By Thomas Greensmith, Area Director – Area #1
The area director should be the first link between local chapters and the national organization. Ideally, the person filling the job has held office in the local chapter and has a feel for both local problems and problems encountered at the national level.
For the area director to be effective, there must be communication. Letters are limited in effectiveness but monthly phone calls provide an opportunity to exchange thoughts and stay in touch.
Personal visits to each chapter more than once a year may be difficult, but if they are infrequent, plan ahead. A meeting should be selected at which the director can meet with the board and attend the regular chapter meeting.
Try to spot the danger signals coming from a chapter in trouble. Are the same officers repeatedly appointed? Are meetings held on a monthly basis? Is there haphazard planning?
An effort should be made by the area director to find a sparkplug and encourage that person’s involvement in the group’s revitalization using materials from the national office.
Area meetings are a must for the success of local and national operations. At the regional meetings, chapter officers get to know one another. They serve as a bridge from chapter to chapter and from chapter to national.
At least two meetings a year should be scheduled. One should be held in the spring, following the national board meeting since most chapters change officers at this time of year. That’s a good time to get officers together since many chapters will start their fall planning.
The fall meeting can be scheduled after or before the fall national board meeting. If the meeting is held before the national, the area director has input from local chapters. If held after the national, there is fresh news to share. Fall is also the time to get a reading on each chapter’s progress.
The area or regional meeting is also time to identify candidates for national office. SAM-NI
This SAM News International article is from our historical archive, information provided is for reference and archival research about the activities and developments of the Society.