Grip Lives On!

When my climber-high school friends stopped climbing as they all went separate (and distant, un-reachable) ways, I decided to start an organization to find new people to climb with. Grip UP Sport Climbing Association was therefore born.

Fast forward to today, and we recently celebrated our 10th birthday. Yes, 10. As in ten, "T-E-N". This means it has been ten years since I called on old and new friends who showed the slightest bit of interest in climbing to help me reach the minimum number of members needed to form a University organization. Ten years since I picked my brain for a climbing org name that wouldn't have the words "climb" or "up" as I found it too cliche. Ten years since we copied created a Constitution and By-Laws even though I had never joined any other college org, and was relying on my limited understanding of all the legal writing that all constitutions were made of. Ten years since I asked my brother to make me a logo so that I would have something to submit to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Ten years since we launched our first application process, held our first induction, implemented our first training program, and setup our very first UP Fair Wall. Ten years.

It would be hard not to be sentimental, because when you're a student (or a teenager, for that matter), you never really think about longevity or succession planning. And the same held true for me when I first had the idea for this org. I just wanted to climb, and more people to share climbing with, and so I did what seemed like the most logical way to pool climbers together.

After graduating from college, I didn't involve myself too much in the org because I believe that a University-based org must be run by a University-based body. I didn't want to meddle in their affairs, because I wouldn't have their current members' perspective. So I just let Grip be, let it roll, and helped out in non-intrusive ways. As a sort-of outsider-looking-in, I've observed the struggles of the different batches. Newly-inducted members never becoming active, officers not doing their jobs, active members graduating, funding. The (near) future always appeared so bleak.

But Grip went on, and kept its head above water. Despite the difficulties, members continued to trickle in and out, and we've reached our tenth year.

How did it manage to survive? I can only offer one hypothesis: We've come this far through the efforts of passionate individuals who took action and persevered. You guys know yourselves; thank you for being YOU! :)

I don't know what the next generation of Grip members will bring. For now, let me cut this entry and say, it was one awesome anniv party we had, and I'm proud to be a Grip member!

happy birthday, grip!

The nice shot above is Jeric's -- you posted in on Facebook so I assume it's free for sharing :-D Photos from my own camera are over here.