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I've been faithfully watching ABC's Lost for six years, wondering what is really going on. The show will wrap next month, probably leaving some unanswered questions. I've watched the plane-crash survivors and others they've encountered interact and grow, make enemies and allies, work together, and bury too many of their own.

If you're not a fan, don't stop reading - because the characters of Lost are a community just like our chapters, committees, sections and interest groups. In honor of this final season of Lost, here are three lessons to help you make the most of your communities.

1. Have some fun.

You have a chapter meeting this week. And you're dreading it. Tension lingers from some issue that took place three weeks ago. New leaders are intimidated by the former leadership, who seem to be throwing daggers. What can be done?

In season one's "Solitary," tension is high on the island, with Sawyer and Jack competing for Kate's attention and Locke practicing knife throwing. Amidst all the drama, Hurley surprises the rest of the group with a new creation: A golf course. He felt it was time for everyone to have some fun, a place to relax and enjoy themselves and a respite from the mystery of the island. Characters were laughing and reminiscing about past golf experiences in this and four more episodes.

How can you build a golf course at your chapter meeting? No need for a group outing to the green. Try getting people to talk about why and how they got involved, share stories of greatest memories or accomplishments that occurred because of their involvement. This will unite your members (plus you'll get some great testimonials).

2. Problems will strike hard and blow over quietly.

A member fails to read an email saying a meeting location has been changed. He goes to the original location and only then finds out that the meeting is another 35 minutes away. He calls you and leaves a nasty message about how irresponsible you were to not communicate the switch. He hangs up abruptly. You're left shocked.

Sounds like Lost's Smoke Monster, first seen in "Pilot, Part 1." It seemed relatively harmless at first, making noises and knocking over trees. But then it started to rack up a body count. During each encounter, islanders are frightened, confused and don't know what to expect. Then the smoke dissipates, just like, well, smoke (or Icelandic volcanic ash).

Back to your aggravated member: You wait a short while and give him a call. You apologize for his inconvenience, assure him a message was sent and confirm his email address. You vow to consider you procedures for changing meeting locations. You direct him to the website, where meeting handouts and minutes will be posted soon. He's cooled off and even appreciative. The incident came out of nowhere but ended calmly.

3. Some people will flourish in another community.

You've seen this member in multiple interest groups. She lurks on listserves, texts during meetings, and rarely interacts with others. She seems bored. Something doesn't fit.

Rose and Bernard Nadler married in the face of Rose's recent terminal cancer diagnosis. Their honeymoon trip to Australia brought them to Flight 815. Over three seasons, Rose and Bernard are separated, reunited, and build a life on the island together. By Season Four, they are quite happy as residents of the island (which has mysteriously cured Rose's cancer) and refuse to join other survivors in their attempts to leave. The island is undoubtedly the best place for Rose and Bernard.

So what about your member who is clearly Lost? (I couldn't resist.) You invite her to lunch where you get to know her better. Then it hits you: The groups she's part of don't offer the experience she's really looking for. You direct her to another community. In a short amount of time she's offering valuable ideas and making a difference. In time, she becomes a leader and a role model to others.

I started with five lessons, but cut it short. Anyone care to add a few more?