WHEN THE SITUATION SEEMS HOPELESS

Upwards of a dozen California MOAA chapters are going through difficult times.

Look at the latest Give Me 10! new member recruitment numbers. Not impressive.

And yet more chapters report there are few if any members willing and able to accept director or officer roles. The small group of people sustaining the chapter, doing its work, burn out and just can’t continue.

Will the bottom drop out?

There Will Be Trouble
We are seeing so many social, economic, cultural, and other changes impacting the society that there are bound to be problems. Some chapter officers have been working very hard to inspire, create a motivating environment, offer great activities and programs, move the organization forward, and there seems to be so little progress. A common question–Why is this happening to us? Sometimes there’s just so much pain.

There Will Be Problems of Loss
When a chapter gets into trouble, works to overcome and fails, the road ahead can be a sad one. There is the admission of failure. Then the charter must be returned to MOAA–there is so much paperwork sometimes. And the records have to be disposed of properly. Interpersonal relationships are lost; the camaraderie is gone. The fun times, luncheon or dinner meetings, all come to a screeching halt. And the support system disappears; there is no longer the local safety net. There can be a lot of bitterness. And a lot to weep about.

Can there be any hope? Sure!

Rediscover the Chapter’s Purpose
MOAA officials, and specifically Col Lee Lange, USMC-Ret, Director, Council and Chapter Affairs, gives evidence that chapters choosing simply to operate a monthly luncheon or dinner club just aren’t successful over the long term. It’s important to do more. Members must become active serving the military community. Take a look at the chapter’s bylaws; study the purposes. Does the average chapter member even know why the chapter was established in the first place? Perhaps members have fallen short of mission accomplishment. Chapter leaders must focus on the purposes, communicate with the membership, inspire action.

One reaction is to quit. Give up. Turn in the charter. Move on. It will be a significant relief from pain and problems. And then grieve well. It’s the easy way out.

Another reaction is to set a new course. Set a new purpose(s). Strike out in new directions, beginning with words of commitment one member to the other. Motivation comes from loyalty to the group; faithfulness to the oath and obligations/duties; and to tenaciousness–holding together firmly, with persistence, and stubbornly fighting for planned change.

Recognize What’s Left, What the Chapter Still Has to Offer
In the face of discomfort and an uncertain future, make an inventory of assets–the people and material things. Members are known for talent, advanced education and training, and extensive and varied experiences. There might even be money in the bank. There is potential for creativity and innovation. Brainstorm! The ideas will come. Yes, it’s important to recognize the void, to deal with what might prove to be a temporary loss, to be joyful, and even consider the chapter and its members rich in some important ways.

Remember that Chapter Life is Seasonal
Consider the chapter’s history. Recognize and remember the ups and downs. One minute everything is going well and then the bottom drops out. There are challenges to be mastered. But then soon enought the situation changes, as there are always changes, there are new opportunities, and once again good news. One season doesn’t characterize the entire life of the chapter.

Chapter leaders can and must be agents of hope, encouraging others, always moving forward.

It was Winston Chruchill who said, “Never, never, never give up….” Or something like that.

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