Expectations of HRPNA in 2005:
Before it does one single thing more, HRPNA needs to sit itself down and answer the following quesitons: How does it function? How does it conduct its business? How is it accountable and responsible to itself and those it represents? How does it establish its goals and formalize its commitments? How does it actively evaluates its progress? HRPNA does not do an effective job when it comes to such basic operating principles, which leads directly to break down and disorder. If HRPNA accomplishes nothing else this year, addressing these fundamental problems would be a huge step in the right direction. I think we all agree that things need to change for the better, but let's make sure we are really moving forward, and not in circles.
Wherever HRPNA decides to direct its efforts this year, it probably ought to be decided democratically, and with prioritizing in mind. The establishment of formal action plans for each item with specific deadlines prescribed is key. Greater accountability is also needed, both personal and overall. Individual committees need to be more accountable to the board, and their reporting to it standardized and formalized (IE typed), with agreements as to the what's, how's, when's and why's of a committee's planned monthly activities formally communicated, the results then being assessed by the board in subsequent reports. Only then will progress start to become a regular as opposed to a haphazard occurrence.
As far as WHAT should be on the 05 agenda itself, the general membership ought to nominate, or should at least be invited to vote upon the items and their order of importance. The items themselves and their importance are far less critical than the process of actually carrying them out. Once and IF we have gotten the process right, it shouldn't take us long at all to accomplish ALL the things we aim to do.
By Wayne