|
|
||||
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
      |
||||
|
|
||||
     |
||||
|
|
||||
|
President's Message People Are Power When I look at NANPA, I see a strong, vigorous organization of highly independent people who share a commitment to quality visual communication of the nature world. At the recent Summit, I was inspired by everyone's passion and commitment. While we carry away that enthusiasm, we should think about what we can give back. It is tempting to say money is our biggest issue, and indeed, we will live or die on our fiscal soundness or lack thereof. More than half our income ($300,000) is dependent on the Summit. We must devise ways to secure income from other sources. Long term, we are pursuing grants to support our educational functions, but increasing membership seems to be the best immediate answer. I see the central issue, now that we are well established as an organization, as our ability to work together as a community of like-minded, though thoroughly individualistic people. I will do my best to see to it that the process by which we make decisions is open and consensus driven. Better communication is one way to achieve this. Our web site redesign is a top priority. We will use both the site and Currents as vehicles to better inform, by including summaries of our Board meetings, environmental news and NANPA benefits. We need experienced, dedicated individuals to step forward, take ht initiative and help. And we need to get our message out to the industry and to environmental decision-makers of all stripes. We are communicators, but have not been good and tooting our own horn. We must start doing that now. If NANPA is people power - and I think it is - we need people to assert their power. People. We need more members, for we have barely tapped the community of nature photographers. Increasing our membership will give us more clout when we present our positions to decision-makers. Get three new members. Right now. Pledge to spread the word about NANPA. Power. If you came to the Summit, you could not help but be awed by our power to help conservation. If you took nothing else from the Summit, you must understand that you are powerful and you can influence others with the impact of your images and with your passion. Do it. The key is personal initiative. As for me, I promise that this will be an open presidency, and I will listen to your ideas, and your suggestions. I also encourage you to participate in the process of decision-making and action. Give ideas and suggestions, then work with us to make them happen. Offer qualified members to the Nominations Committee for nomination to the Board or for the awards. It's an open process and we all benefit from wide member involvement. Dylan wrote, "We are either busy being born or we are busy dying." NANPA, now seven years old, is definitely busy being born. Pass the word. Site Index Search Disclaimers Contact Us  North American Nature Photography Association 10200 West 44th Avenue, Suite 304 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033-2840, USA Phone: 303-422-8527 Fax: 303-422-8894 E-mail: info@nanpa.org © 2001 All Rights Reserved |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
