When new organizations start -up in your communities - sometimes in direct competition to long-standing institutions - it's probably a sign that your traditional institutions are no longer flexible enough to adapt to new people, technology, or ideas. In this 2-minute video, Rebecca Ryan shares her perspective.
Comments
RR - great points. And, to illustrate the point - two weeks ago I spoke to a local Kiwanis Club. As part of the speech I thanked them for their role in the community - and, as is typical - I was invited to join the club. I responded by thanking the gentleman for the invitation but declined noting I was involved with Next Rockford, which I considered to be my service organization.
To the point about rigidity - I’m not showing up to a meeting every week (although, I work on NR stuff nearly daily), I’m not singing songs, and I don’t want my attendance tracked, nor do I want to travel to an annual convention where we sing songs.
I completely agree that YP groups are the next generation’s service club. WHAT’s REALLY COOL about them is that they are truly local organizations…independent, unique, focused on what matters in River City USA….not tied to monolithic, behemoth national/international organizations.
great post, and I just ordered seth’s book. thanks for the tips.
That is a lot said and on target for pulling over at a rest stop!
Love Seth’s book Tribes. My favorite take away…. Are you a thermometer or a thermostat in your organizatio?
Really great comments and food for thought. I wonder where these organizations will be and what they will look like in 10 years.
I started a new chapter of a professional organization 5 years ago in a downtown market, lunchtime bi-monthly meetings, board meetings via teleconference. Making it easier for everyone to participate and to mentor in new leadership.
Fast forward 5 years later and nobody wants to be president or treasurer (required officers to maintain the local chapter). Disbanding is a serious possibility right now.
It’s either time, or money. To participate in any organization you do need a level of expendable money to front start-up projects, pay for the gas to get to the projects or group gatherings, as well as pay for the “rubber chicken” dinner or happy hour networking events.
The time piece is also tough as more companies have cut back so drastically, everyone is doing more with less. Whenever there is an uptick in work the staff is not equipped to handle the extra work load and massive overtime is required.
Those who are lucky to be employed are physically and mentally exhausted to participate in a leadership role or even attend a networking event. (which is where the leadership usually finds new recruits for the leadership board).
If the YP group has no regular meetings, how are you finding leadership to keep these groups going?
I am amazed at how the attitude towards professional and service organizations have changed in the last 5 years.
