clan associations

[CameronCat]

So did you volunteer to help them man the tent at the games? Why not get your money's worth by being the fourth person at the tent?

Hmmm. Guess I should have seen that one coming!

But no, for a number of reasons.

Primarily, we've just joined the clan ***'n. last fall and so had no prior reason to wade in other than a brief hello at the tent.

Also, with one exception, the games and events they attend are widely scattered up and down the East coast and would require a time and mileage commitment that I'm not sure I care to invest. Games and heritage festivals are fun to attend, but they are not "my life." If I have to face a long drive there are other things I would rather find at the end of it.

Additionally, our local Games have recently fallen on weekends that conflict with something else we do regularly. I have sometimes tried to split the attendance (one event on Sat, the other on Sun.) but that's not always possible and thus would prevent guaranteed attendance in the clan tent.


Peace
JT

[Eric Schutte]

Hello all,

Don't let the german name fool ya, I am MacVey (Sept of the clan Maclean) on my birth father's side and Hargis on my birth mother's side. I have joined the Pacific Northwest Clan Maclean Assoc. and am going to be helping out at the Clan MacLean tent this year at the Spokane Highland Games.

Eric Schutte

[SteveB]

There is always an opportunity to help out at a clan tent or meeting by simply being there.
I am a member of the Clan MacNeil Association of America. At the last AGM I had the chance to help with the refreshments for the meeting. While at the games, I held down the tent so that the covener could have a chance to take in some of the games. That hour and a half of being basically off my feet and answering questions about the clan, Scot history, Highland attire, and the heavy athletics was kind of fun. (The tent has some handy reference material for the questions that you know not the answers.) My feet felt better, and I got in some time on the practice chanter as well. I have offered CSCunningham a set of earplugs for this year's games, as his tent was across from us.

I still got to meet many people and take in the activities of the games. The few hours spent sharing and celebrating my clan's heritage at the tent was well worth it.

Slainte,
Steve

[budd4766]

I tried the clan membership thing once. Paid the dues, got two newsletters, then was told I had to pay up again next time I visited the clan tent. That, plus a not-so-warm reception by one of my clans "officers" didn't sit too well with me.

I'm sure not all clans are like that, but my experience didn't exactly encourage me to keep paying the dues. I'll still stop by the tent when I can, but that's about as far as I go clan-wise.

[macwilkin]

I tried the clan membership thing once. Paid the dues, got two newsletters, then was told I had to pay up again next time I visited the clan tent. That, plus a not-so-warm reception by one of my clans "officers" didn't sit too well with me.

I'm sure not all clans are like that, but my experience didn't exactly encourage me to keep paying the dues. I'll still stop by the tent when I can, but that's about as far as I go clan-wise.

Did you offer to help man a tent at the games? Write an article for the newsletter?

While I sympathize that you feel slighted, and your clan officers probably should be a bit more proactive in terms of asking folks for their time and talents, remember that you also to make the offer. Most clan society officers are elated when a new member says, "What can I do to help?" I know there are some out there that do not live up to this, but the majority of clan and Scottish societies here in the US are always on the lookout for "fresh fish".

T.

[JockInSkye]

Clans are a relic of the distant past to me.

[Urchurdan]

Clans are a relic of the distant past to me.

I know they are to many people Jock, but certainly in my own case, it lead me into finding long lost relatives, and also into making great friends all across the world, it is a magic thing in my life having this extended family in it.

I look forward to our Clan Gatherings, when we can all get together - however, I do realise it's not for everyone.

[BoldHighlander]

I know they are to many people Jock, but certainly in my own case, it lead me into finding long lost relatives, and also into making great friends all across the world, it is a magic thing in my life having this extended family in it.

Well said sir!

[Jock Scot]

Clans are a relic of the distant past to me.

Spoken like a true student!

I wonder if you will be saying the same thing in 40 years time? The fact that you are member on this web site says you won't!

[Mipi]

I'm just kilt lover. Celts were in my part of the world in 5., 4. and 3. century BC (as much as I know), so no reason at all to be a clan member.

Mipi