Club Disappointment

malhomme

As the Program Chair, it is frustrating to see so little being put back in to the club. Only two of our senior members came to the club auction, our biggest fund raiser of the year! And often, asking for someone to give a demo is harder than asking for their... whatever!

I've been nominated again for VP and Program Chair but after this, I may just let them do their own thing. I'm not looking for a second year of "Okay... if I have too!!!" from everyone. I feel trapped between the younger members that won't accept leadership, and the senior members that don't want it any more. Maybe I should just let them sort it out.

My apologies, but I am just very frustrated.

--Jim

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bonsaikc

Jim,
Don't feel you are alone in this frustration. I feel your pain. I am beginning to think the only way out is to start my own club.

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Sashi-no-eda.blogspot.com

EarthgirlOK

I'm suscribing to this thread since I just became VP and Program chair of my club.

I really don't anticipate these problems, but I might be naive.

I hope others might have some ideas that benefit us all. I may post more as I get time.

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Sonlight NurseryGreen Country Bonsai Society

Bob O

I feel your pain too Jim. Just ended 6 yrs as VP of one club, and 8 yrs as president of another. This kind of thing is more common than not. Hang in there, it's frustrating but in the end it has it's rewards.

Bob O

Bruce Winter

" My" club didn't accept new members until last year ( I was one of them) those interested were told to " go start one of your own." I'm the only one in this area doing bonsai, mostly with trees no one has ever heard of, Metrosideros Polymorpha. It's become a solitary passion.

John Dixon

Yep. You have lots of company. I'm the current president of my club and we have had similar problems.

We will be sure to share the solution ...... if we find it.

John

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John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

RonMartin(deceased)

Funny isn't it. Seems like more bonsai clubs are drying up and blowing away than bonsai shops.
But then how many clubs really have programs to bring new people in. Without new people we will all go the way of the dinosaur.
The old guys, for the most part, have all they need. They aren't going to come to an auction and bid on things that they already have.(or think they have)
Asking them to do a demo is almost a waste of time. They think they know everything until they are asked to do a demo. Then they are afraid that they will show how little they really know.
I do go to a lot of different clubs thought the year. The ones that have programs to teach the new people seem to be growing. The auctions and raffles are lively things. The meetings are full.
Those that don't have newbie programs get smaller and smaller each time I visit them.
Face it guys, the old people are just getting older. A good shot of new usually helps.

Ralph

As an alternative to club demos, how about bring a tree day? This is where everyone gets to bring in a tree, and gets advice from the senior club members. Of course the senior club members have to agree to show up and participate.

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Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Will_Heath

I love my club. The annual show, the auctions, the demos from our own masters and those from imported masters, the monthly meetings always have a new project to work on. New members joining quite often, the web page, the newsletter, and the people.

Yep, I love my club.


Will