President's Letter to the Chapters April 2001. Dear Chapter Officers and Members, One recurring themes I have heard since becoming an ABANA member is references to factions of ABANA based on geographical location, traditional versus artists-smiths, etc. This theme is usually based on past history and events, rooted in the personalities of the persons involved with ABANA during some time period in ABANA's history. Some of these incidents were based on substantive issues of policy and direction. Other incidents were rooted in personal conflicts or reasons lost in the fog of history, but have grown to mythic proportion and now have taken on a life of their own. I ran for the Board in part to make this an organization that embraces all legitimate aspects of blacksmithing and uses those aspects as a source of strength to move ABANA and blacksmithing into the future. I intend to continue that effort, but to do so we must remove the obsession with these ghosts of the past from our organization. This Board cannot undo any of the real or imagined past slights or omissions, mistakes or miscommunication between the Board, ABANA members or ABANA chapters, in all directions, since it's inception. But if this obsession is not removed, ABANA will continue to meet unnecessary resistance from within in it's efforts to move blacksmithing into the 21st century stronger than ever before. These instances are in the past; this Board is working in the present for the future of blacksmithing and ABANA. This does not mean that past issues are to be dismissed out of hand, but rather put in the proper perspective as we move into the future. And we must move into the future. This Board under my leadership is an activist board, engaged in moving ABANA forward in part by upholding the existing policies and procedures of ABANA. This has caused concerns and resistance from some chapters and individuals. But as I have said in past messages, the Board has a legal obligation to uphold those policies and procedures and will do so. The other side of this relationship is our effort to improve the relationship with the membership and the chapters. Information is sent to chapter presidents and editors, posted on the ABANA website, included in both The Anvil's Ring and Hammer's Blow. We as a Board use these tools to communicate with the chapters and the membership; these are our voices to you. Some of the conversations I have had with chapter members reveal that this information is not reaching the proper audience. Why some are aware and others are not is a mystery to me. But what is disturbing to me is the lack of calls to any of the Board members for clarification on topics or responses to requests for feedback. Frankly, much incorrect information is floating around that could be clarified with a call or an e-mail to a Board member. Communication is a two-way street. We need feedback on what we are doing, but little has been offered. The request for comments on the draft Statement of Mutual Responsibilities has gotten three responses. This document defines the relationship between the chapters and ABANA and we need your input. Bob Fredell and his Member Services Committee have some new ideas that hopefully will be introduced by the end of the year. Again, these will need cooperation and input from the chapters. We cannot help you if you do not participate in this dialogue. There has been discussions regarding a re-examination of the relationship between the chapters and ABANA. We cannot take this step without input from all ABANA Chapters and the understanding by all of ABANA and the chapters as to what such a change may bring to ABANA and the chapters. Any such step must be productive and a benefit for the whole organization. I feel that to do anything at this time without input from all the chapters regarding their issues with the present arrangement, a clear understanding of what all the chapters want from any different relationship, the introduction to the chapters and the membership of possible changes that the Board is working on and will be introducing over the rest of the year, and a firm agenda and a clear understanding by all involved of the ramifications of each possible new arrangement would be premature and non-productive. These changes will take time, patience and open-minded cooperation from all involved. We must work together to build this relationship. This Board will continue to communicate with you, and we welcome and need your input. Safe and productive forging.
Doug Learn, President |