Get Out and VOTE
The sixteenth in a series of twenty-four

As I write this, it is hard to believe, but summer is over. The trees are changing from their usual green to a cavalcade of Earth tone colors. The aroma of burning wood is beginning to fill the air and a brisk wind blows the fallen leaves to and fro.

It is now November. I hope you are taking advantage of one of the unique aspects of the American way of life. That is, the opportunity to vote in the General Election. Here in DVMland, it is "primary" time. Although our election is not until next year, it is not too early to start thinking about this vital aspect of being a member of Delaware Valley Mensa (DVM).

The Nominating Committee is being established. It is the committee's responsibility to find candidates to fill the slate of Member at Large, Treasurer, and the ever-popular LocSec. We need a minimum of nine candidates to fill the compliment. However, it is better if we have more than the minimum required, since a contested race is always better for the membership. Therefore, I would like to encourage you to volunteer, either to be on the Nominating Committee, which helps find the candidates; the Election Committee, which runs the election; or as a candidate for office.

I understand. The dynamics of each of our lives are getting more complicated. There are more demands being made on each of us, coming from every direction. It is harder and harder to find the time for the things we want. So, why spend time and energy doing the business of an organization? This is a tough question to answer. However, let me give you my answer.

There are reasons why each of us joined DVM. For many of us, it is the one place where we have found other people like ourselves, people with whom we could relate and feel comfortable. For others, it is a place where we can exchange thoughts and ideas that the rest of our "community" just does not understand. For whatever reasons you joined, what is important is that DVM is important to you or you would not spend the $45/year (dues) to belong.

If we are going to belong, we want the chapter to meet our specific needs. There is no better way to guarantee that your wants and desires are heard and acted upon than to be a member of the board. In doing so, you help shape the organization and the direction it heads. There are those who want it to be nothing more than a place to socialize. Others believe that as an organization made up of the intelligent elite, we should foster and promote intelligent activities. Over the past year, scholarships, science awards, bowling, bar-bee-queuing and potluck parties have all come before the board for discussion. What is your passion? Let DVM help meet that need.

Being a member of the board is a good way to meet new and interesting people. I have become acquainted with some wonderful people that I really like that I would otherwise probably never would have met. It never hurts to have a network that is as wide as possible. Whether one is looking for a job or inviting people to a party, the more people we know the better.

For a number of years, DVM had been in a slow decline in membership, in activities and enthusiasm. During my time in office, DVM has rounded a corner and the trend now has been reversed. It has only happened due to the dedicated energy of each member of the Executive Committee. Each has my thanks and appreciation for a job well done. Some may choose to run again and continue this process. Others need a well-deserved rest. To fill the vacancies, we need people to volunteer to be candidates. We need Members at Large. We need a Treasurer. We already have one candidate for LocSec but additional candidates are encouraged. Please throw your hat in the ring and join the fun. Better yet, throw your hat in the ring and help make the fun.