A new day

[Guest guest]

Dear Members of LPA and other interested parties;

Last evening I wrote a letter, similar to this one, to the board of directors.

I am writing to you all today to ask for your help in alleviating some of the

tension that has built over the past few months within our organization.

While I understand the first gut reaction to respond to every e-mail that is

inflammatory, sometimes it's just better to let things go.

While it may appear to some of you that things are out of control and

completely chaotic, I don’t think that is the case. We have indeed had a set

back with the newsletter and some other projects, but we are trying

desperately to get things back up to speed.

There is no doubt that feelings have been hurt and reputations tainted in the

last year, but the time has come for us all to move on. I think the way best

way the board can prove to our members that we truly have their best interest

at heart is by changing our actions and deciding that we all (and I sincerely

mean all - myself included) need to adapt to how we react to things. We need

to realize that sometimes the professional thing to do is to take the high

road.

Five days ago, I didn't want the job of President. I had no interest in it

whatsoever. I, like Rick, had reached my capacity of being able to handle the

politics of LPA. I, along with most of my friends, had convinced myself that

I wasn't going to do this...then I went to sleep Saturday night and my

conscious kicked in. So, after a day of much contemplation on Sunday, I

announced to the executive committee that I would be taking on the position.

Yesterday, I announced to the board of directors and now, this is my

announcement to you, our members who participate in this forum.

I think it's been obvious to us all that the board has been disjointed and I

think we now, more than ever, need to reaffirm our commitment to working

together. I am in no way saying that our problems as a board are a reflection

on Rick, or on any one board member for that matter. Rick is a good man who,

perhaps out of pride, didn't ask for the help he needed and took on too much.

And, perhaps I didn't offer to help enough, but these are things that we all

learn. It's unfortunate that we often don't learn these lessons until it's

too late.

I'm tired of the bickering that has disabled LPA’s board and I am beyond the

point of being able to tolerate it one more minute. I need your help, as

members, to begin combating the attitudes amongst us that are pulling our

organization down. I am simply no longer interested in 'us' versus 'them',

and I'm certainly ready to disengage the past and focus on the future.

We are all decent members of this organization trying to do what is right. I

try do things that I believe are logical, proper and fair, not what I believe

will make me popular...which I realize doesn't make me popular. I am not

perfect - none of us are. I am just as fallible as anyone and I will make

mistakes. I think sometimes we forget that we are volunteers. We all would

like to see this organization skyrocket to being the best of the best. I'm

not advocating for mediocrity, but we need to do the best we can do and hope

that we can propel LPA to the next level.

LPA and its board needs to have an atmosphere where opinions are valued

whether you agree with them or not. Just know, however, that I will not

tolerate infighting and I will not tolerate mudslinging. In no way am I

trying to stifle ideas or opinions, but we need to be creative and express

ourselves in a manner that is respectful to everyone. It's time for the

members of the board to reevaluate why we ran for office...I'm sure it was

because we wanted to help LPA (Why would anyone run with the intent of giving

him/herself an ulcer over politics?!)

I don't mean to babble on, but this weekend I had to reevaluate my intentions

and purpose. I hope you all will do the same so that we can move forward and

take on a new day.

Tricia Mason

President, Little People of America