Hopefully, everyone benefited from Steam (Seminar to Educate and Motivate). We nee this training year round. (By now all Chapters should have turned in the roster of new officers and a Calendar of events.) Each Chapter by now should have a full slate of officers. If your chapter has vacancies and you have not stepped up, consider the opportunity to play a bigger part in the ABATE movement. We can change the laws of the land and the way they are administered.
In the coming year I hope to see ABATE of Washington introduce some new tools to help us achieve more and leave a written record of what we have done, so those who follow will see how we succeeded and maybe give them insight to not make the same mistakes that we have been challenged with or have overcome. We have a good history and track to follow now with those that are here. We lose some of that, when members leave and are no longer with us to pass it on. It does not mean that we have to do it the same way; however we can gain by the wisdom that they have learned along the way and pass it on.
As a new Chapter leader you will want to get the experience of your position, when you feel you have the knowledge and experience, share it with other members. In the coming year give each of your members, committee chairs and officers a chance to grow and experience different roles. Always be looking for someone to train in your position. For example, let the Deputy Coordinator run the meeting. Encourage your members to take on a committee chair and be there to support them when they do it.
It is good to see ABATE of Washington Chapters working, supporting and socializing together. This last year I have attended many events with several chapters and see a lot of members from other Chapters supporting each other. I encourage each of you to continue this kind of support. Knowing each other makes us stronger and we can learn from each other.
I want to thank Scott Robinson, Columbia Gorge and Lyle Cole, Tacoma, for stepping up to become Chapter Representatives. Also want to thank, Ed Baker (TOP) Southwest, for continuing as Chapter Rep. We still have some Chapters that do not have the benefit of a Chapter Representative. Hopefully someone will step forward to fill that position.
With the Holidays approaching many of the Chapters will be supporting Food Drives and Toy Runs, be sure to check the Flyers and calendar of events so we can support these community projects.
I am excited to announce for those who were not at STEAM, Mr. Breeze (Donald Landsman) from the East Pierce County Chapter has stepped up to be our Legislative Affairs Officer. He has committed for the position until after Black Thursday. Please have your Legislative Affairs Chairs contact Mr. Breeze, for information on our upcoming Legislative Agenda. (See Flyers in newsletter)
We have many challenges ahead. Let’s get er’ done.
Mick Gillispie
State Coordinator