All,
I'm thinking about attending convention in three weeks. My reasons are several but most important is that I want to become more involved in USMS and I figure the best way to find out how/what/when/where is to attend convention.
Does this make sense? Would it be worthwhile?
Paul
Our LMSC pays the way for the voiting delegates, which I think is a function of how many registered members are in your LMSC. So out of about 8 LMSC officers, 2 or 3 take a turn each year.
I think that is the way most LMSCs do it. Rotating your delegates is a good idea although not all LMSCs do so for a variety of reasons. Also, some delegates are automatics since they sit on certain committees or hold selected positions within USMS. That can also alter the composition of the delegation.
I fully agree voting delegates should have their way paid - as long as they provide a written report including recommended actionable steps, and present their report at the next LMSC meeting, and understand they are expected to have a significant role in following through on recommendations.
That would be great...in a perfect world. Accountability to one's paying customers (ex. members) is one area where I see problems. If the same people go every year, they develop a sense of entitlement. They see Convention as a paid vacation where they get to pretend they are important for a few days. Once the plane lands...nothing, same ol' same ol' until next year. To get the most value out of Convention, one must work to create value for the LMSC (and by extension its members) that sent you. Just sayin'....
Paul - you will find there are many areas to volunteer in your LMSC, and different levels of involvement. Even with kids and a demanding full time job, you can make a modest commitment - but be making a huge contribution.
Michelle makes an excellent point, if everybody at all levels of USMS did a little bit, our organization would improve MASSIVELY. There is so much talent out there because the membership profile of the average masters swimmer is off the charts. We don't necessarily need heroic accomplishments by a few people, what masters swimming needs is the latent talent and passion of its current members. What will take us to the next level is increased grass-roots involvement and work on the local level. Convention can help this by sharing knowledge between leaders and getting people talking. Amazing things happen when this takes place.
Our LMSC pays the way for the voiting delegates, which I think is a function of how many registered members are in your LMSC. So out of about 8 LMSC officers, 2 or 3 take a turn each year.
I think that is the way most LMSCs do it. Rotating your delegates is a good idea although not all LMSCs do so for a variety of reasons. Also, some delegates are automatics since they sit on certain committees or hold selected positions within USMS. That can also alter the composition of the delegation.
I fully agree voting delegates should have their way paid - as long as they provide a written report including recommended actionable steps, and present their report at the next LMSC meeting, and understand they are expected to have a significant role in following through on recommendations.
That would be great...in a perfect world. Accountability to one's paying customers (ex. members) is one area where I see problems. If the same people go every year, they develop a sense of entitlement. They see Convention as a paid vacation where they get to pretend they are important for a few days. Once the plane lands...nothing, same ol' same ol' until next year. To get the most value out of Convention, one must work to create value for the LMSC (and by extension its members) that sent you. Just sayin'....
Paul - you will find there are many areas to volunteer in your LMSC, and different levels of involvement. Even with kids and a demanding full time job, you can make a modest commitment - but be making a huge contribution.
Michelle makes an excellent point, if everybody at all levels of USMS did a little bit, our organization would improve MASSIVELY. There is so much talent out there because the membership profile of the average masters swimmer is off the charts. We don't necessarily need heroic accomplishments by a few people, what masters swimming needs is the latent talent and passion of its current members. What will take us to the next level is increased grass-roots involvement and work on the local level. Convention can help this by sharing knowledge between leaders and getting people talking. Amazing things happen when this takes place.
