Ahh, springtime. When I wrote this, the snow was finally melting and flying season was right around the corner. As you read this, it is time for many of us to make the annual pilgrimage to Woodruff, South Carolina, and the most beautiful 400 acres on the planet.
The Triple Tree Aerodrome crew will have the place looking great and ready for everyone to enjoy. Just like your local club, this does not happen without a lot of people volunteering their time. In fact, many are amazed to learn that Triple Tree has a grand total of one full-time employee. Everyone else you see working there is a volunteer.
Just look at what a group of people, all of whom are passionate about a cause, can accomplish.
I learned a long time ago that jobs always pay you in two forms of compensation—time and money. Contributing to a nonprofit boils down to the same two forms.
Many people have extra money, but little time. Others may not have a lot of excess money, but they do have time. Both are needed for any nonprofit to be successful. I have noticed in several clubs that many times the coffers are full, but they have a hard time getting people to fill in for leadership positions.
I have served as a president and a vice president in some of my local clubs. I think the biggest issue many people have is being unaware of how much time you will have to spend on the role. Gaining additional volunteers could improve by showing how much (or little) time is necessary to be effective in a club leadership role.
If you have not served, I would recommend reaching out and talking to the people in some of these roles now. You can also start by working at the events in a support role or taking on a committee position. Just like monetary donations, time donations are appreciated in any amounts.
I look forward to seeing many of our members in a couple of weeks. I plan to be there the entire week. Although I camp in the 3-D area, I fly on every flightline except helicopter (and I will visit it). Please introduce yourself and let me know if I can help in any way.
