Sweet Memories of Convention

Submitted by Marci Brisbourne
Director of Member Services
 

My ten-year-old son informs me that “sweet” is the term used to describe something that is “the ultimate.” Then, “sweet” are definitely the memories of Saskatoon Convention

While the Saskatoon Convention may actually be but a distant memory for some, I certainly hope that the successes of our members and clubs, as witnessed in the awards presentations, remain close to heart, serving as a source of inspiration and pride, for all who experienced five days of September here in Saskatchewan. The “winners” and “winning submissions” have been posted to MCS for member reference. As well, a communication summarizing thoughts and feedback from the Awards Workshop has gone out to all clubs and all submitting clubs have received a summary of their scoring relative to fellow club submissions for 2004-05.

By now, all clubs will also have received the request for the completion of a survey of your community service and fundraising activities. This information will be used by your National Board to produce a member supported strategic plan for Progress to the end of increasing the profile and awareness of Progress nationally, increasing membership, as well as, the retention of members. The time and energy put into this exercise will greatly benefit the future of our organization.

Looking to the future, the “national scoring committee” has been working diligently since convention to develop the best methods of scoring National awards submissions. Based on input from the membership, initiated at both the Western Region Convention and the Awards Seminar held in Saskatoon, a survey of recent awards judges, and the energies of Gary Nakamura, Sandy Tufts, Mary Kutarna and Val Rankin, the committee members, the results will be tabled for discussion at the National Board meeting in January.

So as we look forward to another year of award winning successes in Progress, I leave you with this parting thought… “An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness. No reward coming after the event can compare with the sweet reward that went with it.” -- Maurice Maeterlinck.