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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1993-01-20, Page 18CARDIFF & MULVEY REAL ESTATE & INSURANCE LTD. P.O. Box 69, Brussels, Ont. NOG 1 HO Office (519) 887-6100 Fax (519) 887-6109 PROVIDING COMPLETE PROTECTION AND SECURITY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND BUSINESS. FINANCIAL q RRSP's 7 3/4% q RRIF's 7 3/4% O Investment Funds q GIC's Learn the difference between working for money and having money work for you!! Keith Mulvey Doug Shold ice 887-9083 887-9820 Going! Going! Gone! By Robert Hunking Are the Huron County Junior Farmers "Going! Going! Gone?" Unfortunately that is what appears to be happening. I may be wrong and this negative attitude may be one of the reasons for the demise of this organization. I don't like to be proven wrong but this is one time I would be happy to be. As organizations are being reborn in Niagara, York and Essex Counties, we seem to be going the opposite way in Huron. You may ask "Where am I coming from?" Look at our present membership, 39 members in two clubs. Of those 39 members, 11 will not be officially returning in 1993. Of those 11 not officially returning five hold eight of the 11 executive positions; 13 if you include the committee chairpersons. Ten members, on and off, regularly attend county meetings, six of them are of the 11. Can a County Executive be formed for 1993, let alone two club executives? Have the Executives failed to meet the challenge? Is Junior Farmers out of sync? Are we cliquish? Are there not the potential members out there? Have we failed to find these potential members? Have we been slack in the promotion of Junior Farmers? Are there too many other things competing with out time and potential members' time? I think we agree that it is a combination of all these questions which has created this problem. Unfortunately I think some of us have avoided the problem, thinking "it is not my duty", or failed to open our eyes or have hope for a miracle in the resurgence of the Huron County Junior Farmers. I don't want to create a mass exodus of present and or potential members from participating in Junior Farmers because who wants to stay on a sinking ship? Declining membership has affected the whole province. Membership peaked in the early 80's at over 8,000 but has fallen to just under 2,000 presently. The concern is, who is going to carry on? How are we going to carry on? Joining Junior Farmers is not a scary proposition and holding an executive position is not that hard? I mentioned the 11 not officially returning; they are all willing to help, advise, participate or do whatever is necessary to keep things going, but not in an official capacity unless we fudge some birth dates. This fudging will only possibly delay the need for fresh blood and the problem will only be confronted again the next year. What do we need to rebuild the Huron County Junior Farmers? Are more bowling nights, volleyball and broombail tournaments needed? Do our Junior Farmer dances need to be brought back? Do those one or two 'attractive' members need to be found to draw in all those members? Can the negative be made positive? Does the 'official' Junior Farmers need to be lessened? Junior Farmers in Huron County has a long and illustrious history. The need to carry on is evident in what members have gained from Junior Farmers and what they can gain. Going! Going! ? Prove me wrong! *WHEEL DRIVE They're not hip or modem, They no longer fit your prescription. fancy or fashionable. Or your style. But for one person living in a developing country, these used eyeglasses will put the world in focus. Maybe for the very first time. Don't throw away someone's chance for a clearer tomorrow. Donate your used eyeglasses. Drop off glasses at Brussels Village Market '24,995. mazoa MEW MOTORS LTD n SALES • SERVICE • PARTS • LEASING 300 SUNCOAST DRIVE, EAST, GODERICH 1-800-267-7567/524-2113 OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 TO 6/SATURDAY 9-4/EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1993. Declining membership threatens Junior Farmers By Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot A centuries—old organization for rural youth seems to be fading into history. Junior Farmers, a group promot- ing self-help and community better- ment for 15 to 30-year-olds, is facing a membership crisis which could mean the end of its existence in Huron County. The once-thriving organization was comprised of five clubs in the county. But in past years, the How- ick club folded and the South Huron, Seaforth and Clinton clubs amalgamated into a Central Huron Club, leaving only two county clubs. The continual membership decline has now forced the West Huron club to fold, leaving the Central Huron club and those mem- bers from West Huron who remain to form the new Huron County Junior Farmers. Membership, once exceeding 200, is now below 30. "Can this structure survive?" asks Robert Hunking of RR 1, Auburn, the club's public relations coordina- tor. He fears for the existence of the club, a club he believes has much to offer young people. "I believe there's something for everybody who is interested," he says. Junior Farmers' activities include sporting events such as broomball and slowpitch tournaments, cultural events such as square-dancing and plays, and workshops to improve communication and public speak- ing skills. The club also benefits the community through betterment projects like blood donor clinics and fundraisers. "Junior Farmers do a lot of good work," says Meg Penstone, a rural organization specialist with OMAF in Clinton. Yet despite this, numbers contin- ue to decline. Mr. Hunking believes it may be because young people are so busy these days. "Everyone is involved in other activities and now, many young people work leaving even less time," he says. The big problem facing the Huron County Club is attracting the younger members. According to president Ross McIntosh of RR 4, Seaforth, a large chunk of member- ship is approaching the organiza-1 tion's age limit of 30 years and as such, will no longer be eligible to join the club. "There's been talk at the provin- cial level about extending the age but it was always voted down because we figured it would be harder to get new members if the old members hung around," he says. The challenge is attracting the younger members who will prevent the club from stagnating. Mr. McIntosh, himself fast approaching the age cut-off, says. it's the club's goal this year to recruit young, new members. "If we don't get younger mem- bers, I'm afraid the club won't sur- vive," he says. So why fight to keep hold of a club when there is so little interest? Because its an organization for its members, by its members says Mr. Hunking. "We have no set programs to adhere to so what the members want is what the organization does," he says. As well, its a great way to meet new people and see new places, By Mrs. Jane Muegge Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food Leadership in Action (L.I.A.) is a dynamic, hands-on conference for active members of rural organizations. This four-day program is being held from March 2 - 5 at Cedar Glenn Conference Centre, Bolton. 64 • . • • with more work to do than ever, but fewer volunteers and less money to do it with, the ideas and skills I'll be going home with will be just what we need ...." These are just some of the comments of past participants who say that Leadership in Action has something to offer to many different people. It is open to members of rural organizations who are enthusiastic and willing to develop new leadership skills. Sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food (OMAF), Leadership in Action is in its fifth year of operation, helping to build strong leadership in the rural community. The price is $200 which includes meals, facilities, training and resources. Although there is no age restriction, L.I.A. is recommended -adds Mr. McIntosh. "It's a great way to socialize and meet new friends in other areas," he says. For now, its present members will continue to enjoy this social- ization. This year at least, the club has an executive and is continuing with planned activities such as their annual Rural Leadership Awards banquet on Jan. 23. They're continuing their affilia- tion with the provincial organiza- tion which has declined from approximately 8,000 members in the early 1980's to just under 2,000 presently. Next year, who knows? for those who are 'young at heart'! So if you are interested in being part of Leadership in Action '92, please contact your local OMAF office for more information. 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