Re: TWL: Support Your Local (US) Power Squadron
Susan & others,
I'm sorry for such an obvious reply, but if there's a perception i) that
the USPS consists of old fogeys who like to dress up and don't know how to
use modern technology properly, but ii) that the underlying work, or
potential, is important, then ... JOIN! If you're young, energetic,
enthusiastic (willing to listen as well as to speak), then get involved!
Make a difference!
In Canada, the courses have been redesigned. Some controversy over that,
of course, but it was in some part because of suggestions from the
membership. (I wrote in with ideas, for example, and received a very nice
personal reply from the National Training Director.) I do see the uniforms
broken out by the Executive for special occasions, but not often! Is there
a good balance of practical vs. theoretical boating knowledge taught in all
the courses? No, I agree not (vested interest, however) - and yet much of
the practical knowledge I've learned has been from people I met through the
CPS.
I know that many of us are very busy. Sometimes that leaves retirees doing
the bulk of the work, and yes they tend to be older. (Shame on them for
surviving so long!) Many of them would love younger blood in the mix, and
the odd one might even still be open to new ideas.
I have to say, also, that our local executive made the unusual decision to
proceed with some of its wide array of courses this Fall despite some very
low numbers (I'm in an AP class of two!), because they could afford it and
they believed in it. When my turn at decision-making rolls around
(retirement?), I'll try to remember that. And in the meantime, it's
increased my loyalty, and here I am promoting the Power Squadron.
Recap: even if all you can make time for is to suggest new ideas to the
hierarchy (politely, diplomatically), then that's still getting involved,
and it may bear fruit. Go for it!
Charles
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Date: Wed, 12 Dec 2001 12:22:55 -0500
From: "Starfish Design" bailey@cape.com
Subject: TWL: Re: Support Your Local (US) Power Squadron
Both my husband and I are new Power Squadron members... in our area they
don't offer many other classes... not much happens here with them, a few
formal meetings and a once a year dinner. A lot of the members are older
and... by far too serious...
I think they need they need to lighten up and join the 21st century. I wish
it was a more together group.
Susan Sheehan
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Charles T. Low, author of Boat Docking
ctlow@boatdocking.com
www.boatdocking.com
www.ctlow.ca/Trojan26
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