journal features

concentrated volunteerism

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

Toronto, 2016.02.17

In the past few months, I've dropped three of the professional associations I'd belonged to. I was doing nothing for them, and because you get from things what you put in, they were doing nothing for me. That's left me with just SIRA, where I'm on the board, and the CMC (management consulting). I've now twice volunteered at the CMC, including the membership committee that will try to respond to the crisis/opportunity with the membership base in Eastern Canada that's in the process of retiring en masse.

I'm also planning to volunteer to stand for the board of Cycle Toronto. I've had some encouragement there from the current leadership.

I reckon it's better to actually get out and make a difference while learning a LOT in a small number of places, rather than barely have a presence in many.

rand()m quote

Naturally the common people don't want war: Neither in Russia, nor in England, nor for that matter in Germany. That is understood. But, after all, it is the leaders of the country who determine the policy and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the peacemakers for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in any country.

—Hermann Goering