CAM Y'all
By
January 2007
Well, it's a new year in Cincinnati Area Mensa and things are changing. We have a new ExComm composed of three members from the 2006 ExComm (Bob Charlton, John Schneder, and me), three ExComm members returning after a hiatus (Rick Magnus, C.E. Reutter, and Tim Link), and one long time Mensa who is new to ExComm (Peggy Stapleton).
Now, an interesting thing happens when a new ExComm is seated - all the positions that you see on the inside back cover of your Mencinnatian, plus a few others, have to be re-appointed. Hopefully, most of the people who currently hold those positions will decide to continue, but everyone needs a change now and then.
Perhaps you have been thinking, "I would really like to _____" or "I would like to learn how to _____". This is the perfect time to let an ExComm member know. Your dream CAM position may not be available this year, but perhaps you can start preparing yourself for a future opportunity.
We are very fortunate to have a young energetic group of members that are becoming more and more active in CAM. In many cases, pairing a young energetic member with an experienced member makes for a perfect way to transfer knowledge, keep Mensa growing, and avoid burnout from over work or from being overwhelmed. Many years ago when I was a member of Dayton Area Mensa, a Mensan was assisting the RG Hospitality Chair so that she could prepare herself for the job. She was given the title of Hospitality Footstool. That seems like an ideal way to learn.
Perhaps your dream job does not currently exist in CAM, but it seems like it would be a great fit. Just because we haven't tried something before doesn't mean we shouldn't try it now. Discuss it with an ExComm member - or come to an ExComm meeting and discuss it with the group.
Perhaps you don't have a dream job, but you just want to get involved and want to know what you can do to help. I hate to sound like a broken record, but ask an ExComm member. Also, read the Mencinnatian and look for announcements asking for volunteers.
Maybe you are asking yourself, why would I want to volunteer? The best answer that I can give is the satisfaction you get from doing a job well and benefiting CAM, as well as the pleasure of working with a great group of people. Take a look at what gives you the most satisfaction. What talents do you have that you really enjoy using? Would these talents be of use to CAM?
I hope to hear from you soon.