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     It was near a year ago that I started writing for the website. Could be a thought for subject matter ... (NOT!) much too petty for wasting time with. I have a writer's block keeping me from getting to the computer with something worthwhile this month, so I looked over some input notes I keep around. The notes are from people I respect and appreciate, who give me advice, critique and ideas, and also from my readings or estimations.

     One of the notes that would be a good question to ask ourselves for a year-end evaluation considers the question: "Are these ideas doing what our mission says we want?"

     I have reported a number of items through this year that collectively answer the affirmative to some of the ideas. At the end of a fiscal year we usually determine if the overview (the big picture) is a good outlook. In addition to the aforementioned reports, I believe we are progressing well for the time we have worked under the new By Laws. Yes, progress started slow, we needed to adjust to another set of working conditions, and we might have done better in hindsight - and we are not completely over our growing pains (Sometimes, that is spelled "growling pains"!).

     Now, I have to ask if that is just something "easy for me to say"? After all, I worked on the By Laws ... and now hold an executive position that you could expect this response from me. I would regard myself being more transparent.

As E.V. Lucas (English author and critic, 1868-1938) said: "The art of life is to show your hand. You may lose by it now and then, but it will be a loss well gained if you do. Nothing is so boring as to keep up a deception."

     I want to break the question down to three segments to evaluate from my perspective, then you be the judge of your perspective and send me a note.

• - Are these ideas doing -
       Well, in the context of projects and work done in the Association this fiscal year, the items discussed as needing attention were addressed; they were prioritized for need and checked against current resources, assigned champions or mentors available and placed into operations as progress allowed. We may not have feedback to date on much of the accomplishments, communications still requires the troops to answer. So, yes we are working, talking, thinking and we are "doing"!
• - what our mission says -
       The area of "mission" may be in contention with some, as the Association does not have a mission statement other than what we post more as a motto - Good Singing, Good Fellowship, Public Service. (This was discussed a couple years ago and determine to leave as is.) The issues wanted then must be determined by the membership to meet the needs of their singing, fellowship, and service; the representation they establish must bring these items to the attention of the Association. Members wishing a change must be heard and responses made to all of interest. Thus, until we define an official "mission statement", our mission remains to do the best we can to observe the "Good Singing, Good Fellowship, Public Service", and the members in this Association.
• - we want? -
       The "we" of this part is the Association, all of us together, as a corporate group. It is also at times the parts of us - a chorus or district, a committee chair or officer, the Executive Council, and the individual member is foremost of importance. We are the Association in so much as we represent the whole, or parts of the whole.
       The "want?" is something yet to be discovered - yes. I left the "?" in on purpose! I have written prior articles about communication needs to improve to a two-way action. We need to hear more from the membership, continually. Yet, for those items we get discussions on, I believe this Executive Council has done well to come to agreements and consensus or ask for more information brought to the next meeting. What do we want?,.. obviously "Good Singing, Good Fellowship, Public Service", and a lot more feedback would help, please.

     Communications: What the AMCA is trying to do, and the plans the officers are working on are being reported to the membership, the districts and the Executive Council. I don't feel the communications are good yet, and I have had that told to me by several sources. We are seeking member involvement at all levels and expect response to that request to get things done. Many projects depend on an active membership.

     We have the AMCA BIG SING, in Eau Claire, scheduled ... please be involved!
     We seek members for offices ... please be involved!
     There are projects, programs and initiatives throughout the Association ... please be involved!
     The work done to rejuvenate the AMCA this year depends upon active members ... please be involved!

     Can we hear from you? I tend to cultivate an optimistic view where I can, but I would be pleased to hear from you about concerns and suggestions. I trust your "snapshot" of the Association is near as good as mine. As we start this next year, I wish all choruses a great season of Good Singing, Good Fellowship, Public Service. I hope every member has enjoyed a great summer and comes back full of vigor and ambitions. Thank you very much for your help and encouragement.

Best regards Ric Addenbrooke

Post Script: I get notes in email every so often, and I got this one last month: qbrelspd vmnyko uaqshmdwi kitbfe pixgw jbhegdk sapfg I am certain somebody out there is trying to tell me something, but somehow the meaning doesn't get through. I would appreciate someone translating for me. We feel we have missed the point when things are not clearly explained. I often speculate when I get that feeling myself, but I dread when I think I gave that experience. Send A Message