Some days there are people stuffing envelopes, some days a meeting going on, some days Betty and Gary are being interviewed in person or over the phone by a newspaper, or students from the high school doing an environmental project. The energy ebbs and flows, and the issues ebb and flow. Through it all Betty keeps track of everything with a smile on her face, and Gary is there in his back room updating the mailing list, sending or receiving a fax, or writing an article or press release on the computer. Those two guys work hard on behalf of all of us, and we've all come depend on them.
About a year ago, after Betty and Gary had worked as volunteers for years, the Board decided to start paying them a minimal income for managing the MEC. And so, for the Board, that became a bottom-line expense, with all other expenses having to adjust to it. They deserve it.
But it definitely has puts a strain on MEC finances. Are we lucky to have an Environmental Center, or what? Are we lucky to have the talents of Betty and Gary, or what?
Well, to keep the MEC going with Betty and Gary managing it, we need and depend on your financial help. Nobody likes to get hit up for money, especially these days, right? But... think what we get, even when we're too busy.
So, please, find a new member, and/or continue with your financial help. Give what you can. The MEC represents what community involvement can be and can accomplish.
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
Permission granted to excerpt or use this article if source is cited