The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Letter To All Members George Skarbek gskarbek@melbpc.org.au |
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Dear Members,
A few weeks ago National Volunteer Week was held (May 12-18) and I must admit that my thoughts turned to volunteering in general, and more specifically to the invaluable service tendered by many for the common good. Melbourne PC User Group was founded by a handful of enthusiasts nearly 20 years ago and today boasts a membership of well over 10,000 thanks to the generous efforts of a dedicated band of volunteers which has grown steadily over the years. It is only due to our volunteers who continue to foster the self help traditions that we are now the largest Personal Computer User group in the world.
A large and diverse, self help, not-for-profit organization such as ours requires significant support from its members just to exist, let alone continue to provide the quality of service to which our various committees aspire and members always desire. As a consequence, every elected committee is always on the lookout for new volunteers in order to sustain the group's current activities, as well as to facilitate new ventures in previously unexplored directions.
There are many motivations that drive individuals towards a desire to volunteer. Here are just a few that may apply:
- to contribute to the good of the group
- to feel needed and valued, to be a part of what happens
- to share expertise and to keep skills alive
- to learn new skills
- for a change of pace, a new activity, to keep busy
- to get to know your community or neighbourhood
- to help someone else
- to gain leadership skills, or perhaps to get a welcome break
- from being a leader
- for recognition
- to demonstrate commitment to a cause or belief
- because they were asked and because of who did the
asking
- for FUN!!
To better distribute the work load, as well as improving and extending group services (whilst introducing to members the satisfaction of volunteering), your committee is undertaking a project that we hope, will identify more members who would be willing to contribute of their skills or efforts on a regular or occasional basis.
Currently volunteers are active within the following broad categories: Management Committee, Computer Aid, Dial Help, First Aid, iHelp, Internet Administration, Monthly Meeting, Office, PC Update, SIGs/ GIGs, Shareware, Swap Meets and Training.
In addition to the previously listed activities, your committee is interested in hearing from members who would be willing to provide occasional advice/support utilising the following skills: Marketing and Promotion, Publishing, Legal, Real Estate, Accountancy, Electrical and Carpentry. Alternatively, do you have other skills not listed above that would contribute to the common good?
If you would like to register as a volunteer, please do so with a short e-mail to committee member David King. Knowing your particular field of interest/expertise would enable us to approach you occasionally with a request for some assistance, or perhaps some advice. E-mail theking@melbpc.org.au
Fellow members, I cannot stress highly enough the value and quality of our current volunteers and furthermore recommend that if you are not presently a volunteer that you register, whatever your background or interests, and discover what it's all about. I am convinced through my own long experience that the personal satisfaction gained through volunteering far outweighs one's contributions.
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I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do. - Helen Keller |
Yours sincerely,
George Skarbek
Reprinted from the June 2003 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
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