Belinda,
Local chapters are the proverbial "mixed bag": some are well-organized and very active, while others don't even moan when you kick them. It really depends on the enthusiasm of the members and the President. Running a chapter is a handful and very time-consuming when it is done well. Presidents often start out with a lot of enthusiasm, but after being at it for a number of years, they get tired (Who can blame them?) and start hunting for a replacement This is when likely candidates suddenly assume a low profile, and chapters crumble. Still, I don't think that the quality of a local chapter should keep anyone with a interest in Volvos from joining the VCOA. At $35/yr, the cost is reasonable enough. "Rolling" by itself is probably worth that, and the dealer discounts membership entitles you to, do help a bit - although the dealer I go to fairly regularly for parts would give me the discount whether I were a VCOA member or not.
Bob S.