As we near the end of the year, a time when volunteer groups and organizations might be thinking about bestowing awards, gifts or "honorary" titles they would be wise to show their gratitude for services performed instead those hoped for or promised.

        Unlike the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, I believe that rewarding an individual based on your hope that they perform to their potential doesn't rate the same recognition of one who has proven their value to those they promised to serve – even in a volunteer position.  Those who accept an honor under promised actions and unproven hopes and fail to deliver are, well, frauds.

        Most area volunteer organizations have a sincere and dedicated group of members that hold their fellow members to the high-level of dedication and service they have provided.  There is no room for free-loaders; no matter how good their promise seems. 

        Nearly all area volunteer organizations have a clause in their rules and regulations that a member can be removed from these private (yes, private) groups for "conduct not in the best interests of the organization."  Many of these volunteer groups are "owned" by the members.  If they receive tax dollars, they can (and should) be accountable to the taxpayers and/or municipal authority for the amount they receive.  Other than that and in most cases, the members administer the organization.

        These volunteer groups welcome new members in all levels of involvement.  Some new members can do more and some have limited time available but are willing to serve as much as they can.  And, nearly all area volunteer groups have minimum requirements (attending three meetings per year, etc.) that the group expects new members to perform to maintain their membership.

        Acts of good faith can be dangerous to volunteer groups and organizations because the people you extend your hand to may not be as honorable as those who serve or have served.  Ulterior motives abound like using the volunteer organization to further their political or business aspirations, financial gain or just wanting to add another line in their resumes.  Let them honorably serve before you shower them with honors.

        There's nothing wrong with having them prove their worth before naming them to the hallowed halls of the worthy. 

        With few exceptions, if you look into the activities and service of area volunteer organizations, you will see they are filled with intense tradition, loyalty to the organization and fellow members and most important, dedication to the services they provide.  If you chose to join one of these volunteer groups, you can expect to be asked to adhere to those three principles: tradition, loyalty and dedication.  If you can't, don't join.  If you haven't, don't accept an honor until you've earned it.           

        With hopes for a brighter future resting on the promises of the untested, a volunteer organization's intentions may have been honorable when bestowing an honor but, as Russian screenwriter Sonya Levien once said; "Good intentions are not good enough.  They never put an onion in the soup yet."