Creating our future - Out Front

Thank you for entrusting me with the leadership of this extraordinary organization. In Ralph Nader's words, "I start with the premise that the function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers."

As I take on this role at the national level, together with the other members of your elected board, I see hundreds of leaders in our membership. It will take all of us to achieve our goals!

But if we're going to succeed as leaders, we need to focus our energies and set priorities. The League's foremost need is financial stability and sustainability, and I see that as my first task and duty, and where the initial focus of this board and staff will be placed. We will, of course, conduct the basic work of the League. But, if we don't solve our financial problems, the issue of where to focus our program will be purely an intellectual discussion.

Membership growth is key to our strength as a grassroots organization and to our financial stability. The two issues are inseparable. But neither the national board nor the staff can grow the League of Women Voters across this nation. What we can do is provide the tools for membership growth, make this organization visible, and demonstrate impact.

The decisions made at Convention 2002 will guide the work of the board, and we are ready to take the risks that lie ahead. What we need is a commitment to carry out those plans and to use the tremendous expertise existing within our ranks.

I also firmly believe that the League should continue to be involved internationally, to share the lessons of our experiences--the things we have done right and the things we have done wrong.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to work with women in developing countries and emerging democracies and have seen what extraordinary things these women are accomplishing against great odds. Whether in Bosnia or Rwanda or Kazakhstan, the League is considered a model to emulate. The US Ambassador to Austria, determined to give women in Bosnia an opportunity to make a difference in their future, presented information on U.S. women's civic organizations. And what model did they choose? The League of Women Voters!

There are no single or simple answers to the incredibly difficult challenges we face. But there are answers.

If we can focus on priorities and function as a team, we will secure our future and our ability to help others abroad secure theirs.

Henry Ford noted that, "Nobody can guarantee the future. The best we can do is size up the changes, calculate the risks...estimate our ability to deal with them and make our plans with confidence." The best way to predict the future is to create it. So, let's get busy and create that brighter future for the League!

COPYRIGHT 2002 League of Women Voters
COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group