I brought this opinion out of the archives and updated it in hopes of reminding volunteer groups and organizations about the perils they may face when handing out accolades.  Some organization don't "hand" them out – rather, the recipient has to earn it from many years of faithful service and loyalty to the group.

        When volunteer groups and organizations are 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.  Such action can be perceived as disrespect to those who faithfully served, sacrificed, and perhaps even faced danger.

        Unlike the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, I believe that rewarding an individual based on a hope that they will perform to their potential doesn't rate the same recognition of one who has proven their value to those they promised to serve. 

        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 the 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."  They are your rules and the group is obligated to abide by them.

        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. 

        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 (i.e. attending six meetings per year, active involvement in activities, etc.) that the group expects new members to perform to maintain their membership.

        Promises of good faith should be taken cautiously by 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.  Let them honorably serve and show results before you shower them with honors.

        There's nothing wrong with having them prove their worth to the organization and the community 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 importantly, 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 of 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."