FLASLA Chapter President's Message

March 2008
by Richard Rome, ASLA

The formulation of the 2008 Florida Chapter ASLA Strategic Plan continues to move forward with an anticipated publication date of April 19th. The plan will identify the priorities of the Chapter’s leadership as well as the means toward their accomplishment. The priorities of the Chapter will be purposely limited in number so that members are able to focus on the type of systematic and incremental change that assures long-term sustainability of volunteer efforts in support of the profession. The selected priorities include a reasonable timetable for their accomplishment, realistic assessment of associated costs, and designated “champions” to lead other volunteers in the necessary efforts to make them a reality. The Chapter’s paid staff and carefully selected consultants will provide additional resources to increase the effectiveness of the volunteers’ time and energy spent on behalf of the profession.

The 2008 Florida Chapter ASLA Strategic Plan embraces a concept vital to all voluntary organizations, that of a leadership ladder whereby current leaders enjoy the experience of past holders of the same leadership position and share their own experiences with future holders of the position of leadership. For this concept to work, leaders must truly desire an on-going and constantly evolving effort that provides all members equal access and opportunities for meaningful contributions to the organization.

The formalization of this three-tier approach to a FLASLA leadership ladder, which has been in place for the President’s position within the Chapter for a number of years, assists in both the development and retention of leadership among volunteers and removes some of the anxiety associated with serving in a leadership role. Voluntary organizations have traditionally expected only a small portion of their members to be actively engaged in the on-going management of other’s time and resources. Increasing this number among FLASLA members is essential not only to the organization, but also to the profession itself. Recent graduates, recently licensed professionals, and other emerging professionals must rise to the challenge of replenishing the leadership ladder of their professional society.

Envisioning a future is both invigorating and exciting, but the vision must evolve into a plan. Compromise and negotiation building to a final consensus that brings all participants together is the goal. A workable plan builds upon past successes, recognizes and accepts current challenges, and puts into place discrete and reasonable tasks for all participants using identifiable resources. More information regarding the on-going work to construct the 2008 Florida Chapter ASLA Strategic Plan is available from your Section Chair. All members are encouraged to contact one of the Chapter’s elected or appointed leaders to provide their personal perspective on the future priorities of the Florida Chapter, and all members are encouraged to participate in the leadership training activities scheduled for every Section.

February 2008
by Richard Rome, ASLA

LEADERSHIP

Service as a volunteer on the Executive Committee of the Florida Chapter of the ASLA is a voluntary contribution of time and energy by members who wish to not only support the goals of the professional organization, but also participate in its leadership. Leadership opportunities present themselves through members’ involvement in the governance, policy-making, visioning, and fiduciary functions of the organization. This involvement is primarily through voluntary service as a member of the Executive Committee, often referred to as the ExCom.

The duty of all such volunteers embraces a number of legal principles including “reasonable care and good judgment” in decision making, “loyalty” so that no conflicts of interests exist, and “obedience” to official documents, namely the Chapter’s Constitution and By-Laws. None of these duties are inherently difficult, but there are times during which there may be an ambiguous or unclear path of action. In these circumstances, extra-ordinary actions are required, and individuals outside of the ExCom are consulted. The other avenue available to the Chapter that will help to minimize the occurrence of such circumstances is the retention of professional consultants.

Fortunately, the Florida Chapter is making progress in this latter approach by the acquisition of both expertise and experience through the use of highly qualified consultants retained by the chapter on an on-going basis. An explicit system of evaluations and reviews has been installed to insure that these consultants not only meet the chapter members’ expectations with regard to their services, but also that these consultants reinforce the progress toward achievement of the chapter’s evolving goals and objectives.

Understandably, the chapter’s consultants cannot address each member’s individual issues, but those issues that affect a significant number of members will most certainly be addressed. However, for this to occur it is critical that a representative be selected from every geographical area of the State who not only remains current with the member concerns from their area, but who also represents those concerns to the governing body of the Florida Chapter, the Executive Committee.

I am making an appeal for an increased number of members to volunteer for these leadership positions within their sections through involvement as a committee chair, task force chair, their section’s representative to an affiliated organization, or as section chair. Without such volunteers, the Florida Chapter cannot attain the level of success and value that is its potential. Leadership meetings will be announced in sections throughout the state in the coming months, and I implore all members who value the role of the ASLA in their profession consider volunteering for a leadership role in making the Florida Chapter a model for other chapters of the ASLA.

December 2007
by Richard Rome, ASLA

VOLUNTEERS = VALUE and REWARD

Volunteering as a FLASLA leader is a means to bring about a positive social change through a combined and concerted effort with like-minded individuals. The rewards are not only friendship and bonding, but also an enhanced sense of being a member of the professional community to which you have committed both your time and resources.

A sense of achievement is critical to the maintenance of a successful and healthy volunteer climate within an organization such as the FLASLA. Frequently, a sense of achievement can be felt simply by the realization that others know that you are trying to help them. Recognition of volunteer efforts is seldom the motivation for volunteers.

Volunteers desire to contribute to the goals and objectives of the organization; they want to create a better sense of community among their peers. Volunteers enjoy the sense of belonging to a group that shares these goals and works energetically to achieve them. The community of volunteers within an organization such as the FLASLA is a diverse, talented, energetic, socially conscious circle of friends that enrich the lives of one another and accomplish shared objectives that benefit their profession and their community.

FLASLA volunteers really are important. It follows that the officers, elected and appointed leaders, are willing to invest resources in the careful development of the kind of support systems that its volunteers really need and that its dedicated programs really deserve. Currently, we are developing a Leadership Manual and future leadership programs will follow. The manual will be a living document that we will update constantly. This will enable Section Chairs to pass on information and “train” future chairs to take on this important chapter role. The manual enables the sharing of intelligence learned from experience carrying out the role. We want to save time and the process of relearning from the ground floor.

Communication is imperative to the success of the chapter and this document will be a major communication tool. We will bring the first draft to the membership in early February. If you have any suggestions or comments for the manual please contact Sue Fern, our Association Manager, at 727-938-6752.