National support for Regions and Sections

I know that the National Office and National Board of Directors has been a strong supporter of regions and sections these past few years. The recent reorganization of the board of directors emphasized the role that sections and regions play in the policy development of the association. By creating the leadership councils we have paved the way for stronger and more breadth of experience for the elected leaders. The addition of the at large members has improved the knowledge base of the association board and thus make it broader in its vision.

But the last years have also seen the development of national products and services and too often a separate line of regional/section products and services. While the national projects are certainly worthwhile and of great help to the members, it seems at times duplicative or even supplants a product that a region or section could have done by itself or at the very least in collaboration with the national office.

It is time for the national board in collaboration with the professional staff as well as the regional and section leaders to refocus its development and support of the front line membership structures of the association (regions, sections, chapters and branches in particular). Collaborative projects, start up funds, enterprize loans are just some of the ideas that come to mind. Cost sharing with the sections that operate and run national programs is critical as well. All could benefit and we would not be in the financial pickle that many sections and regions find themselves in routinely

Just as important for the development of these products and services is to bring members back into the planning process. We have made great strides in providing quality member services these last few years...but along the way, the voice and engagement of the members is not as strong as it once was. Sure folks still volunteer, but that voice at the decision making table seems to have been diminished. With proper planning and process oriented programming, that voice can be heard once again.

Tom Mullin