The Meaning of Membership

by Bill Roberge

What does membership in an organization mean? I went to the dictionary and looked it up. The explanation didn’t reflect or explain why I am a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. So, I will give you my meaning of membership. To be with people who demand freedom and are willing to fight for it. To be with people who accept me as I am.

Betty and I were accepted into ABATE from Day 1 at our first regional meeting, which we attended many years ago. That is so important to a new member. We all get busy at our meetings and it is easy to overlook the new person. Make an effort to reach out. If you get lucky, you may have just found your replacement.

I believe as a member, you have some responsibilities to the organization you belong to. The first responsibility is to keep your dues up to date. That’s the easy one. If you find yourself on hard times don’t just fade away, we need and want you with us.

Learn as much about our organization as you can. The more you know, the better member you will be. Treat all members with respect. You may not always agree on things, but remember at the end of the day, we all have the same goal.

Don’t just accept rumors as truth. Go to your officers and find out what the facts are. Many times, when a story goes from one person to the next, it changes.

Attend meetings and participate in events. We have many things going on in our lives but be honest with yourself, you know you could make a meeting or event now and then. You can support ABATE is many different ways. I can’t tell you how important it is to just show up.

Well that’s part of why I am a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. What does your membership mean to you? Now that you have thought about your membership, I hope you feel as I do, that we are a part of something special. It’s time to tell others what they are missing out on by not being a member of ABATE of Wisconsin. It’s your job to find new members. I can’t do it alone.

Bill