11 April 2024

Sir Aaron reflects on a long day of volunteering at CLAW 24

Leading & following, most Doms may subscribe to the former more than the latter. I don’t however. If there’s something I’ve learned from military experience & recovery, it’s that one must, at times, relinquish control to accomplish the mission, whatever goal is the order of the day.

Today, I volunteered at CLAW, two shifts to complete a three-shift obligation that whittled a $269 fee down to $1. It’s a great deal & promises a mixed bag of experiences ranging from pretty good to leaving one wondering what one has got himself into.

Whenever I volunteer, I put aside whatever Dom ego I’ve got so that I can focus on the tasks at hand. In this stint, I’m part of the Facilities team which means moving shit, helping vendors, or whatever work comes my way. Armed with a pair of trusty work gloves, I did what I could with what I had knowing I was a small part of the machine that is CLAW.

I say that my volunteerism is a mixed bag of experiences because being behind-the-scenes provides insight into how the proverbial Leather sausage is made. For one, the organization of an organization is often a sight to behold when you get into the trenches.

CLAW is a decently run entity & there are layers upon layers of moving parts; think the haunted clock tower in Castlevania III. Every person is a cog in the machinery, big & small. That said, the more people who pitch in can make the event run smoother; however, more personnel means more issues that require more oversight from just one person.

As a member of the Leather Community, I’ve found it fulfilling to be of service when I can & if my help is needed. For the most part, my efforts have been fruitful; as for the rest, I’ve found it difficult to feel good about contributing because whatever entity I’ve signed on to help has been less than appreciative. As I’ve said, a mixed bag.

In the plus column, I was complimented on my merchandising skills when I helped a vendor with booth set up. In the other column, I lugged a vacuum across the building only to find it had no suction leaving me wondering why it was being kept at all. Plus, I helped moved several crates; minus, much of the time was spent looking for work.

After all is said & done, I’m glad for the time spent doing the deal. I have to say that it’s fulfilling at the end of the day even after some frustration.

If you’ve ever been on the fence about volunteering, I implore you to jump off & jump in. Do you have skills that can benefit your Community? Search out opportunities to employ them. If you aren’t able to donate funds, donate time. Our Community’s survival depends on those of us that give in one way or another. It’s through these contributions that events like CLAW keep on going.

And when you have that cigar at the end of your volunteer time, it’ll be all the sweeter.