What it Means to be Part of an Organization

This is the time of year when we begin to receive renewal notices for the organizations we belong to. It’s the perfect time to think about what being a member of those organizations means to us.

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Join.Belong.

Those are words associated with becoming a member of an organization. But what do they mean? We’ll get to that in a minute.

I’m no different than anyone when looking to join an organization. The first thing I want to know is what the group can do for me.  What are the benefits, both those promised and the subtler advantages, such as status or comradery? It’s natural. Like anyone, I want to get something for my membership fee.

I currently belong to various writers’ groups. One has a retreat on the coast for members only. One takes my books to events and sells them for me. One is cat-oriented, and I win awards in their yearly contest. One presents monthly speakers on subjects a mystery writer can use.

I also belong to another group, an anonymous one. That’s where I learned a truer meaning of belonging. The group is run by its volunteers on a rotation of leadership, dedication, and care. No one person does it all, nor should they. The leader is the group itself. Everyone gives, thus everyone receives.

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So back to our words, join and belong. When one joins in something, one becomes a part of it—ideally a working part. The same goes for belonging to a group. Both belonging and joining imply participation. If everyone in the group took only the rewards and didn’t return the favor by helping the group function, there would be no group. Being a member of an organization is not a one-way-street.

In any group, you will find those who care deeply, volunteering their time and expertise over and over again, but sadly they are often few in number. They become overloaded and overwhelmed. When they burn out, who will take their place?

Their burden would be lightened if everyone shared responsibility for the health of the organization. You don’t have to be president, secretary, or treasurer. It can be as simple as volunteering for a committee that interests you or assisting someone who is overworked. Choose tasks you like, you care about, and that fit your mental and physical ability. Most organizations have diverse needs. Participate in meetings and listen for ways you can help. By getting further involved, you will begin to have a greater appreciation and understanding of your group. Volunteering is a benefit not listed on the info page.

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Here are some ways I’ve found to give back:

For the group with the coastal retreat, I am a member of the board. I help with their yearly raffle. I made a photo book about their guesthouse for them to take to events when I noticed there was a need for one. These were things I could do and have fun with.

For the group that sells my books, I produce two features for their newsletter each month and go to their monthly meetings where I offer ideas if I have them and listen to others when I don’t. I participate in some of the book events, manning the booth and telling readers about the group. Unfortunately my health makes this job difficult for me, so I only do it sparingly. Thank goodness there are other members who are willing to assume those responsibilities.

For my cat-oriented group, I have taken the role of Librarian organizing their extensive book list. I am also a member of their Blog Team, doing my best to solicit submissions of content from our members to publish on our website. I have been a past member of their board as well.

For the group that presents monthly speaker events, I go when I can. I’ve made a few posters for members. It’s not much, but it confirms my involvement.

These positions and small acts of helping have given me so much, so if you think joining an organization is all about what you get, you’re missing out on all the things your group could do if only you pitched in too. They say volunteers live longer. Show you care, about yourself and your organization. That’s what it means to join and belong.

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Definitions

Belong:

To be a member of a club, organization, or set. —the Merriam-Webster Dictionary

To be in the right place. To feel that you are in the right place. —the Cambridge Dictionary

Belonging means that you feel accepted, included, or a part of something else.  —Frontiers for Young Minds

Join:

A place where two things meet or are fastened together. To do something with or be with someone or something. To get involved in an activity with another person or group.  —the Cambridge Dictionary

To come into close association or relationship. —the Merriam-Webster Dictionary