November 2009

Chapter Boosters

Our industry is going through one of the worst downturns in our lifetimes. We all know people and businesses that are suffering mightily. Unemployment, layoffs, business closures, bankruptcies, foreclosures, we hear new and dreadful stories almost daily. When things will turn around and pick back up is anyone’s guess.

I learned in junior high biology that the most healthy and vital ecosystems are comprised of organisms that not only derive the resources they need to sustain their own lives, but in some reciprocal way contribute something that helps other creatures get what they need to survive. Altogether, a complex assembly of different plants, microorganisms, and various creatures create an environment in which all can exist and thrive.

Our human communities also prosper when people freely give of themselves for the benefit of the entire group.  CSI is an example of an organization which both offers a multitude of ways to learn and grow, but also creates many opportunities to give and share with others. CSI is a microcosm of our industry, a nexus for multidimensional networking, and a crucible where lasting friendships are forged and tempered.

So I was thinking, what can our chapter do to help our members who have fallen on hard times? I have heard suggestions elsewhere that chapters can subsidize the dues of members who are unemployed or without work.  Unfortunately, we cannot use chapter funds to specially benefit one member or a certain set of members. But in observing what some of our members have graciously done recently, I thought there is a way that some of us can help those among us who need the business and social networking at our monthly meetings more than ever but who cannot afford it.

I would like to start a program we can call the Chapter Boosters. We can run it for the rest of this year (through June) and thereafter decide if we would like to continue it. Boosters are members or companies who pay for the dinner of a member who is unemployed or without work, essentially someone who simply cannot afford to come to a meeting right now. Boosters could go on a list with their offer, be it one dinner, one every month or every other month, or whatever the donor would like to do. Members, including those whose membership recently lapsed, who cannot afford to come to a meeting, can check in to see if a sponsored dinner is available - on a first come first served basis. Depending on the supply and demand, we might have to level the opportunities to give and receive so they are spread fairly among those in need and the boosters.

Boosters may choose to remain anonymous. Otherwise, we will gladly applaud their generosity at meetings and in the Redwood Bark. Recipients could also choose to accept the gift privately or publicly thank the generous booster. I am not keen on too many rules or requirements. I trust that our members will humbly make the correct decisions.

If you would like to be a Chapter Booster, please contact Kara Ameral, our administrative assistant, or me and let us know what you would like to do. If you are a member who cannot afford to attend a monthly dinner meeting, please feel free to contact Kara before a meeting and inquire about whether a sponsored dinner is available.  I trust that some of you can help others among us who are in need. Our chapter community can indeed pull together to support other member’s get through this awful economic mess. Please consider becoming a Chapter Booster. I’ll be one. Let’s enrich the sense of community our chapter has long been known for.