Authors: Dianne & Greg Hewitt-Long – TableTop Networking

You’re more than “just a volunteer” – you’re one of our Chapter Team Members!

It has come to our attend that we have been using the term ‘volunteer’ in our organization for the past five years. This has led to some of the people that help us run our events in each of the chapters might feel undervalued. Recently we have heard comments like “I am just a volunteer” or perhaps feeling as though they are ‘doing us a favor’ by providing their time to our organization.

We would like to make it very clear that each of the individuals on our chapter teams are respected and we value their knowledge and expertise in what they offer to the chapter each month. Our team members have always been integral to our success, offering their time and effort in exchange for several ways that we provide marketing and entry to our events. Therefore, we believe our relationship is more accurately described as a barter or trade opportunity. It has always been extremely important that each of our TEAM MEMBERS understand the value and regard we have for each one of them. We will continue to provide marketing and event entry in exchange for a small amount of time performing roles that facilitate the smooth running of our monthly networking events.

After researching the term ‘barter’ and its legal implications, we understand that under current IRS rules, we can exchange up to $600 worth of services per person, per year. This aligns well with the roles and trades currently performed by our non-paid team members.

As a result, over the next few weeks, completing by the end of the year, we will be revising our team member role descriptions to replace the term ‘volunteer’ with ‘team member.’ We believe this more accurately reflects the relationship and respect between our team members and the TableTop Networking organization.

We sincerely appreciate your continued support and participation. We believe that changing our terminology does not significantly alter the role and exchange between us. If you are interested in joining one of our chapters as a Team Member or if you have any questions about these changes, please feel free to contact Dianne or Greg at 970-587-7878.

Conclusion:

Our team members are often hand-selected to join our Chapter Teams because they are exceptional individuals with much to offer. Their professional expertise in the duties they perform for the chapter is a result of a long-standing relationship they have with the business members of the TTN chapter community. We clearly outline what we can offer them in exchange for their role in helping the chapter or the events run smoothly. In some cases, people have stepped up and offered to help, and we explain how each of these individuals can receive something in return for their assistance. We don’t have “just volunteers” – we have Chapter Team Members! 🤝✨