An expression I used to hear a lot several years ago when someone asked if another person had been to the latest vaction spot, visited the latest attraction, or generally done something was: "Been there, done that, got the "T" shirt.
The same coul apply to membership in our REALTOR® organization AND participating in those organizations whether it be national, state, or local.
Just using the MLS doesn't count as participating.
The REALTOR® organization is OUR organization, NAR, our state associations, and our local associations are all membership driven organizations that exist solely for the benefit of that membership, which is all 1,369,955 of us as of the end of November.
The REALTOR® organization is also governed by volunteer leadership made up of thousands of members.
Read up on some of the accomplishments these thousands of volunteers have done for YOUR benefit.
I know my local assocation has about 19 directors on our board of directors as well as the current president, past president, treasurer, and president elect. Most state associations are governed by a similar system and NAR is governed by member leaders and it's 500+ member board of directors.
All these positions are filled by rank and file REALTOR® members just like you and me.
Additionally there are lots and lots of committees that do a whole lot of work to keep things running smoothly; local MLS committees, professional standards, education, technology, and others help us work better together, administer disiplinary actions when necessary, put on classes, stay on top of legislative affairs, and a host of other activities.
In an organization with over a million members it's obvious that not everyone will always agree on everything.
But there is a process in place to change most anything you think needs changing or improving.
Think NAR and being a REALTOR® has become irrevelant in today's world? What's your alternative?
It's true there are a lot of consumers that think all real estate licensees are REALTORS®; NAR is spending millions of dollars a year on educational campaigns to change that perception.
A lawyer in California recently tried to have NAR's REALTOR® trademark registration declared invalid; NAR's legal team defeated him in court.
If you have a better idea and truly want to make a difference and a change, the way to do so is in place and open. All you have to do is step up to the plate and speak your piece.
I've been a REALTOR® since 1978 and since that year I've been on at least 1 committee at my local association every year. I've also been local President, a local director several times, a state director several times, a state vice president, and I'm currently serving a 3 year term as an NAR Director.
I also believe in this saying: "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem."
I chose a long time ago to always try to be a part of the solution. That doesn't mean keeping silent and not speaking up if you don't agree with the majority or the popular stance. That means being there and making an effort, voting your conscience, and working together once a decision is made.
I've "been there, done that, and got my 'T' shirt and I like to think I've made a difference in our organization both for now and for the REALTORS® that will come along after me.
Have you got your 'T' shirt yet???
" It is not the critic who counts,
Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly.
Who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms,
the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause,
who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement .
Who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly,
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
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