JGW
I lead a local river organization (non-T.U.) and we usually hold our stream clean up in late April. That way, hunting, holidays, graduations, sporting events etc. don’t get in the way of people being able to make it.
Out of 100 members we usually have a good group of 15-30 people that show up. We split up into groups of 2-3 people and start cleaning. Lunch is provided at noon with the option to go fishing afterwards. Works out great in our area since early to mid afternoon is the best time to fish in April.
Might want to consider changing the date of your stream clean up and see if that helps.
Joe
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