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
I have never had any interest in being involved in USMS politics and have avoided it for 20 years
What Convention is useful for though is to get a sense of where the organization is going. This can affect your team/club/LMSC and as a leader, one should be aware of what's going on at the National level.
That said, my focus is on my LMSC and the myriad of challenges that we face. My opinion is that leaders should focus on their LMSC first and get them in good shape before spending time on National-level issues. That said, one can learn a lot from successful LMSCs at Convention and apply those locally.
It is a mixed bag for sure. As with any organization there are egos, politics, and pettiness. However, there are also some great people who bring great ideas and experience to the event. Remember that any organization is comprised of human beings, who are flawed creatures by nature. Take the good with the bad and roll with it, that is reality IMHO.
Hey Paul, go for it, I hope to see you there. Last year one of the first people I saw was Mark Gill with beer in hand (he claims he was in charge of the hospitality room).
Check out the convention info page to see what you'd be getting into
www.usms.org/.../
As far as getting involved at the local level, I notice that Jeff Roddin sure wears a lot of hats in your LMSC, I'm sure he would appreciate your willingness to help. (Just don't believe him when he tells you how easy the Registrar's job is...)
(Just don't believe him when he tells you how easy the Registrar's job is...)
I was in the military. When someone say's 'this is an easy job' I duck and cover.
Hey Paul, go for it, I hope to see you there. Last year one of the first people I saw was Mark Gill with beer in hand (he claims he was in charge of the hospitality room).
HA, that would be Victor Bueller (sp?) and he is the Master of the Hospitality Suite. Since Hotlanta is close to FL, I think this year's Hospitality Suite will be one for the ages.
Hint, go there to grab a bite to eat in between sessions. You will get some good food and it is complimentary. There is nothing like a good ham sandwich and a cold beer after 90 minutes of meetings...
BTW, Hospitality is a good place to chat with your newfound friends. The networking is good and you learn a lot there from your fellow delegates. And after the alcohol flows, the conversations get even better.
You will have a good time...
I just ran the numbers and it doesn't look good. I was really excited about attending but apparently reality has set in. I just can't swing the $1000 it will cost and the three days off from work. :cry: :cry: :cry:
Just have to get involved in the PV LMSC and see what happens next year.
I have never had any interest in being involved in USMS politics and have avoided it for 20 yearsI have no interest in getting involved in USMS politics, either. However, I am intensely interested in giving back to the sport that has meant so much to me and my family. And while I have had my moments, I am truly thankful and blessed to have been able to volunteer my support to this great organization at the club, local and national levels for over 25 years.
Oh and I'll be celebrating my birthday there ... :party2:Me too and I think it's on the same day:bouncing: I'll see if I can get our House of Delegates to sing Happy Birthday to you.
Paul,
Did you know that you are a namesake of an Olympic swimmer? I learned to swim Butterfly (in 1966) from Paul Wolf, a member of the 1936 team in Berlin.
I have no interest in getting involved in USMS politics, either. However, I am intensely interested in giving back to the sport that has meant so much to me and my family. And while I have had my moments, I am truly thankful and blessed to have been able to volunteer my support to this great organization at the club, local and national levels for over 25 years.
Rob - thanks for your response!
Ande - as a frequent user of the forums, contributor, and self-proclaimed "hero" to the sport - don't you want to be a little more supportive of the organization? isn't it possible for you to rise above the "riff-raff"?
