Submitted by evansi on 26 September 2009 - 11:12am
The September 2009 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS, the newsletter of Southeast Seminole Heights Civic Association, carries an article by the Association President Sherry Simons. In it she describes what it’s like to be a volunteer and to hold office in a Civic Association. This article touches the heart of volunteerism. It is frank, perceptive, and sensitive and suggests ways that the community can support their Association and their volunteers. With her gracious permission OSHNA has reprinted her article for its members and friends.
Read below...
From the President... at Election Time
by Sherry Simons, President SESHCA
First of all let me say that I never read the "Official Unofficial (Seminole ~ Heights) Blog". I did in the beginning, and I admit that over the last year or so, more than one person has said, "You have to read the blog!" Which is usually followed by, "They are really raking you over the coals!" Funny how that is not generally an enticing invite. Not sure about anyone else, but I am not anxious to tune in somewhere where people, who will not identify themselves, spend an amazing amount of time complaining about you. I do admit to succumbing to the urge to read the blog once a bit ago when there was much discussion about the shooting in the park and my lack of getting the info out to the neighborhood. And I will say that I learned a lot from the experience. I was humbled by the fact that allowing my personal life to interfere with my ‘Association life’ made more of a difference than I ever imagined. It was a good lesson for me.
I learned other things as time went on. But one thing I never learned was the names of all the people who were so upset with me. They knew me well enough to make very strong judgments about me and my shortcomings and yet I had no idea who they were. I thought about the experience for a long time, and in fact revisit it every time someone tells me, "You have to read the blog."
It is election time and I understand there are a lot of comments about people who take hold of an office and won't let go and no new blood is encouraged and on and on, and it seems I am being held as an example of this issue. I have not read the blog and nor will I, but it doesn't mean the comments have not found their mark
I am amazed that anyone who knows anything about being president of a pretty active, all volunteer civic association would ever think that I, or anyone else, would do this job for some kind of self serving purpose. Well, I guess, in a way, perhaps that is not entirely true. I do want something out of the job. I want a neighborhood with a reasonably good quality of life, minimal negative issues and a strong neighborly bond. If it is possible for me to contribute to that goal, then I feel I must.
I know, when I first became President, I had no idea what it took to do a good job and I admit to it being a definite learning experience. There are no classes and no training manual. You just have to kind of get in there and do it. Some things you do well and others you don't! You make a ton of mistakes! Hopefully things improve along the way. I was amazed at the amount of time and work that was involved. I soon learned that it was a second full-time job for me! And it is not the job of one person alone. It takes the work of a lot of dedicated people. Many of whom serve on the board and lots that do not.
I am running again. Actually, not because I want to. As many of you know, my father is quite old and has medical issues which have really taken a huge toll on my time. I gave some serious consideration these past two months, to not running again. But I do feel that as a Board we have made some fairly significant strides in making it easier for others to take our positions and do a better job. Thanks to Rich Guagliardo, our volunteer base has greatly increased and we have more people learning about the Association and what it does. It is the job of every Board member to spend the next two years reaching out into the neighborhood for people who have talents and time to contribute. People who might not even know they want to be on the board, but who, after seeing the difference one person can make, just might want to try it. It is funny, but most of the people who now serve on your board do so, not because they ever wanted to, but like me, because they were asked, or in some cases begged! The result of this is that you now have one of the most articulate Treasurers any Association has ever had, a Secretary who is innovative and organized and some Trustees who are creative and defi-nitely not afraid of work!
I want to encourage anyone, who might have made comments about our Civic Association needing new blood, on the blog or elsewhere, to donate theirs. Nothing much is gained by just hammering those who are willing to at least try. How about taking all that talk and showing up when needed at a City Council meeting, or a code hearing? How about using some of that energy to distribute a newsletter, sell advertising, or work on the social committee, host a brunch, or run for office? How about making a difference instead of just complaining. You want different people to run? Be one of them!