NCSSMA Annual Meeting First Impressions
First Impressions
From Earline Marchand, Lake Charles, LA
The NCSSMA meeting in Rhode Island was a wonderful experience. I particularly enjoyed networking and sharing ideas with other managers in the other regions. I was amazed at the organization and structure of the meetings. I have been a member of NCSSMA for many years and have participated on various committees at different times in my career, but never have I been as closely involved as a member, until I attended the meeting.
It has definitely made me aware of the importance of responding to our area representative when they request our input on issues that should be brought up on a national basis.
The meeting was VERY informative and it has inspired me to get more involved.
From Patricia Hickey, Bangor, ME
I was part of the host committee, so I began my week as a tour guide through Salem, Mass. The weather was dreary but never heard a complaint from this group. I just loved meeting and talking with all of these people. Gracious and friendly all!
Monday evening the reception was in the grand ballroom on the 17 th floor. The room had domed gold gilded ornate ceilings, fourteen feet high windows, and huge crystal chandeliers overlooking the twinkling lights of the city. I mingled and enjoyed the differences and sameness of us all. The piano player entertained us and a wonderfully engaging lady even had the Commissioner up dancing. The weather was perfect, the room bathed in laughter and the Red Sox were winning. Life was good.
Tuesday brought a welcome breakfast, again in an elegant ballroom. The decor was creative and the sunrise spectacular. The invocation was inspiring and spoke of our service, compassion and humanity. This was a fitting start for our first day of meetings, reminding us of the importance of what we do and why we do it.
I was unprepared for and impressed with the order, formality and dignity of the meetings.
Ron Buffaloe opened the meeting and reviewed our accomplishments as an organization, reviewed the work groups we had participated in and reflected on the results of our having a voice at the central office level. Delegates were officially seated, the rules of order were explained and business reviewed.
Both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner for Operations spoke. The Commissioner explained the budget and the political process involved in obtaining what we need in this austere climate. The Deputy Commissioner spoke of our commitment to service and stewardship and also described our negotiations with OMB. Both spoke of our integrity as an agency, our work ethic, our can-do attitude and our commitment to best serve our customers. Linda spoke to the increasing service expectations of our customers and the ways we are trying to meet their needs. Both Linda and Joanne believe in honest communication. We need to speak the truth and state the facts. They want open and honest communication. They spoke of our upcoming challenges and our need to expect and embrace change as we have in the past. We need to see the possibility of what can be.
Bill Gray, The Deputy Commissioner for Systems spoke at length about our upcoming challenges, communication changes and what to expect in the next 5-10 years.
We reviewed the resolutions submitted by the regions. Determining what issues were most important to us as an organization is the crux of this exercise. The discussions on the twenty-two proposed resolutions were respectful, yet passionate. Roberts Rules were strictly adhered to by all. There was debate, editorial changes and amendments. The resolutions were crafted until the content and intent were crystal clear. One by one we debated, tweaked, amended and then voted. One by one, resolutions were adopted or vetoed.
I felt privileged to be among this group of passionate and intelligent professionals. SSA managers are people of strong conviction, commitment and purpose.
I recognized clearly how connected we all are in what we do and that we are indeed part of a very caring family. I came away all the more proud to be part of this organization.
From Peggy Lanning, San Diego, CA
The thrill of being asked to be an alternate delegate to the national council meeting in Rhode Island this year, was only surpassed by the inspiration I received from the actual meeting. I was eager to attend because I wanted to see, first hand, what the national council does. I could never have guessed just how much is involved in the annual meeting process.
It is a very formal setting. The formalities were an enhancement rather than a distraction. It pulls together every thing we learn from the moment we join our regional association. It puts names and faces together, and it heightens the impact of just how important our associations are and the dedication of those who serve.
It was so impressive to see how 10 regions banded together as one voice…one unfiltered voice. It was obvious that while all regions had differing views, the discussions allowed us to hear all sides and join in agreement to our resolutions. It's serious business discussing the merits of each resolution. Every one is heard, every one has a chance to make their issues clear, and then all delegates decide together. As an alternate seated as a delegate, I did not take lightly the chill that ran down my spine when I cast my first “official” vote. After regional discussions of the issues and listening to colleague discussions from the other regions, it gave me great pride and honor to vote because I knew how many of my members and SSA colleagues would benefit from the action taken.
The significance of the resolutions struck me very hard. It was terrific to hear about the successes of the past years resolutions. They are, after all, the agenda set for every thing the national council and regional councils work upon during their terms of office. We had many accomplishments; more work to do; and new issues to work upon as our agency changes.
Having an opportunity to speak face-to-face with the candidates was very important to me. They were open and honest and it gave me a sense that I could depend upon them to do exactly what they were saying they would do.
I was very impressed with how Commissioner Barnhart and DCO McMahon spoke to us. They were open and respectful. It was significant to me to hear them tell us that we do a lot to help them. They were referring to position papers the association provides as well as the grassroots activities with elected officials.
There is great import to recognizing that the annual meeting brings us together with the past, present and future in mind. I enjoyed speaking with the host committee to get ideas for my own role as a host committee chair person so that we can make CHARTING OUR COURSE FOR THE FUTURE in San Diego a success in 2005. If you have never been to a national (or regional annual meeting) I encourage you to do so. It makes what your association does clearer to you, and it proves that every one makes a difference.