Did You Know That it has been a while since I last published a Did You Know? Lucky for you I feel a need to pontificate again. Listen carefully there is an important message here somewhere.
Did You Know That in 2015 we were a club of approximately 200 members?
Did You Know That since 2015 nearly 700 people have held Membership in OVWG? Of those 700 there are 305 currently Active members.
Did You Know That I'd like to know why 400 people tried OVWG in the last 10 years and failed to renew their membership?
Did You Know That in 2015 the club was approximately 20 years old and had grown from a small intimate group meeting in members shops? That group saw the value of sharing their love of woodturning with each other and were willing to work hard to that end including creating one of the best regional symposiums in the AAW. Most recently we have created one of the best Regional Club Learning Centers in the AAW.
Did You Know That prior to 2015 and the creation of the Learning Center (KC Kendal's vision) we met in a church basement once a month? Lathes, sound equipment, food, drinks all had to be transported to the basement by volunteers. After the meeting everything had to be removed from the basement and repacked in our trailer until the next meeting. All done by volunteers.
Did You Know Of the 200 members that created the Learning Center there are only around 50 that are currently active members? All of these 50 are older, some are ancient or no longer with us. It is time to pass the club to the newer, younger members.
Did You Know That every function and service offered by OVWG including leadership, mentors, Open Shop Monitors, Interest groups, Turn & Learns, member demos, etc. are run by volunteers? There are no paid member positions including member demonstrators and member taught classes.
Did You Know That I believe that among the 250 new members added to the 50 remaining from 2015 there are bound to be some with vision, management and leadership experience?
Did You Know That I suspect that among those 250 members there are ideas that would help OVWG appeal to the younger generation and help reduce the "fail to renew membership" rate? These new younger ideas could help OVWG grow and thrive in the 21st century.
Did You Know That currently no one seems willing to fill two very important leadership roles in the club? President and Vice President. See Jerry Warner's previous email.
Did You Know That if one of you has a vision for the future of the club like KC Kendal had for creating the Learning Center, now is you chance to become the leader that guides us to that vision?
Did You Know That if no one volunteers to lead us to new heights this high quality robust club will likely wither and die from apathy?
Did You Know That if you partake of the benefits of a volunteer organization you have an obligation to give something in return? Your membership dues are not enough. Your time and talents are what is needed now.
Did You Know That if OVWG is going to continue as a one of the best and largest clubs in the AAW, some of you newer, younger members will need to step forward and make it so? We old guys are unable. We are ready to pass the torch.
Did You Know That the Nomination Committee does not know the background and talents of most of the newer members. So if you have what we need there is no shame in volunteering. It is OK to blow your own horn sometimes. We are listening for a cacophony of responses.
Did You Know That even though I am unable to take a more active roll at this time I hope I will be able to continue as co-webmaster and writing these witty, informative messages from time to time.
Did You Know I have worked very hard for this club as have many others for the past 20 years. I gained so much in my first few years of membership I felt I needed to give back. I am proud of what we have built and thankful for what I have gained in friends and knowledge from my membership and involvement. I have worked under some stellar leadership and some not so stellar. Nevertheless we got things done and the club is better for it. I know there are loads of volunteers keeping the club going now but we need more to fill critical positions. Don't let OVWG die by becoming a club of receivers, instead become a club of givers.
These opinions are my own. I am open to civil discussion. Vitriol will be ignored.
If what I say causes you to contribute to the success of OVWG in some way, then I have accomplished my goal. Please step forward and volunteer for a role that fits you and your passion.
OVWG Co-Webmaster, LC Monitor, Mentor, Member Nomination Committee, Old guy
513-290-8609