Who are you? Lessons From A Minitature Railroad

By Shawn Patton
Originally Published June 2008

This past summer my wife and I took our 2 young children to an outdoor miniature railroad.

Prior to our visit (and my poking my nose around the place and asking a few questions) I had no idea that the railroad is operated by a non-profit society and staffed almost entirely by volunteers. I am not just talking about a volunteer board either. From the cashier, conductor, engineer, mechanics, gift shop to the groundkeepers .... everyone was a volunteer obviously passionate and committed to the trains. The enthusiasm and energy these folks exuded was truly something.

What has this to do with squash you might ask?

Well ... I happened upon a very non-descript typewritten (as in typewriter, you know that thing some of us remember using before the advent of computers) poster. It reasonated so much when I read it, reflected on myself, my club and our sport, that I took a picture of the poster with my camera so that I might transcribe it later and shared the poem with our local squash association.

Now I share it with you and if you see fit, please share it with others.

Who Are You?

Are you an active member?

The kind that would be missed

Or are just content

With your name upon the list?

Do you attend club functions

And mingle with the crowd?

Or would you rather stay at home

And complain both long and loud?

Do you give a little time

And help to make things click?

Or leave the work to the few