VOLUNTEERING

by LOU BRUNO

     In Chemistry, “Critical Mass” refers to the minimal amount of material needed to sustain a reaction. “Critical Mass” to the video business world is having at least the minimum amount of resources needed to carry an idea into an application. For the LONG ISLAND VIDEO ASSOCIATION, “Critical Mass” is having enough people participating in running LIVA to keep the ASSOCIATION going. We are testing the point of LIVA'S “Critical Mass” in regards to volunteerism.

          Over the past few years a number of the LIVA BOARD positions have either been staffed by the same people or have almost gone unfilled. A number of our fellow members have moved ON or for a variety of personal reasons could not continue in present positions. Other members after lengthy service would have liked to hand the reigns to someone else but DID NOT or COULD NOT because no one else was stepping up.

          At times, meeting attendance has dropped, but LIVA membership has remained steady, the monthly call for members to fill future vacated spots or any form of volunteerism has not been heard. New members interested in having a role in running the LIVA are encouraged to step up. Our elections are coming up shortly. New ideas by new board members are always welcomed in any organization.

          The most immediate need of LIVA is outright volunteerism. Such monthly chores as the 50-50- raffle and counting ballots are often accomplished by the same volunteers. Other forms of volunteerism would be writing small articles on our new webpage in regards to video and marketing sales, technical matters etc. Helping the board with future topics is a good start as well as teaching methods in the field of video production. While nobody expects a member to give away "trade secrets", a well-balanced overall presentation of your choosing would be appreciated by the board and membership. Such topics as AUDIO, LIGHTING, INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES, CAMERA SETTINGS are just a very few examples.

          On a personal note, I have learned that in volunteering there is a requirement of making a sacrifice for the benefits of others and LIVA.

There are also many rewards in volunteering:

     Make important contacts with other videographers

LEARN and DEVELOP your own personal skills which carry over into business MEET PEOPLE of different abilities Gratitude from LIVA members......we all like a "pat on the back" at times :-0) Lastly, volunteering makes a difference in the an organization and sometime in a person's life and career.

          In closing, the old saying, "A CHAIN IS AS STRONG AS THE WEAKEST LINK" hold true in any organization. A volunteer is the chromium steel link in that chain. Please "STEP UP TO THE PLATE" and help our organization in any way you possibly can by assisting the board and our LIVA MEMBERSHIP.