The CMG is an all-volunteer organization.  That means that the more volunteers we get, the more we can do and the easier and more fun it is to do what we want or HAVE to do!  We traditionally ask for volunteers at the end of our three weekend-long Gatherings but that doesn't mean that we wouldn't welcome a new volunteer at any time of the year.  We are a community and there is something going on in our village in every season.  We have a state-wide toll-free number, 877-9-theCMG [877-984-3264] and you can directly connect to any of our 5 focus areas for free.  Leave your message saying what you'd like to do in the regional area in which you'd like to volunteer: Los Angeles, San Diego, Desert Cities/Palm Springs, the Bay Area/San Francisco, or Sacramento.

Within the CMG, there are three main areas for volunteering opportunities:

1. Planning Committees plan the weekend-long gatherings.  There are three annual Gatherings which are held over Memorial Day weekend (Spring) in Malibu hosted by LA, Labor Day weekend (Summer) in Santa Rosa hosted by the Bay Area, and Thanksgiving weekend (Fall) in Mountain Center hosted by San Diego.  Each planning committee works for about a year and they could use helping hands and heads more and more as their event approaches.  These committees form soon after each Gathering but they have sub-committees that accept men right up until the event.

2. Events Committees plan monthly social activities and workshops.  The more guys who participate in events committees, the more "living out here" will seem like gathering together at a CMG.  I've already heard that one guy would like to do a monthly "Assassins" game event here in LA.  I am so there.  See, just one little idea is all it takes, or join and you'll help others put their ideas up until you get one of your own.  All 5 areas have active Events Committees.  ECs are an open-ended commitment.  You decide when you want to take a break.  You have one great event, super.  You want to show up and stay forever?  That's just fine too.

3. Helping Hands are the many guys who don't have the time to commit to being on a Gathering Planning Committee or on an Event Committee and cannot attend meetings.  Yet they can devote some time to a project or an event (if we only knew that they were willing and called them).  Village Building doesn't only happen at the Gatherings.  For instance, this year we're building a float and will need help with that in LA and men to participate in the parades in Long Beach, West Hollywood, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego and Palm Springs!  And we volunteer to work at San Francisco Pride to earn $$ for the Financial Aid Fund and anyone can do that.

There are many ways to volunteer and to mentor... Volunteers with Pride are needed to march with the CMG Float.

“Many hands make light work.” John Heywood (English Playwright and Poet, 1497-1580)

Related Links Giving The Gift Of You - Serving Your Community Steps In The Right Direction - 8 Ways To Make A Difference In The World Offering Our Gifts - Community Responsibility

You might have another idea or even two of a way you can help.  Your idea might be the next great thing for CMG.  Your help will be a great thing for both CMG and for you.

I joined my first committee in Bob's backyard [LA potluck central] because someone said they wanted to work with me.  Well, that guy didn't actually show up to do that work with me, yet many other men did and have done so over the years.  I invite you to consider your pinky twisted, gently, by me and the rest of the men who make the CMG happen.  We will show up for you because we already have.  If you show up for us, just think of the possibilities.