A huge thank you to everyone who attended the section/SIG open forum at MLA '15. We know there were two other open forums running simultaneously, and since cloning oneself is still not an option (at least not yet), the standing room only crowd was greatly appreciated.
Well, the band is playing, and from the response the open forum received, I’m happy to report that members are more than willing and eager to learn new dance steps, which will result in a whole new way to do the twist (I grew up in the 60s and learned to twist on my front porch, so hopefully you’ll appreciate the throwback to the era). Seriously, once the attendees realized that sections and SIGs will not be mandated to dissolve (for lack of a better word), there seemed to be a unified sigh of relief in the room.
The review of sections and SIGs is not based on finances or membership statistics. Instead, we want to:
- Make it easier for sections/SIGs to create year-round activities, instead of primarily focusing on annual meeting programming
- Present dynamic section platforms to encourage increased member involvement
- Make interactions with MLA headquarters easier and more dynamic
- Create a positive approach to understand the reasons behind sections and SIGs, and how they impact MLA and the profession
The bottom line is that the Strategic Priorities Task Force is asking section and SIG leaders to go back to their members for a heart-to-heart discussion about the purpose of their section or SIG. What is the purpose of your existence? If freed from the current constraints, i.e., annual meeting program planning, what would your section/SIG like to accomplish?
The future is about introspection, empowerment, collaboration, relevancy, and communication. I look forward to seeing the dance we, as a team, choreograph.
Questions or concerns? Please comment below or contact me.
