by Tom Lassiter, Membership Secretary
Members of HAL-PC are richly blessed with opportunities to enrich their computing knowledge base. They are likewise blessed with the opportunity to enrich their personal lives many times over by taking an active role in the world’s largest PC user group.
HAL-PC has so many activities going on each day of each month that it offers great opportunities to participate in whatever manner the member feels most comfortable and productive. Some people like to take a visible role and stand out front and take the credit (or blame) for things that are done. Others prefer a quieter presence and gain satisfaction from a job well done, without thought of personal recognition.
Whatever your desires, HAL-PC has functions and tasks that must be done by someone if the organization is to continue its growth and development. Why not pick one or more that suits your needs; and enjoy the thrill of seeing the effect your contribution of time and talent can make on the whole.
New members often say “Oh, I can’t help out at HAL-PC; I don’t know anything about computers.” Of course you don’t. That is why you joined - to learn. The more active you become the more you will learn. Just being around the offices and meetings, in any capacity, stimulates your computer skills. After all, that is what everyone around you is talking about. You’ll glean all kinds of knowledge just from casual conversations and questions.
Until you gain the knowledge that may make you more comfortable answering computer questions, consider an hour or two a week answering phones at the office. Or how about stuffing envelopes for mailings (amazing how much chat time that provides), transporting materials from the offices to the monthly meeting, signing up new members at those meetings, or some of the myriad other tasks that make us run.
Over my years with HAL-PC I have participated in many different roles – from manning booths at trade shows, to the membership table at the monthly meeting, to assisting with SIGs, teaching classes, and putting away chairs after special events. Every single time I left having met a new friend or acquaintance I did not know well before and a deep feeling that my presence made a difference to an organization that was making a difference in our community. You owe it to yourself to enjoy that feeling too. It is hard to beat.
Contact Michelle Annis, our Volunteer Coordinator (and a super volunteer herself), at (713) 993-3300 and let her help you find your special place at HAL-PC. Walk on in, the door is truly open.
Tom Lassiter may be reached at jamesl@hal-pc.org.
E-mail me at webmaster@hal-pc.org with any comments you have and tell me what you want to see here.