The reason for the split, some committees, I might as well be a fly on the wall and just do and not say anything. My father had an expression which we heard many times when young; "children should be seen and not heard". This actually captures it perfectly unfortunately with an A type personality I do wish to voice opinions but to be shut down completely is truly frustrating and sad.
On the other hand I have become involved with a couple of committees that fulfil the need completely and give me a sense of involvement, another phrase comes to mind "one for all and all for one". Maybe in my naivety I imagined that volunteering would have this same stamp across the board but it does not appear to be so.
Recently I spoke to an individual about the crisis occurring within a number of organisations who are drastically running short of volunteers and noted to them; it does not matter how many people you recruit if you cannot retain therein lies a major problem. I have already excused myself from 1 committee and I am on the brink of doing it with another. At this point in time I sit on 3 with another on the horizon.
As baby boomers begin to retire these will consist of individuals who are completely business savvy entrepreneurs who have held successful careers and a number will definitely want to venture into the world of volunteerism.
To be honest when the next organization asks me “can you help us” – I am going to ask for a role description because in truth it is an unpaid job - payment for me - the opportunity to network with like minds and personal satisfaction, something which is priceless.
