In Bounds
By Jack MacKenzie, CGCS
North Oaks Golf Club

July 2005

My Pro is fond of posting this quote in the locker rooms in plain view of the members: "The events at your club just wouldn't be the same without you!" It is just a subtle reminder for the membership to participate in their club, because without their camraderie there would be no association at all.
The same holds true for our group, the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association. Without the concerted effort of the membership in the form of a Board of Directors, our professional organization would fall apart. Unfortunately the bulk of the work to keep the alliance moving forward is done by a small percentage of the affiliates. In my mind there are several reasons, and it is not because we are limited in our combined talents.
We have all heard the excuses, "the Board… It's a Good Old Boys Club, What is in it for me and I don't have the time."
I say "B" as in "B" and "S" as in "S"! Lets take a step back and analyze these responses.

It's just a Good Old Boy's (not to forget, metro and private) Club. Come on, just look at the breakdown of your representatives. Fifty percent are from outside the metropolitan area. And, 50 percent are NOT private. Resort, public, municipal and private clubs are represented at the board level. Even the budgets of the clubs reflect a broad diversity. Annually every effort is made to maintain representation from across the state to reflect the needs of all of the members.

However, to be a viable Board, the Directors must be able to attend a bulk of the eight meetings held during the year and participate upon several committees. This takes a huge commitment and every effort is made to hold the meetings at a variety of locations in our state. Typically they are held in conjunction with the golf outings, or in the cities during the "off season" because of its central location.

What is in it for me?

Well, to be honest, not much if this is your attitude regarding voluntary, nonprofit organizations. For member-driven associations such as ours to move forward we must have the support and participation of the membership, and the more activity, the better. Case and point, last year we had a record number of member-generated articles in our Hole Notes publication. Every article had timely information written by your peers about relevant issues. This year my solicitation efforts have been received half-heartedly. Thus the magazine has reprints and sometimes-obscure information. Color has made a big difference in the publication, but only when the content matches our readership will it again become spectacular.
And another thing, there is plenty of room on several committees for you to participate. Research, Arrangements, Legislative and Scholarship are always looking for volunteers. Step up to the plate and make a difference.

I just don't have any time. Again, BS. Make some time. There is a lot to be done during the off-season. Unfortunately the BOD isn't clairvoyant and can just pick individuals out of the directory to help. Each of you has a story to tell or information to share. Write an article, join a committee, help introduce a speaker at the State meeting. Get more out of your association by giving more of yourself.

In fact, your association has begun an informational campaign designed to educate and enlighten the association. Each month a new question will be asked the members via e-mail. The issue is typically timely and always topical. The responses are almost as simple as filling in a blank and will be posted in the latest issue of Hole Notes Magazine.

The idea is simple. How often has your GM, owner or BOD asked you what your peers are doing with regard to a specific procedure? And how would you like to respond back that you have tabulated information from 45 courses polled across the state. For example we posted an aerification question two weeks ago and were inundated with responses from border to border. Thanks to those who participated we have begun an informational data log to be used by the membership for the membership. This month our "Peer to Peer" request will center on winter preparation.
Of course the choice is yours whether you participate. It is sort of like voting. If you don't like the system,, take a stance and vote. And if you don't vote, don't bitch. In an association one must take an active role in the direction the group is going. Without the input how else is the Board supposed to know when they are doing right or wrong?

The next time you hear someone complain about the system, ask what he or she has done recently to create change. The silence could be deafening.