Re: You can try...Yeah...But...
Dick, that's what those "circles" at our regionals and nationals ARE...local chapter friends or old judging buddies getting together to enjoy themselves to the exclusion of most everyone else.
It's not any different in ANY large social organization...even in a large church, the personal interaction dynamics are pretty much the same. I not telling others how to live their lives, but you have heard a couple of newer members describe the image this transmits. I have experienced it personally, so I know what they're saying is true (Sorry...there is no chapter closer to me than six hours).
I don't think these groups or "circles" have any intent to exclude others, but that is the way it works out. In fact, it's more likely the exact opposite is true...you've seen those wild kingdom shows where the water buffalo form a circle, butts in and heads out, for protection?...The only difference in our "circles" is the southsides are to the outside of the circle.
It's a darn serious problem that some bright, rising NCRS star needs to solve in my opinion. We don't need to even consider regulating member behaviour...we just have to come up with some way to encourage older members to meet and mentor newer members to make them feel part of this organization. Like I said, maybe a "Newbie Corral" at the hospitality suite for a start...just make sure the best food (Roast beef; other tables get cheese and crackers. ) and cheapest drinks are at that location...only rules are you have to eat it there; no take-out.
Other organizations endure this difficulty, or handle it more or less unsuccessfully. If we can solve it, we can forget about NCRS ever drying up and fading away because of disinterest.
Dick, that's what those "circles" at our regionals and nationals ARE...local chapter friends or old judging buddies getting together to enjoy themselves to the exclusion of most everyone else.
It's not any different in ANY large social organization...even in a large church, the personal interaction dynamics are pretty much the same. I not telling others how to live their lives, but you have heard a couple of newer members describe the image this transmits. I have experienced it personally, so I know what they're saying is true (Sorry...there is no chapter closer to me than six hours).
I don't think these groups or "circles" have any intent to exclude others, but that is the way it works out. In fact, it's more likely the exact opposite is true...you've seen those wild kingdom shows where the water buffalo form a circle, butts in and heads out, for protection?...The only difference in our "circles" is the southsides are to the outside of the circle.
It's a darn serious problem that some bright, rising NCRS star needs to solve in my opinion. We don't need to even consider regulating member behaviour...we just have to come up with some way to encourage older members to meet and mentor newer members to make them feel part of this organization. Like I said, maybe a "Newbie Corral" at the hospitality suite for a start...just make sure the best food (Roast beef; other tables get cheese and crackers. ) and cheapest drinks are at that location...only rules are you have to eat it there; no take-out.
Other organizations endure this difficulty, or handle it more or less unsuccessfully. If we can solve it, we can forget about NCRS ever drying up and fading away because of disinterest.
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