while I believe it is important to welcome everyone - and if you read new threads - you see I post on just about everyone of them - I post on all that I see.
But I
do not believe we need an official welcoming committee -
because in doing that you leave people out again. You don't need officers or a committee - we all just need to do our part.
So many people read the newbie threads, but don't post on them - just say Hi - let them know we want them here. Give them something to connect to.
I think PMs are great.
But to make a friend, you have to be a friend. It takes work to make friends anywhere. Being kind, reaching out to others, offering support and advice and sharing a laugh can bring us all together
It has taken me a long time to feel a part of things and really understand who is who -without mixing folks up. One of the biggest things that has helped is meeting some members in person. Suzy & I started planning a meetup in our area - we did that by PM & a phone call or 2 & then we met in person, a few mths later and we are now close friends. Meetups are a great way to get to know each other, not just for our furbabies to spend time together