Rite Of Passage

The science of group dynamics, which includes membership psychology is useful here. The field studies the interaction between members of small groups and can be useful in helping to explain our different positions.

I would like to make a few observations regarding what I have seen written here in an effort to try to elicit some introspection among those that have mainly argued against the changes in membership that we have been discussing.

There are two types or categories of opinion that are apparent to me among the camp that is against the proposed changes; these are as follows: 1. passively opposed to change in membership levels, and 2. actively opposed to any changes in membership levels.

I have noticed that people in the first category, while not necessarily saying that the change is bad wonder if the change is necessary, or if it will do anything positive. They have doubts about changing something that is not broken as far as they can tell. These people seem to have no real level of commitment to the actual process of the transition between non-ringer, or associate membership, and full member status (perhaps their goal was not really to become a ringer - it may have just "happened" for them). In other words, they didn't actively seek membership, or "sweat it" that much! However, having attained a newer and more valued status of full membership, appreciate the process retrospectively. Now, taking ownership for the process of transitioning between non-ringer, or learner, and ringer (could finally do something with the group beyond just rounds - felt more inclusive as a ringer) finds lowering of that previously unperceived barrier, unnecessary, or undesirable. They just don't see what's so bad about it because they didn't originally perceive it as bad having no real original commitment to it in the beginning. Their new higher status as members, however, is now prized and valued for different reasons. Sharing that higher status now with "just anyone'" seems a bit difficult. Maybe it could work well?

People in the second category are altogether different in that they took complete ownership of the membership process commitment from the beginning. They are the ones who you hear expressing how much it meant for them to have gone through the "process" and how meaningful it was to them. They were fully committed and had even made significant life changes in order to make becoming a full member possible for them. They invested a lot more than did the people in the first group. They made it through! They "paid their dues." They had it tough. They achieved a great accomplishment in their own personal lives. These people obviously took complete ownership, and were extremely entrenched in the process and feel that they have made it to a higher level through the sweat of their brow, self exposure with the possibility of embarrassment, criticism, and so on. They don't see why anyone should have what they now have without going through that same process, or passage. These are the people who insist that no one is keeping anyone out, all they have to do is go through the process, that's all. These people are the ones who feel threatened, and are worried that the level they worked so hard to obtain will be diluted, and made less valuable.

How would these two groups be persuaded to believe that voting for this change in membership will not be a negative thing for the group? Perhaps, for the first group, it would take a bit of soul searching. A bit of recognition regarding elitism is needed here. Okay, you are special, you know how to ring, and you ring well. You are well liked and were always very well liked by the group in general. Hell, they would have wanted you to be a full member even just so they could have you as a friend and have lots of beers with you. You have no problems fitting in anywhere anyway. Why not then just let anyone who is genuinely interested in ringing be a full member and enjoy that same level of commitment you had when you started if that's what they want to do? (Meaning, no pressure to actually be a full active ringer if I am not physically of psychologically ready, or able; no pressure to achieve any specific ringing goal for the opportunity to become a full member.) Maybe we should try this out?

The second group's conversion I believe would be the most difficult. Some would just never do it. These are the ones who would actually feel personally devalued. Taken down a considerable notch. Made to come down from a level, in their perception, that took quite a bit of work to attain. this group is prone to saying things like, "Why should we?;" "what's the big deal, I had to go through it all, I survived, and feel stronger for it!;" " I made a large investment here, and I will not devalue it now!;" "I paid the price, so should you!;" "I remember feeling embarrassed, yelled at, like an outsider, so what? The fact that they have overcome such hurdles rightfully empowers them, and has made them feel better about themselves. Personal self esteem is at issue here. (The good news is that it doesn't have to be)

Some in this second group may convert. Why, or how? Perhaps if they were to ask themselves, " was it all really completely necessary?" Is the process of becoming a full member, however diminished or devalued it is at the moment ('...I will sponsor anyone who wants with no requirements'), really a valid method of ensuring strong, and healthy membership anyway? Why not let a full equal member determine his or her own level of commitment to actual ringing while still participating fully in all of our activities? What actual harm can be done? Recognizing that it really is all about sharing what you have with everyone. That "equal, but separate" is really not the answer. That sharing the responsibility to promote ringing may actually create more ringers than does hoarding the responsibility. Lowering the pressure may allow that person who is still a full participant a continued opportunity to pick up the rope and "just ring the bell."

I believe the conversion of the members belonging to the first group is where the hope of changing this current exclusive membership categorization may be found. If a person doesn't show up in the tower after having expressed some interest, then maybe they were just being polite and really had no intention of coming, so stop waiting for them! Instead, welcome fully those who have made that effort, those who do show up or show support in the ways they are able. Welcome them with full membership, and ownership if they so desire.

Please vote to change the current membership structure, and accept the proposed amendments. If you find yourself in the second category above, the change wont be the end of the world.