Organizations such as our EAA Chapter, the Civil Air Patrol, Girl/Boy Scouts, etc. owe their existence to the volunteers within their organizations who donate time, expertise and enthusiasm to their chosen group.
We in EAA Chapter 1361 have been exceptionally lucky to have attracted a strong, reliable group of individuals who are willing to come out to Chapter events and help to make them successful.
Having said that, at every event there is always room for more volunteer participation. Extra help often is the difference between a volunteer working continuously for the duration of the event and being able to take a break or breaks to relax, eat, drink or just socialize. The more volunteers who participate the easier it is for everyone at the event.
The benefit of belonging to an organization is not gained by the ability to go to periodic meetings or on an occasional field trip, it is gained by getting to know the other people in the group. While that can certainly be accomplished over time during the social periods before and after meetings it is best accomplished by getting to know them through shared experiences. Volunteering is best way to get to know your Chapter members.
Volunteer participation is encouraged but it cannot be mandatory. Everyone has a different life situation, some with more available free time than others. If you are not able to volunteer at Chapter events it does not mean that we as a Chapter do not value you as a member it just means that it might take a bit longer for us to get to know you.
Give volunteering a try – we think you’ll really enjoy the experience!
An additional incentive:
Each year the Chapter conducts a Volunteer Recognition Dinner, usually in early January. At the dinner we recognize the individuals who, in the previous year, have volunteered their time with the Chapter to make it a better organization. The Chapter pays for the dinner, some small memento of the event and obtains a guest speaker who will speak on a topic of interest to the group. We extend invitations to attend the dinner to individuals who have actively supported the Chapter through volunteering. Being a Chapter member and attending a few meetings is not enough to garner an invitation, you must have been an active volunteer participant with Chapter 1361.
