All,
I'm thinking about attending convention in three weeks. My reasons are several but most important is that I want to become more involved in USMS and I figure the best way to find out how/what/when/where is to attend convention.
Does this make sense? Would it be worthwhile?
Paul
Doug, I guess ultimately where you and I disagree is the notion that these choices are mutually exclusive, or that they have to be done sequentially. In other words, I think it is possible to serve your LMSC by representing them at convention, participating in the national decision-making process, while at the same time serving at the local level.
My choice is to focus on the LMSC almost exclusively because I see the ROI being much higher for our members and see the results sooner. From what I have seen and experienced, this is the better course of action for the LMSC that I represent and the members that comprise it. Trying to be active on both the National level and local level will mean neither will get the most/best effort. That is my take, others may disagree and I am OK with that.
I agree that if one's LMSC is "unhealthy" then there is lots of work to be done at the local level to fix that. Maybe USMS (as an organization) can even help with that... :)
USMS is helping our LMSC in several ways but making our LMSC strong and vibrant is our responsibility. We can't expect Mel, Tom, Mark, Rob, or anybody else to swoop in and fix our problems. Having some skilled mentors in our corner will help but ultimately, our LMSC needs to improve from within. Good things are happening, albeit at a slow pace. However, as many can testify, Arizona is heading in the right direction now.
If I was spending time on National committees, I doubt this would be the case...
Doug, I guess ultimately where you and I disagree is the notion that these choices are mutually exclusive, or that they have to be done sequentially. In other words, I think it is possible to serve your LMSC by representing them at convention, participating in the national decision-making process, while at the same time serving at the local level.
My choice is to focus on the LMSC almost exclusively because I see the ROI being much higher for our members and see the results sooner. From what I have seen and experienced, this is the better course of action for the LMSC that I represent and the members that comprise it. Trying to be active on both the National level and local level will mean neither will get the most/best effort. That is my take, others may disagree and I am OK with that.
I agree that if one's LMSC is "unhealthy" then there is lots of work to be done at the local level to fix that. Maybe USMS (as an organization) can even help with that... :)
USMS is helping our LMSC in several ways but making our LMSC strong and vibrant is our responsibility. We can't expect Mel, Tom, Mark, Rob, or anybody else to swoop in and fix our problems. Having some skilled mentors in our corner will help but ultimately, our LMSC needs to improve from within. Good things are happening, albeit at a slow pace. However, as many can testify, Arizona is heading in the right direction now.
If I was spending time on National committees, I doubt this would be the case...
