Dear Colleagues:
Having just been elected President of NARSVPD, I’m pleased to report that we’ve listened to your issues and concerns and agreed at the Fall Board meeting to postpone a dues increase for this fiscal year. We understand the fiscal pressures that RSVP has faced with flat federal funding and declining local and state resources. The NARSVPD Board has agreed to work with our budget to identify new funding resources, while looking at ways to cut expenses.

At this same meeting we rejected the proposed bylaws revisions as presented. While several excellent ideas were presented, the majority felt that the changes should not be incorporated through an amendment process without adequate feedback from the membership. Our Bylaws committee will look at changes to the bylaws that reflect membership concerns.

We’re in the process of revamping and updating our website, designing legislative and action alerts, and creating electronic newsletters. In the next few weeks you will receive information about ordering the President’s Volunteer Service Awards. The program has been extended for another year and NARSVPD encourages you to participate in this very special recognition.

The Officers, Delegates and Alternates work very hard to support your work as an RSVP Director. We are always available to listen to your issues or concerns and to help with unresolved problems. Please feel free to contact anyone on the board at any time. I hope that NARSVPD can create a more “customer oriented” association, one that is the eyes and ears of its members, especially when bringing issues to the table with our federal sponsors and in helping you build strong programs.

Sincerely,

Melodye Kleinman, President