About a decade ago, I decided that after reaching the status of Order of Merlin: Shield that it was time to stop paying dues and leave the International Brotherhood of Magicians. We had moved to a spot where attending any Ring meetings was a logistical challenge. Most importantly, I felt my involvement had run its course.
Over my 35 years, I was active in three rings and often visited a few more as often as I could. I had held the position of Ring president, vice-president and the thankless job of secretary. I organized lectures and banquets. I’d done my duty. It was time.
A few months ago, I learned that the convention was going to be driving distance away. After some encouragement, I decided to attend. However in order to register I had to rejoin the IBM. Everything I received from them has been quite generic. No acknowledgment of my previous time other than keeping the M designation on my membership number. It’s okay as I would do the same if I was the administrator.
What surprised me – I suppose it shouldn’t – was that the monthly magazine, Linking Ring, looks exactly the same as it did when I left. Exactly the same as it did during my 35 years of membership. Exactly the same as it did since its inception. It’s really quite amazing to see. While I’m not a historian but I believe most other things have changed over the last 100 years. To finish the ellipsis in the title: “Some things change, the Linking Ring stays the same.”
This sounds a bit snarky. However if we want magic organizations to be relevant, to flourish and grow, we need to stop holding onto the past. If we want to attract a younger membership, we need to have things that they want to see and do. But how does that happen? We ask and, most importantly, listen and respond.
