I will be sending in the total amount for my new member commitment for the Arms Fund. So people, you still owe the Clan Thompson Society a few new members.
Based on my experience and observations with other groups - Boy Scouts, Veteran's Organization, I believe there are two key factors to growth - FINANCE and PROGRAM. Donna hit on of the nails right on the head. Don't just be a Thompson Forum wannabees, send in your membership applications. With more financial resources, we can do that much more.
We have a great PROGRAM in promoting Scottish heritage, history and tradition and the contributions by Thompsons and providing a venue for exchange of information by fellow Thompsons. But we need to get the word out. The website and forum are great. I accidentally came across the Clan Thompson Society when doing a Goggle Genealogy Search, but that was nearly a year after its founding. There has to be a more effective way of promoting ourselves and I think that can be best accomplished by providing a presence at Highland Games and Celtic Festivals. At Highland Games we have an audience that is truly interested in the same Scottish heritages as ourselves. I would encourage as many of you as possible to consider a Clan Tent setup at a Games in your area or assisting at one that your state commissioner has already arranged. I remember one of first questions I asked at my first Highland Game, “What Clan do the Thompsons belong?” I believe that are many more asking the very same question. Without our presence, either that question goes unanswered or they become a member of Campbell, MacThomas or MacTavish Clan Societies.
Help Support our growth, both FINANCIALLY as a card carrying, dues paying member and providing a visible Thompson presence at the Games.