As a young member of Br.83 South Burnaby I have long noted that there was effectively no recruiting conducted by individual branches. As a result, Branches in Vancouver and area are in desperate need for numbers. When I first became involved, there were so many existing members accustomed to their own kind (Korea or WW2 vets) that recruitment was not seen as necessary.
In order to improve the situation, the RCL must accept new members with alot less red tape. Any requirements of military involvement should be removed in order to facilitate membership from interested parties with no formal connection to the forces or the RCMP. As Branch sizes have diminished, there has been a corresponding decrease in activities particularily in the area of scholarships and community events.
The RCL for a long time has been remiss in publicizing their efforts and as such their public profile is virtually non-existent. As a member of a pipe band involved with the branch, we have moved away from public events and more towards in house performance. While it is good to see the old folks faces light up as the pipes strike up, it is also important to be seen in the community by the people who may one day replace the current crop that is soon to die out.
My suggestions would include:
1) Free one year membership to any and all applicants with a connection to the forces. The 30 bucks lost would be quickly recouped as numbers in the branch would mean more booze sales.
2) All branches should be directed to accept any guests at the very least for the weekends. For example, as most branches no longer require signing in why bother keeping up pretenses especially if it means customers to support the bar.
3) Cadet units supported by local legions should encourage ex-members to join in recognition of the support they have received. A hal doesn't come cheap and the kids should be told that.
4) This is a contentious point, but consolidation of existing branches should be put on the table as opposed to letting a branch or Unit (ANAF) die is simply unacceptable. For example, Br. 48 on Joyce at Kingsway closed with little fanfare leaving a valuable building in the hands of Dominion command with little regard for propping up other locations still in a viable economic condition. the liquor licence alone is worth conservatively six figures and that money alone would work miracles.
5) There should be a resuscitation of legacies like scholarships and community grants to ensure that the great work of the RCL is not forgotten.
6) There should be less reliance on central administraton as the boys in command don't really keep an ear to the ground. Local commands should have full authority over matters related to day to day affairs.
7) With regards to Armymedic's comment, the RCL has gone through many phases but strong in my memory are the Christmas parties, BBQ's, fairs and track meets all of which are very much family affairs but were only stopped as the numbers dropped.
8) My grandfathers branch in Laval is a good example of a small branch doing good work. The meals on wheels program and the toys they make for kids each christmas have impact on their community but that effort is largely unrecognized. My cousin was buried last year in the only hall in his hometown... surprise, surprise it was a legion. these contributions must be recognised at higher levels of government and from time to time it can reap reward. The newly resurrected Branch 2 in New Westminster is a great example of lobbying of local government to find concessions that keep the RCL kicking. Although their position may be tenuous, with a little support from the public thay may turn things around.
The RCL has done as much for people as the Shriners or the Lions club but their humility has impeded full recognition of their good deeds. Anyone who has an interest in their community should join the Legion or any other service club for that matter. Unfortunately, most people are unwilling to commit even a nominal amount of time to a good cause. Volunteering is down across Canada, and until there is recognition from government to encourage more effort little is going to happen.
In my opinion a Legion or other service club should be allowed to forgo taxes in lieu of the support that is given to their respective communities. A tax credit to volunteers would be an adequate solution as the time we give is precious, more so given the lack of effort from the rest of the population that will gladly take what is offered but give nothing in return.
I say volunteer, join up, hell just stop in for a pint. Show the guys and gals (can't forget the Ladies Auxilliaries) that you care and want to see their good work continue. Throw a couple bucks in the can the next time you buy a poppy knowing full well that your contribution will not go in vain. Lets hope for more constructive comments from the people out there....
Lest we forget
