One of my passions is working in my shop on everything from jewelry boxes to china buffets and even the occasional kitchen cabinet.. I have worked hard to develop many of my skills but one frustration has always been creating hand-cut dovetails.
Recently I had an opportunity to watch one of the Masters of the Craft demonstrate the process first hand. Our techniques were similar but the outcome was very different. Other than a couple of “short cuts” the only major difference appeared to be his saw.
I have bought a few good saws over time but the cost for this particular saw was closer to a car payment than a saw. But if I continued to do what I always had, with the same tools I owned – I was likely to get the same result. So I took a deep breath, made a leap of faith and bought the saw of a Master.
In a short time I was producing row after row of perfect saw kerfs and better joints. The outcome of years of frustration changed because of an investment – even if it felt like “too much money”.
I know that for many of our members the registration fee for the 2012 Convention has caused some sticker shock. And much like my saw experience the question has been “why does it cost so much?” I have posted a breakdown of the registration fee on the website for those that want to see the numbers. But like my saw, the issue is not the cost but rather, the issue is the value of the investment.
In past years we hosted conventions that wound up serving individuals who had the means and desire to celebrate and participate in Sertoma at a national level. Now, and in the future, conventions will be hosted to serve the greater good of the entire organization.
We have changed the convention to focus on club leadership development, providing tools and services that will make a difference at the community level. Our intent is to attract convention attendance by clubs or individuals who want to invest in their leadership.
Much like my new saw, we look at the investment in the Sertoma convention as an investment meant to provide a very different outcome from the past. But, can you afford it?
In my shop, I was working harder and not getting the results I needed, and in truth, beginning to think I should consider settling for less. I was not willing to settle for less and I believe that most Sertomans feel the same about their clubs and their service to the community. The convention is an opportunity to invest in new ideas, energy and support for the work of your club. It may require some sacrifice among the club and members. But, if this investment leads to new activities, more revenue and new people – how can you afford to miss it?
I know times are difficult and I know for Sertoma it seems like a lot of money. I also know that dozens of members are working hard to make this new convention something of new and real value.
Yes, this year’s convention registration is $125 more than last year’s. But the value of the education and training we have planned will create lasting value for you as a member and for your club. I hope you will see, as I do, that investing in the right tools can make all the difference.
Steven Murphy
Executive Director
Sertoma
I believe Steve is right on. If we want stronger clubs and we want to grow Sertoma, then we must all make an investment. There are many ways a club can start saving money to send their president elect to this convention. Put your thinking hats on and get busy. The information that invdividual brings back will pay dividends for many years to come.
By: Tim Hazel on October 12, 2011
at 8:24 am
thank you.
Minister T Burton
By: Tanya on October 18, 2011
at 10:40 pm
Clubs may be able to afford to send one officer to convention. That’s great if they can, but that leaves out the average member who cannot afford $400, not even including hotel. Those of us in Missouri in particular have been anxiously awaiting this special convention close to home, but very few of us will be able to afford to go. Having one person attend for your whole club and bringing back information to share is not the same as having members attend and be active participants in a national convention in person. If you want new members to become excited about the organization and become more involved in their club, attending convention is a great way to do that. I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the national convention just a few months after I joined, and it really helped me to understand more about Sertoma and gave me the chance to meet people outside my club and gain great ideas from them. I think it’s unfortunate that most members will miss out on such a great opportunity in 2012.
By: Lorraine Gardner on October 22, 2011
at 4:15 pm