I value my time – my retired or free time. I know it isn’t included in the National GDP but I include it in my personal GDP. Where the “D“ stands for domicile.

I could be busy volunteering 8 hours a day or more, 7 days a week. There is a big need out there and I want to contribute. But I value my time.

So, I don’t just jump in at the next worthy opportunity. It needs to be a good fit for me. I won’t go into what that fit looks like for me. That’s another whole Blog.

Most organizations I’ve volunteered for are registered not-for-profits and have legal expectations around reporting, annual filings and the keeping of financial and other records. Some are accredited regularly.

Today, I want to give a shout out to SASA, formally known as the St. Albert Seniors Association, who provide the bandwidth that gets my Blog to you every Friday.

This amazing team of staff and volunteers have had a very hard and stressful time. After “Safety First”, what then. How do we help others?

Funding is always an issue. It is the most important and the least important aspect of the organization, at the same time.

The SASA web page was quickly redesigned several times to stay relevant in these quicksand times. The featured pictures at the top show the building, with a couple of rotating pictures of program activities.

A Covid-19 Update of the changes to SASA’s services is an essential and prominent feature. Followed by the current and previous Blogs.

So, this brings me to the upcoming AGM on July 31, 2020. Such events come in a wide range of colours and sizes I could say. I will be attending – not on your behalf, but as a citizen in the community who values the benefits provided by SASA and want to see it continue to thrive. I’ve seen organizations with a strong and engaged membership of folks who plunked down the $50 annual fee, keep their focus relevant and efficient.

I know many AGMs go on for too long. Some are boring in part but democracy is messy and transparency is messier.

This year SASA will be holding its AGM via ZOOM. If you have never used Zoom or are intimidated, ask one of the children or young adults in your life to help. They will be thrilled and amazed.

Here’s my ASK:
a. Please buy a membership in SASA because:
b. You live in or around St. Albert and value SASA’s presence,

AND / OR

c. You have come to enjoy The Blog and membership will help to support them.

OR

2. Please buy a membership in a registered not for profit near your home as a way to support them.

AND

3. Attend SASA’s Annual General Meeting on July 31, 2020, at 10:30 AM

> Call the main number, 780-459-0433, and let them know you want to buy an annual membership. (If you buy today, Friday, July 10, before they close, you’ll be eligible to attend the Zoom based AGM.
> If you are an eligible member, you’ll receive an email with the link, password, etc. to join the meeting.

Keep in mind, a favourite bumper sticker of mine – Say Yes More Often.

My thanks to St. Albert Seniors Association: 780-459-0433 for making this Blog possible.

Glenn Walmsley
Volunteer