This is my first column as ALA’s Executive Director. It feels both surreal and very comfortable at the same time. I have held this organization so close to my heart for so long that it feels natural and exciting for me to be in this role. However, I will never mistake this opportunity for being an easy one.
I will certainly call it exciting — and more so than ever because of the change experiences we have been working within during the last eight months. Just as you have had to reevaluate how you do your work, manage employees, provide client services, maintain a balanced and sane family, and even take a regular trip to the grocery store, we at ALA are taking a look at how we serve our members. You are facing so many changes and we want to be the one cocnstant you can count on — we are here for you.
Members are getting creative and firms are opening up to new ideas — ideas that were once considered a road too far. It turns out that some of these changes are not so bad after all. You may even be dusting off those wacky proposals you kept only to yourself. We are learning that new is not bad and that it is OK to be the first firm on your block to try something new, rather than waiting for another firm to go first. And you are all supporting one another with these leaps.
It’s also what we’re striving to do for you as an Association. We are trying some new approaches and tailoring what we provide to you, not based on what other associations are providing to their members but on what you specifically need that is unique to you right now. We are making sure what we offer is convenient, accessible and relevant.
Many of you have expressed gratitude for ALA and your fellow members during these challenging times. I am grateful to all of you for building and participating in such a meaningful and supportive community.
For example, we are working on new ways to connect you with your fellow members to solve common challenges, while inspiring one another with fresh ideas and directed action. We’re also here for one another and offering what is often needed the most — emotional support to remind you that you’re not alone in your quest to prepare yourself and your legal organization to tackle the next challenge. And sometimes, we just need a good laugh.
It lifts me up to see you and ALA leadership creating that environment for one another, as it is one of the advantages of this organization that I hold so dear. The ALA staff and I look forward to hearing from you about your needs and challenges through Town Halls, Hangouts and Roundtables; through the Online Community and your emails; and, hopefully sometime soon, at our in-person events.
Many of you have expressed gratitude for ALA and your fellow members during these challenging times. I am grateful to all of you for building and participating in such a meaningful and supportive community. I look forward to fostering many more opportunities of growth, inspiration, leadership and positive change as your Executive Director.
