By Alex Schimke, Ag Committee Chair and Ag Lender at Stockman Bank
Why would I get involved? Why should I get involved? Oh, that’s for others…I don’t have the time…
I often ask myself why did I get involved? As a Father of two busy boys, a husband, working a busy 9-5, operating a ranch, and sitting on 3 different boards, I often question, “Do I have the time? Am I putting my priorities in the right spot?” Again and again, the answer to those questions are YES!!
Why would I get involved?
Why wouldn’t you? You’re in your career or career path for a reason. Your career/career path either interests you or you have a passion! No matter your job or industry, there is an association that stands behind it. No matter your passion, there is an organization that fights for it. No matter what may have affected you in some way (cancer, suicide, a disability), there is an organization that is fighting for your beliefs or something you may sympathize with. So why wouldn’t you get involved?
Oh, that’s for others…
Nope! It’s for you! It doesn’t matter what skill you may bring to the table; it doesn’t matter how much time you have to devote, what matters is you and showing up. No matter what, you may bring any organization/association that wants you there and needs you. A simple suggestion or a minor idea can change everything! But you can’t share it if you don’t show up.
I don’t have time…
BOLOGNA! Most organizations/associations meet for an hour once a month. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t be willing to take an hour to help change the course of whatever you may be passionate about? Think about it, that’s only two minutes a day… Most wait longer for their coffee every morning. I will tell you first hand it’s easy to find the time when you’re helping to move mountains for others.
If you’re a glass-half-empty person, you need to get involved. If you are a glass-half-full person, you need to get involved. And if you are a glass-overflowing person… Congratulations, I bet you are already involved.
Three years ago, I stepped into a leadership role with the Billings Chamber Ag Committee and have never regretted a minute of it. Yes, being involved with an association or nonprofit organization takes a commitment. Whether that commitment is time or finances, it is worth it, nonetheless. I have so many connections, have so many memories, have gained so much knowledge, all because a quiet guy in the back of the room showed up. Now I get to be the LION in the front of the room and wouldn’t trade a minute of it. The point of the story is SHOW UP!
