The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo can credit a large part of its dramatic growth and success to its volunteers. During the 1980s and 1990s, the ranks of volunteers experienced almost explosive growth from less than 5,000 to now nearly 13,000. In some ways, this has caused a predicament. With the committee slots near capacity, how does the Show add and attract the new members so necessary for its future growth and success yet honor and retain longtime volunteers who have dedicated so much of their time and effort. This posed quite a problem — until now.

The Executive Committee has approved the creation of a new membership category, that of "lifetime committeeman." This new designation will become effective for the 2001 Show.

A few years ago, the Long Range Planning committee, under the leadership of now President P. Michael Wells, addressed many challenges that would face the Show over the next five to 10 years. One of the major issues involved the Show's volunteers. The phenomenal growth in the number of committeemen could not continue. There was a need to limit the total number of committeemen, but the planning committee also realized that the Show must create opportunities for new committee members if it is to retain its level of success and continually reach out to the entire community. One of the challenges was to make room for new members without unduly increasing the number of active committee members.

The planning committee also realized that there was no system in place that would allow older members to retire from active committee participation without losing gold badge privileges. These experienced members are integral parts of the Show, and nobody wanted to encourage or force people to leave or retire, especially those who have served for many years and contributed so much to the Show. In order to retain their gold badges, longtime members had to remain active on a committee, and, in many cases, endure the physical or performance demands required by committees. The Long Range Planning committee asked that these issues be addressed and suggested that a category of lifetime committeeman be explored.

 

While this badge wasn't created for the 2000 Show, the lifetime committeeman designation will be a badge of honor in the years to come.

A task force was created to review the recommendation of the Long Range Planning committee that a designation of lifetime committeeman be established to honor those who have contributed to the Show for many years and to create room for new members. The task force was comprised of a very distinguished group of lifetime vice presidents, current vice presidents, directors and staff, representing virtually all 91 committees. Chaired by lifetime vice president John T. Cook, this committee examined how such a membership status would affect the committees, and if such a designation were to be established, what criteria and qualifications would be appropriate for such an honor. "The task force was unanimous that this designation be seen as an honor and privilege. We also felt that lifetime committeeman status should be sought after and voluntary. A successful applicant is receiving a distinctive status that recognizes many years of dedicated and faithful service to the Show," said Cook. The task force then made its final recommendation to the Executive Committee. In November 1999, the Executive Committee approved the concept for this new membership category.

A lifetime committeeman will receive a gold badge each year with that designation and will have all the rights and privileges of regular volunteers. Parking will be provided at an offsite location with shuttle service. Lifetime committeemen will not count against their respective committee's designated maximum complement, thus freeing up a slot for a potential new member. They also have the right and privilege to determine what level of participation, if any, they wish to have on their committee. Participation will be determined in cooperation with and approval of their committee's chairman.

The designation of lifetime committeeman may be awarded to individuals with a minimum of 15 years of committee service, when their age added to their years of service equals 75 or greater.

With regard to the formula, a person's age is determined as of August 1. Also, no matter how many committees a person serves on, an individual receives only one year of service credit per year. Years of service do not have to be consecutive, nor do they have to be on the same committee. A volunteer member who worked nine years on the Parade Committee and subsequently worked eight years on the Magazine Committee would have 17 years of service credit.

As an example, a committee member who has 21 years of service credit and is 57 years old would be eligible to apply (21 + 57 = 78). But, if a 70-year-old member has 10 years of service credit, even though the total of age plus service equals 80, the member would not qualify because of the 15 years of service minimum.

Once granted lifetime committeeman status, a member would hold this designation for life as long as he or she remains a member in good standing with the Show. The term, in good standing, applies to all membership categories and simply means that all the member's bills are paid and that the member complies with all Show rules and policies. Annual dues and committee dues, if applicable, remain in effect.

An eligible committee member must submit an official application in order to be considered for designation as a lifetime committeeman. Applications may be obtained from the membership office beginning May 1 each year. An application will also be available in the future on the Show's Web site, <www.hlsr.com>. The completed application must be submitted to the president's office by June 1. A review committee, appointed by the president, will verify the requests and make recommendations to the president for final approval. The president will then notify the applicant if the designation is approved.

President Mike Wells said, "This is a significant step in the right direction. We are acting in the best interest of the Show and volunteers by recognizing the work and loyalty of those who have served well over a long period without losing their involvement. At the same time, we are also opening a door for new committeemen who are so vital for continued growth and leadership. All win if we follow this plan conscientiously."

It is imperative to recognize and retain those who have proven their dedication and whose leadership, knowledge and guidance are so crucial. It is equally important to be able to continually replenish the ranks with new volunteers whose enthusiasm and resources help re-energize the Show's efforts. With the new lifetime committeeman program, the Show will be able to accomplish both of these meaningful goals.

Show General Manager Dan Gattis and President P. Michael Wells look over previous commemorative badges in anticipation of the new lifetime committeeman program.