2008 Convention

But negative comments towards the national organization do a great disservice to many people like Rob Copeland, Mark Gill, Mary Beth Windrath and many many others who put in A LOT of time and whose efforts that directly benefit all USMS members. If my comments strike some as negative, that is an inference that the reader draws, not what the writer is implying ;-) You act as if your LMSC is not beholden at all to USMS and it just isn't true. (And if USMS can and should serve you better, help make it happen.) I don't know where that came from but... USMS is working with us on membership development. Ask Mel Goldstein how many years I have been pestering him about this. The answer is two years, a process I started in Dearborn as the then-Vice Chairman of our LMSC... The result is that he is coming to AZ to work with our teams and coaches. Do you like USMS Swimmer magazine? Its good for the most part. The recent publication delays though were not welcomed. This web site and the fora? Website needs a serious revamp IMHO. I am sure Mark G. and Jim M. are aware of this and are working on improving it. Slow updates really hamper timely posting of event listing (2-4 weeks is not cutting it). Online registration? Long overdue, very welcomed by our LMSC. What's more, I really like the way Butcher writes in his document about how USMS can better serve ALL of its members (not just habitual competitors), and good energetic people are needed to make it happen, acting at many scales not just the local. I think Rob Butcher is on the money in many ways, he will take us forward in many ways. Huge win in getting him as our ED, plus he is a fellow breaststroker! What Paul and I are saying (correct me if I am wrong Paul) is that the vast majority of effort should be concentrated at the LMSC level. That is where one can make a difference in a short period of time. Plus, if our LMSCs/Teams/Clubs are healthy, doesn't it make USMS healthy? It is a matter of emphasis on where to place finite resources, I choose to devote mine to AZ LMSC. Others are free to choose otherwise, we are all adults and capable of deciding what is best for us. My opinion is that USMS is better served in the long-run if leaders focus on their LMSC first, then (once the LMSC is healthy and vibrant) turn their attention to the National level. Fine if you don't have the patience or mentality to contribute at the national level but don't denigrate the efforts of those who do by statements like "there are some good ideas that get implemented at glacial speed" (forgive the paraphrase, but that is the essence of the two of your comments). Speaking for myself, what I offer are my observations from attending Convention and being a part of USMS. I call it like I see it, regardless of who is involved or what others think. It is tough but fair, which is a key to being open with the membership of USMS. We are all individuals who are free to speak our minds and (respectfully) disagree on the issues that come before us. I choose to exercise that right when called for. By the way, there are other people who share my opinions. Not that it matters but just sayin'...

But negative comments towards the national organization do a great disservice to many people like Rob Copeland, Mark Gill, Mary Beth Windrath and many many others who put in A LOT of time and whose efforts that directly benefit all USMS members. If my comments strike some as negative, that is an inference that the reader draws, not what the writer is implying ;-) You act as if your LMSC is not beholden at all to USMS and it just isn't true. (And if USMS can and should serve you better, help make it happen.) I don't know where that came from but... USMS is working with us on membership development. Ask Mel Goldstein how many years I have been pestering him about this. The answer is two years, a process I started in Dearborn as the then-Vice Chairman of our LMSC... The result is that he is coming to AZ to work with our teams and coaches. Do you like USMS Swimmer magazine? Its good for the most part. The recent publication delays though were not welcomed. This web site and the fora? Website needs a serious revamp IMHO. I am sure Mark G. and Jim M. are aware of this and are working on improving it. Slow updates really hamper timely posting of event listing (2-4 weeks is not cutting it). Online registration? Long overdue, very welcomed by our LMSC. What's more, I really like the way Butcher writes in his document about how USMS can better serve ALL of its members (not just habitual competitors), and good energetic people are needed to make it happen, acting at many scales not just the local. I think Rob Butcher is on the money in many ways, he will take us forward in many ways. Huge win in getting him as our ED, plus he is a fellow breaststroker! What Paul and I are saying (correct me if I am wrong Paul) is that the vast majority of effort should be concentrated at the LMSC level. That is where one can make a difference in a short period of time. Plus, if our LMSCs/Teams/Clubs are healthy, doesn't it make USMS healthy? It is a matter of emphasis on where to place finite resources, I choose to devote mine to AZ LMSC. Others are free to choose otherwise, we are all adults and capable of deciding what is best for us. My opinion is that USMS is better served in the long-run if leaders focus on their LMSC first, then (once the LMSC is healthy and vibrant) turn their attention to the National level. Fine if you don't have the patience or mentality to contribute at the national level but don't denigrate the efforts of those who do by statements like "there are some good ideas that get implemented at glacial speed" (forgive the paraphrase, but that is the essence of the two of your comments). Speaking for myself, what I offer are my observations from attending Convention and being a part of USMS. I call it like I see it, regardless of who is involved or what others think. It is tough but fair, which is a key to being open with the membership of USMS. We are all individuals who are free to speak our minds and (respectfully) disagree on the issues that come before us. I choose to exercise that right when called for. By the way, there are other people who share my opinions. Not that it matters but just sayin'...