In this issue, we hear from MLA’s Vice President/President-Elect Paula Hickner.
MLA’s Administrative Handbook (AH) succinctly describes the Vice-President/President-Elect; Past President position as follows: “The duties of the Vice-President and Past President are the same. […] and, in general, works closely with the President.” Yet the details that make up this deceptively simple description are numerous!
Since my term as Vice President began in March, I’ve been in contact with our President, Liza Vick, on an almost daily basis. She has been welcoming and has included me in conversations and projects that make up much of the work of the MLA Board and our organization. The Past President position may be more of a supporting and guiding role, but as Vice President I am learning or reacquainting myself with the current committee structure, finances and investments, advocacy and accessibility issues, changes in our online presence, conventions, and the not-so-user-friendly Robert’s Rules of Order.
In addition to our three extended board meetings — at the annual conference, fall, and spring (when the budget is set) — we meet virtually every month. Meeting monthly keeps us on track, so when we do gather for the extended meetings, we’re not catching up on unfinished business. That first Board meeting can be overwhelming, though—so many threads and you’re jumping into the middle of everything while trying to understand how it all fits together. Fortunately, that deer-in-the-headlights moment soon fades, and you begin to feel more confident and less lost!
As you can see, much of this first year is spent getting one’s sea legs. However, the Vice-President/Past President also serves as the liaison with our regional chapters. This role ensures communication between chapters and the Board, meets with the chapter chairs at the annual meeting, attends at least one chapter meeting per year (thanks to the Mountain-Plains Chapter for a great meeting this past spring!), and makes a call for, collects, and presents chapter grant applications to the Board.
Although we are only required to meet once a year, I would like to explore the possibility of one or two meetings between MLA’s annual conference to discuss business issues that tie the chapters and MLA together such as dues collection and chapter grants while sharing ideas for membership, advocacy, and, increased participation at the regional and national level.
I’m looking forward to the rest of my term and am deeply humbled by this opportunity to serve MLA—thank you!