how much time will it take to participate in activities?
3) how much time will it take to serve in a leadership role? or 4) how much time will it take to convince my employer that membership is worthwhile?11 Bar associations are, indeed, facing these challenges. Participation initially seemed slightly beyond the scope of this paper, but after after discussions with bar staff it became clear that it is a crucial component of the membership experience. Volunteer participation is necessary for association governance and development of bar activities and, as membership directors are well aware, members who participate are far more likely to renew. Across the board, bar association staff reported dramatic decreases in levels of participation in the last few years. “I have one committee of 15 people, and I m lucky if I can get three or four to show,” reported one staff director. This sentiment was echoed by numerous others. Members are making choices, and while they may continue as dues-paying members for the time being, they are not volunteering
