In past articles, I talked about some of our new initiatives as well as the need for communication. Certainly, Orbit is the easiest way for us to communicate with our members. Another good communication tool is our Web site, which is not only a good source of current news and information, but also contains publications on accessibility and the law, spinal cord injury care, and various other topics.
As a regional organization, we held face-to-face membership meetings in our region on a regular basis. With our changed status to a national organization with an expanding membership, this year we attempted to hold a meeting via the Internet with three different locations simultaneously. As often happens on first tries, we hit a few bumps along the way, but we did share some good information with those members assembled at the four different sites and the very small number of members who signed on to the Web. (Taped presentations from the meeting are available for viewing at our Web site www.unitedspinal.org, and will remain there for the next several months.)
To be effective, communication needs to reach as many people as possible and be two-way. We hoped that the Internet would be a good way to do just that; however, though it’s still too early to tell, our first attempts were not too successful. In the recent elections only a small percentage of those who voted, did so using Web access, and at the membership meeting less than 10 members signed on from their computers. We realize not everyone has access to a computer, but we urge those of you who do to try to use this form of communication. We also ask our members who have Web addresses to share them with us and to notify us when they change. On a few occasions, we needed to communicate with members as quickly as possible, and this is the fastest, most effective way to do so.
As most of you know, we are undergoing many changes as an organization and, while we think we are doing just fine, we need your input; we need two-way communication. Please let us know your ideas, concerns and suggestions even if you have to use the old-fashioned U.S. Postal Service or our toll-free number: 1-800-404-2898. This is a membership organization and we need to be in contact with our members.
Last month’s Orbit contained the election results, but I wanted to tell you a little about each Board Member who was elected. Edmund (Ed) J. Rowan returned to the Board after a one-year hiatus. Ed served as an appointee Board Member from 2002 to 2003, subsequent to his retirement as head of our Wheelchair Repair department. Prior to his employment with the organization, Ed served many tours as a member of the Board, as President, and as volunteer Sports Director. We welcome Ed and look forward to the benefit of his extensive experience and his friendship.
Kent S. Hogan also returns to the Board after a one-year hiatus. Kent, who was once a staff member of our Benefit Services department, has served several tours on the Board. Kent has a history of being very involved in joining staff at legislative visits and wherever he is needed.
Larry Crawford was elected to his second term as a member of our Board. Larry has the distinction of getting elected with a huge majority the very first time he ran for office, despite being a fairly new member. Larry brings sound and extensive business experience to the Board and is a great spokesman for members with multiple sclerosis.
I would like to thank outgoing members of the Board, Joseph Segarra and Franz Soni. Joe served as President for 17 years and as a Board Member for many years prior to that. Franz served continuously as a Board Member since 1997. Both Joe and Franz served during a very difficult transition for our organization, and we thank them for their service.
Gerard M. Kelly
Executive Director
