We are entertaining changing the structure of the Mississauga Camera Club for many reasons. The changes empower the operational committees to run their aspect of the Club and frees up the Executive to tackle broader issues for the success and sustainability of our organization.

A lot of thought and evaluation has gone into developing a new structure, but that’s just the beginning. The key to the success of our Club is member involvement.

Let’s look at the evolutionary life of a member. I call it LISTEN, SHARE, GIVE.

Why do people join a camera Club? Simply put it is to expand their knowledge and experience of photography, to build connections and social contact with other like-minded people and to increase their personal enjoyment of their photography hobby.

LISTEN

The role of new members is to soak up as much as possible. The Club offers an oasis of expert content through workshops, presentations, competitions and outings. But just listening has limitations. If you want to shape the content to your specific challenges then you have to start interacting with your fellow Club members. Whether it’s over coffee or in a group discussion, you will find yourself drawn further into the Club by talking to members.

SHARE

Camera Club members are generous in sharing their expertise. They have all learned first-hand that the value of their Club experience grows significantly when you interact with the right people. Interaction is a two-way street. Every conversation goes back and forth, so by participating in a conversation you open the door for sharing your own viewpoint and even your expertise. Everyone has something of value to say.

GIVE

For me the real Club experience happens when you commit yourself to making the Club work better. This involves joining a committee and putting in the effort to contribute to the success of the Club. The Club meetings, competitions, workshops and outings happen because members step in and give back to the Club. These volunteers are the winners in the Club. They are the people who develop in-depth relationships with like-minded photographers, they are the people who learn new skills they have never used in their professional or social lives and they are the people who continually grow their love and knowledge of photography.

It’s OK to just LISTEN, but it will only give you a slice of what the club really has to offer. You will quickly get bored with eavesdropping on other peoples’ conversations. It’s OK to join conversations and SHARE your viewpoint, but your opportunity for learning will be shaped by the goals of others. The full reward of your Club membership comes when you join a committee, make a significant contribution and GIVE back to your peers. That’s when the real fun and learning happens.

Marcus Miller

President