Niki Anderson ~ Author & Speaker

Among my best memories are the friendships and opportunities gained by participation in organizations. It’s the expectations that give me pause. But there’s an app for that.

This series of blogs on balance has spoken to the problems of over-commitment. Today’s post answers the fourth in a list of justifications we offer for doing too much. Like previous excuses, the common reply to the question, "Why are you doing so much?" begins with “but.” Today’s re-BUT-tal sounds like this. “BUT my organizations expect participation!”

Organizations are a blessing and a bane. They multiply the power of one by the might of many—a blessing. They expect participation from their constituents—a bane, unless you keep your balance. But there’s an app for balance, and you won’t need a smartphone or a software program. You can stay happily involved in your organization instead of unhappily worn-out.

Organizations promote a cause or unite people who share a common interest. You love the cause, you need the network, so you connect. Suddenly you’re conscripted for projects, fundraisers, and supporting committees. More than you expected, your membership requires excessive commitment in a single arena—the org. Yet you commit, and then rebut, “BUT my organization expects its members to volunteer!”

Before you sign-up and pay your dues, let’s take a look at APP-lying balance to serving in your clubs and associations. Weigh these eight guidelines to make the most (or the least) of your memberships.

• Do you have the spare time? When considering all that an organization will offer, weigh it against the factor of time you’ll need to contribute what you'll give in return.
• If you join, uphold the core goals of the org or don’t be installed—which implies, some level of participation. Should we be surprised if the supper club expects us to bring supper?
• Choose projects within the organization that appeal to you. Voice your areas of interest. Enthusiasm for the way you’ll serve will inevitable inspire you to carve out time. (I always make it clear that I’ll wash windows before I’ll make phone calls.)
• Practice pronouncing the responsible word “no.” Review your schedule before you raise your hand. After thoughtful consideration, you can always say “yes” before the enlistment time ends. 
• If illness or other life changes affect your availability, formally move your status to inactive. You’ll be stating in a professional manner that you love the group, support its mission, but must remain inactive for a stretch of time.
• Try out a group for a year if you’re unsure, but promise yourself you’ll make the break if it simply clutters your life or diverts you from your primary callings. Some memberships are beneficial only for a season. Joining is not a marriage, so refuse the false guilt of severing, or of switching to a different group.
• Don’t pickup the slack—habitually. God came to our rescue. We too should do so occasionally by volunteering when there’s a shortfall of helpers. But if the club’s ambitions constantly exceed its capacity to fulfill the activities it proposes, the burden of over-commitment will fall on a everyone.
• Recognize your need to withdraw from a membership. I once quit a hobby group when the leaders turned to current political candidates and non-hobbyists for monthly speakers. I chose instead to stay home and…yes, do my hobby.

Previous blogs confronted three other defenses we raise for over-commitment. Click the title from the list in the left margin under "Recent Blog Entries."

1) Heavy Load: “BUT I’ve already cut out a lot of things.”

2) The Sound of Hoofbeats: “I do only what’s necessary, BUT I’m still overrun!”

3) Copycats: “BUT I ought to be able to do as much as others do.”

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