From the Helm- Dorothy Riley, FC

From the Helm

Dorothy Riley Flotilla Vice Commander

I start by thanking Bill Sage for almost singlehandedly keeping our fl otilla afl oat during 2022. What kept us buoyant were the members he recruited who took on vital functions within the fl otilla. I am ever so grateful to Bill and his recruits, especially Clark Pittman, Tanner Piliego, and Richard Strehl. Richard has resigned, which does not lessen his contributions in 2022. Fair winds and following seas! We thank you and wish you well. Several of our seasoned members stepped forward and contributed unexpectedly to our growth. Steve Williams (one of our newer members) off ered his vessel as a facility. George Papabeis helped Williams outfi t the vessel and get it inspected and approved as an Auxiliary facility. August Miller, a member who in previous years avoided holding a fl otilla staff offi ce other than Aids to Navigation, took over the Materials staff position and did it splendidly! A few members started the year active and motivated. Their enthusiasm waned, and no wa an ne ed, d a single reason s sing ngle e r explains ‘why.’ ex e pl p a We know a We We k few su few ff ered

Happy New Year! health problems he he p pr while othw ers experie er enced emen ployment plo confl icts. con It is up to It is each of us to each help reengage help ree members who members have drifted. When I joined the Auxiliary twenty-plus years ago, our organization was approximately 35,000 members strong. Recently, I read that our numbers have dwindled to roughly 21,000. It is no wonder that recruiting and retention are primary goals at all levels. My fi rst goal for our fl otilla in the coming new year is to grow our membership and then increase our activity. I know several of you share these goals. Let us share our ideas on how to best accomplish our goals. I believe the best way to accomplish this is to fi rst increase fellowship. It is much easier to succeed in our goals if we know and have fun with each other. For many years, our senior leaders ended every talk or presentation with the words, “Remember to have fun!” Fun was deemed one of the most critical ingredients for member engagement. We must return to that. I encourage you to re-read the Commandant’s ILEAD (Inclusive Leadership, Excellence, and Diversity) program. You need not be a seasoned member to have a great idea, and we cannot remain entrenched in “how things have always been done.” Let us begin to practice this at the fl otilla level. Many veteran members (including myself as I am a twenty-plus-year member) have historically resisted change. Change usually meant additional training or costs. The CORE training requirements and the fourth change in operational dress uniforms since I joined are good examples. That does not mean all changes will cost us; some may make things easier and more fun. For instance, we will hold our staff meeting at a coff ee shop because our building is unusable. That will go a long way to helping us get to know each other and enjoy each other’s company. I am not Bill Sage. I cannot single-handedly keep us afl oat! We encourage you to join us, earn a new qualifi cation, assume a staff offi ce, and make suggestions on improving our fl otilla. Ω