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Volunteer & Outreach FAQ
- Why are there so many requests to volunteer and fundraise this summer? I pay dues every month; isn’t this enough?
- If it’s so expensive, why not just move to a more affordable space?
- I’m very busy. My family and I can’t help volunteer all the time. Does this mean we’re in “trouble”?
- OK, but MSMAP has a lot of things going on this summer; it seems like overkill. Why should I volunteer?
- This seems like a lot of work. Why not make it easier and do less work?
- OK, I’m told these activities are important. But, performing martial arts in front of people is scary. And, isn’t “showing off” bad martial arts?
Why are there so many requests to volunteer and fundraise this summer? I pay dues every month; isn’t this enough?
We wish. Currently, dues are not enough to cover all our costs. The reality is that all bills don’t change with the weather (i.e., rent), yet all bills must be paid to keep the doors open. And, this summer, with a vacant room next door at the moment and many families traveling for all or part of the summer, our current financial intake from dues and rent is less than ideal. Therefore, fundraising and outreach events are critical to offset these seasonal financial changes and encourage more families to participate in our program.
If it’s so expensive, why not just move to a more affordable space?
Good question. The answer is: It’ not that easy. The constant challenge when considering a training location (in addition to cost) is offering a safe place on days and at times that work well for families and adults.
We did not make the decision to stay in this building lightly. We’ve been in the nicest facility in town (Mount Shasta Wellness Center with heated floor, clean bathrooms/lockerrooms, plenty of parking), city park (clean floor, familiar location), and at the elementary school (clean floor, familiar and central location). However, at any of these locations, we had limited times on limited days (sometimes starting training at 7pm) and could be bumped from the schedule for special events, sometimes unexpectedly.
Yes, we have very specific, demanding requirements. But, until we can find a less expensive location with comparable schedule and floor space for our state-of-the-art mats, we need to stay at the Martial Arts Center of Mount Shasta and make it work for everyone.
I’m very busy. My family and I can’t help volunteer all the time. Does this mean we’re in “trouble”?
Absolutely not. MSMAP recognizes and understands that individuals and families have very busy lives with many responsibilities for work, education, play, friends, and family. Our hope is that individuals and families can help with fundraising and outreach when doing so fits into their schedule. Each contribution of collective time and effort is a big help towards the continued success of the program and benefit for all participants — children, teens, and adults.
OK, but MSMAP has a lot of things going on this summer; it seems like overkill. Why should I volunteer?
Let’s be very clear: MSMAP wants members to be enriched in some way both through volunteer efforts as well as training. Demonstrations are a great opportunity to refine attitude and skills, similar to a promotion exam, but hopefully much more fun. Fundraising events are a fun way to be a part of the community. Plus, participation in fundraising and outreach events has a direct positive effect towards improving the level and quality of our services while adhering to our core values — safety, education, and fun.
If MSMAP’s services are worthwhile, supporting MSMAP through fundraising and outreach events are hopefully also considered worthwhile.
This seems like a lot of work. Why not make it easier and do less work?
MSMAP can certainly take a different, easier approach and offer lesser services. However, MSMAP’s primary service is growth and self-improvement through martial arts training. There are no shortcuts to self-improvement, and it sometimes takes hard work.
MSMAP takes this responsibility seriously through action as well as word. Work and effort are necessary to constantly improve our core values — safety, education, and, especially, fun. Specific areas that benefit from all the fundraising and outreach efforts (and improve our quality of service) are the following:
• facility (rent, heat, etc.)
• equipment (floor, paddles, etc.)
• instruction (education, good manners, self-respect, etc.)
OK, I’m told these activities are important. But, performing martial arts in front of people is scary. And, isn’t “showing off” bad martial arts?
The only “bad” martial arts are those that leave out the lessons on good manners (see The Karate Kid movie for examples of bad martial arts). Since we emphasize good manners and respect, we are not showing off; we are examples of good citizens.
Martial arts is about recognizing that fear is a natural part of life. Dealing with fear effectively allows us to achieve BIG things! If demonstrations and fundraising are scary, then they offer a great opportunity to learn how to deal with fear, and ultimately, become better martial artists. Hopefully, this leads to becoming better citizens.
Demonstrations and fundraising help to keep a good thing going. With a little luck and continued support, this good thing eventually becomes a great thing.
