Did you volunteer to help man a society tent at the local highland games? Write an article for the newsletter? Run for office?

You only get out of an organization what you put into it, Matty. As an officer in a clan society, I hear this kind of comment a lot, and I always respond: "What will you do to help then?"
At the time there were no Highland games close to where I was living and I really had nothing to offer the newsletter or the society leadership. However I do acknowledge you are correct. You get out of any organization what you are willing to contribute. No doubt at some time in the future I may pony up the $25.00 a year and be listed among the loyal followers. My point is regardless of any Society membership, I am and will always be:
MATTY ROSS of the clan ROSS
Member by Birthright not by subscription