Lockdown SWOT

As we move closer to the PMs vision of moving towards the broad sunlit uplands of an easing of lockdown restrictions, I find myself considering how I will spend my remaining future free time.

I have been a member of a number of organisations and held a variety of positions as have many of my friends.

My primary interest was Scouting, an association of which I was a member for over 50 years, and I was awarded the Silver Acorn for my services.

Some of my additional interests have been, or still are, as follows:

Bee keeping, Military History, Painting and drawing, Share Investments, Photography, Geocaching, Sailing, Neighbourhood watch, PROBUS Flying model aircraft. Writing poetry and Children’s stories, Literary competitions, Local history, Gaming and Travel.

The world pandemic has put pressures on all of these organisations which have responded in different ways. However, a common response across the world has been the increase in the use of technology. This is true of clubs as well as businesses. This has been a challenge for all with the loss of face-to-face contact and nonverbal communication such as body language and eye contact. This has caused me particular problems recently that reflects on me rather than others. Zoom has been on the rise to replace club and business meetings and working from home for many is possible. Face time and messenger and emails have been particularly useful in maintaining contact with family and friends.

With a background as a telecom engineer and a personal interest in the use of IT I felt I needed to retire as the secretary of one organisation when, as club secretary, I was told by the incoming chairman and vice chairman that there was more to the club than computers. Perhaps they had overlooked the irony that their opportunity to front up the club and wear the chain of office very much depended on the advantages of using modern technology! Perhaps the overriding reason however was a personality conflict between me, and the two officers concerned. I had reluctantly taken on the role a year earlier and agreed to continue for a further year having got to grips with the work involved.  During early lockdown I had tried to deliver some sort of service to members by social media but no doubt because of the age profile and lack of IT literacy amongst members this was unsuccessful.

 

The timing of restoration of normal service will be a difficult decision for all clubs and businesses depending on circumstances. Some clubs have become effectively dormant and despite all members having email contact have decided to keep communication with ordinary members to an absolute minimum and pay other clubs to deliver some basic services.

No doubt members of all clubs across the world are now considering their options. These will be affected by members changing interests, the lockdown service they have had from their own clubs and the services and potential new friendships offered by a change of direction.

Maybe now is the time for Club Chairman and committees to consider how they stand in this regard and safeguard and plan for the future interests of current and new members?