Clan Memberships

[St. Amish]

As an officer of a clan society, Clan Barclay International, I can tell you that they are very beneficial. But you will get out of it, exactly what you put in it. If all you do is pay the dues, then you will get you your periodic newsletter telling you the "going on's" of the society. You might even get a certificate and/or membership card. But if you participate and help out, you will meet many exciting new friends and have a chance to learn about the modern day clan structure.

Those are awfully broad statements. You may or may not get out of any organization what you put into it. Not every society is run as efficiently as yours.

I made a statement about two specific groups and how they operate in my part of the state. I do volunteer, I do pay dues, and I do participate in events in any way that I can.

I really don't like being told that I am either being dishonest, or that my experiences are invalid.

[HeathBar]

Those are awfully broad statements. You may or may not get out of any organization what you put into it. Not every society is run as efficiently as yours.

I made a statement about two specific groups and how they operate in my part of the state. I do volunteer, I do pay dues, and I do participate in events in any way that I can.

I really don't like being told that I am either being dishonest, or that my experiences are invalid.

I think we have a case where our posts were being typed around the same time. As I was not referring in any way to your original post. I'm sorry that you have had a bad experience with the Stewarts. I have friend who I think is in that society. I'll ask him if he has any contacts that might could help you out.

[St. Amish]

I think we have a case where our posts were being typed around the same time. As I was not referring in any way to your original post. I'm sorry that you have had a bad experience with the Stewarts. I have friend who I think is in that society. I'll ask him if he has any contacts that might could help you out.

Meanwhile, my original point is missed entirely.

Some groups have high participation. People who want to volunteer and attend events will be happy to be with groups such as these.

Some groups don't. There are people who are perfectly okay with sending their money off, and getting a newsletter periodically.

I am not upset with the CSSA. They just do things differently than I would have expected. I will continue to pay my dues, and read my newsletters.

When we go to events, though, we are looking for more of the Gunn experience, volunteering, eating, joking, and catching up with the group.

Two different products, two different groups. You will run into both types, and innumerable variants between.

I would do as much research on the group as you can before plunking down your fees.

[Duncanofcolorado]

Meanwhile, my original point is missed entirely.

Some groups have high participation. People who want to volunteer and attend events will be happy to be with groups such as these.

Some groups don't. There are people who are perfectly okay with sending their money off, and getting a newsletter periodically.

I am not upset with the CSSA. They just do things differently than I would have expected. I will continue to pay my dues, and read my newsletters.

When we go to events, though, we are looking for more of the Gunn experience, volunteering, eating, joking, and catching up with the group.

Two different products, two different groups. You will run into both types, and innumerable variants between.

I would do as much research on the group as you can before plunking down your fees.

This is sort of what I was looking for. Different experiences that folks have with these organizations. Thanks for all your feedback. I will be doing research via their web site before I commit my time and money to any group.
I would have expected them to have a person at the Festival instead of a table with a sign in sheet though. Not an auspicious start.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

I would have expected them to have a person at the Festival instead of a table with a sign in sheet though. Not an auspicious start.

I wouldn't be too hard on what is, after all, a voluntary society with no paid staff to run it. As far as someone not showing up at an event goes, sometimes life intervenes at the last moment (as happened to the Clan MacMillan tent at the Greenville Scottish Games in 2008), and sometimes the wrong people are tasked with the wrong jobs.

Since you are a member of your clan society, why not grab the bull by the horns, and set up a Clan Sutherland table right next to the Gunns at the next event you attend?

[Duncanofcolorado]

I wouldn't be too hard on what is, after all, a voluntary society with no paid staff to run it. As far as someone not showing up at an event goes, sometimes life intervenes at the last moment (as happened to the Clan MacMillan tent at the Greenville Scottish Games in 2008), and sometimes the wrong people are tasked with the wrong jobs. Since you are a member of your clan society, why not grab the bull by the horns, and set up a Clan Sutherland table right next to the Gunns at the next event you attend?

Point taken about the voluntary nature of it. Actually, during my 3 days at the festival I spent at least 2 hours by that folding table talking to others who came by. I even went so far as to stand behind the table making it look like I was the volunteer but after the 4th question I decided I wasn't of much help so I departed and left the folding table to fend for itself.

[Livingston]

Clan MacLea (Livingstone) Association is just starting up. Our dues, once we get the form posted, are $25/year. That will get you access to the Clan Association web site, a newsletter which we don't know the frequency of yet, an invitation to volunteer at games in your area from me, and who knows what else in the future. None of the officers are paid, in fact, money will be coming out of our pockets to get the association moving. I will end up purchasing or making the first set of banners for the clan tent and who knows what else. Others will bear the cost of software for the newsletter, needs of the secretary etc. All of us will be and have spent many hours working to get the society moving and to keep it moving. So, what you have to decide is... what is it worth to you? Look at your clan's web site and see what you "get" for your dues. Decide if you want to volunteer then decide if it is worth it to you.

BTW, look for us in August at Highlands Ranch and September at Estes Park. We will have a tent at each, also at Elizabeth in July.