We’re all members. Of something. In fact we belong to so many things we hardly think about it. But what’s it mean to be a member? Or are you a freeloader?

Sometimes it’s involuntary, like being a member of humanity or a family. Sometimes it’s voluntary like being a member of an organization or a team or a community. Sometimes it seems to demand little of us. But if we are really to be a member it means we have some responsibilities. Otherwise our membership is simply drawing on or using the benefits that accrue to membership without contributing. We’re taking without giving. And there is something in our nature and culture that frowns on that behavior and attitude. In fact we have laws against that sometimes.

It seems that our society today is not as inclined to be a member unless we see it as very directly benefiting us individually. We’ll spend lots of money to belong to a gym or a health club, or a hobby or social activity, or even contribute generously to a church that fills a need for us. But when it gets a bit more abstract and removed or harder to see the direct benefits, we lose interest. When it involves the things we have around us every day that we are so used to and take for granted, we don’t think much about them, we don’t pay attention. Unless suddenly we lose them or are adversely affected personally. Then we do something – complain, or move away, or give up. Or maybe we take constructive action and fight for what we think is right.

But why wait until there is a problem? Why not find a way to prevent the problem in the first place? Why not fight to make things better? And why not start where you live? Why not get involved with your Rosemont community, either as a member or as a volunteer, or both?

By being involved we also set a higher standard and an example for our next generation. Our kids need to see responsible behavior modeled by parents and adults. What a learning opportunity we have when we tell and show our children that we care about our community by supporting it – by membership or by volunteering, or by both.

Joining or volunteering with RCA is easy. To join just fill in the form, and send it in with your small payment ($20 per year or $35 for two years). To volunteer just email RCA at info@rosemontca.org and tell us what you’d like to do.

So what are you waiting for? Act now and prove you are a responsible member of your community!