Message from the Co-Chairs
The Privilege of Participation
Frank Thomas, an African-American pastor known for his compelling preaching and his courageous leadership, wrote a book in which he talks about the “privilege to participate.” He refers to those who participate as members of a church community, but his theories can apply to any collection of people who voluntarily gather together for a common purpose as we do in OPALGA.
The title of the book is Spiritual Maturity, but it could easily have been entitled Ethical Organizational Growth or Value-Based Leadership. He talks candidly about leadership roles; communication; organizational process; and the clarity, decisiveness, and courage it takes to lead. He speaks equally to the vices that often permeate organizations, such as scapegoating and secrets.
OPALGA is experiencing one of its strongest periods of growth since its inception. Our programs are strong, and our membership continues to increase steadily. Our budget for 2007 exceeds $150,000, which is a benchmark for increased accountability as a non–profit organization. We have the good fortune to welcome talented, energetic people to our ranks. Still, as a volunteer-based organization, our greatest assets are the relationships that we have with one another and our shared commitment to the OPALGA mission.
Organizational development usually starts with a small number of people who drive the accomplishments of the association. An organization will not grow, and regrettably may not survive, if process and fact do not become the driving force of continued organizational growth. The ultimate value of leaders in an organization is not judged by their activism or by the length of their service but by how well they uphold the principle of privileged participation by putting into action what they perceive is best for the greater good of the organization, based on the facts before them.
At this juncture, it is the Board’s task to adhere sinew and muscle to the backbone of the bylaws and to pave the way for participation to be clear and efficient. The Board must continue to define, in unambiguous detail, positions, procedures, and organizational policies in an effort to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
This effort is not reserved solely for the Board. The membership has a responsibility to the organization, as well. Members accomplish this by conveying their insights about the direction of the organization and the needs of its membership. Members also assist the leadership in routing out the policies or procedures that are counterproductive to the organization’s growth and that detract from the higher purpose and ultimate success of the organization.
As the leaders of the Board of Directors, we encourage the membership to get involved if you haven’t already done so. We encourage you to attend and observe our monthly Board meetings, which are open to all members, or to participate as members in our various committee meetings. After all, as we have said above, as a volunteer-based organization, our greatest assets are the relationships that we have with one another and our shared commitment to the OPALGA mission.
