I admit that I haven’t been to many PASS Summits (two!), and most of my involvement with PASS has been on the sidelines, but my experiences with the SQL (ne Data now) Community have been almost without exception positive. I have been to many many SQL Saturdays and user group meetings and met so many quality, passionate, and kind people it’s amazing.
But, what has brought all of these people together is PASS, or the concept of what it means. I understand things have been better and could be better. I’ve been involved with enough volunteer groups to understand how important it is to have that guiding body that works and helps the local/feeder groups both grow and be strong. I’ve seen the damage caused when that doesn’t happen and experienced it personally. It’s a sad sort of sick feeling that the parent group doesn’t really care and you’re out on your own.
That HAS NOT HAPPENED with PASS. They may have lost their way, they may have become diluted, but I have never once in my years as an active leader of a user group felt that they did not care. In fact, it seems like their efforts have been redoubled in the past twelve months. These do not seem like the signs of a group that does not care, these seem like the signs of a group that does care, but is reaching out to its community for help.
I know that many things are going on behind the scenes, but remember that the concept of PASS is the precious thing here. I too have benefitted from the networking and knowledge, but more than that, I have benefitted from the positive energy. I always tell people that I just “feel better” after going to a user group or a SQL Saturday. I don’t think I’m the only one that has benefitted from that positive energy and it’s important that we keep the “light” burning.
I have read a number of posts from both current and past board members, but I personally am looking forward to the meeting next week with the board. I am looking for that unified message.
I am sure that things will change, but don’t forget the concept of PASS.
In the meantime, if I can ever find the code, I am going to register for the first virtual PASS and continue making sure that my user group is healthy so that other people can experience the positive energy that comes from a PASS sanctioned AND supported group.
