3 minute read
From Our President
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
It’s an honor to be writing to you as president of Sweet Adelines
International. Like most of you, I could never have predicted the changes that would take place in our world between my installation in early March in Tulsa, Oklahoma (USA) and the writing of this letter. Shortly after our return from the installation and IBOD meeting, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in precautionary health measures that, for the first time in our organization’s history, caused us to cancel not only rehearsals and performances but the regional competition season. Then in May, the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) while in police custody inspired worldwide grieving and demonstrations that have opened up a long-overdue conversation on racism.
To be in such a position of leadership at this time is daunting, but the support of so many Sweet Adelines and other supporters has fortified me to take on the many challenges we face as an organization. Like all of you, I always pictured certain things happening in a certain way, and every day I am learning to do things differently. And learning, especially now, is of the utmost importance.
Last month the twelve members of the International Board of Directors made Sweet Adelines history by holding the annual June meeting virtually. We worked together with our headquarters staff and CEO, Tammy Talbot, over several days to review committee work, examine the action items from our Strategic Plan, and make decisions to guide us through the next year and beyond. It was inspiring to see their dedication, tenacity, and flexibility as we all continued to build our future.
Of course, the work at the board table is only as effective as the members who are willing to jump into action to serve and sing. There are a lot of resources to assist us, as well as any member who is interested in volunteering. Our website is filled with educational tools, historical information, and administrative forms needed to keep things running smoothly. There are guides for international board members, regional management teams, and boards of directors. Singers can find books, articles, and videos on vocal production and performance skills.
Our website also includes materials specifically collected and developed by members of our Diversity & Inclusion Task Force to help Sweet Adelines understand our history and put action behind our commitment to live our guiding principles. Use the resources on our website, and check back often as we continue to add materials.
We have all encountered numerous changes in the past several months, and we are still learning to cope with serious challenges. During these times, we must discover our personal internal compass to move forward because our lives have been altered in ways we never imagined – and I truly believe that we can come out stronger than we began.
My personal North Star for leadership is to focus on “abundance thinking.” When the circumstances in our world and our singing lives changed so very drastically earlier this year, I questioned whether this concept was still relevant and appropriate. Even though things have changed over the last six months, abundance thinking has its place in our world and continues to influence the way I look at things. We are still surrounded by abundance thinking even if it looks different than we once imagined. We will continue exploring new ways to connect, to educate, to meet, and to plan ahead. Let’s stay focused on the strengths and resources we have — US! I look forward to moving into our 75th year as an organization. May we be a generation of Sweet Adelines willing to take on the difficult conversations, heartfelt actions, and true changes needed to transform our organization into the genuinely diverse, inclusive, welcoming, and joyful musical haven it is meant to be.
Joan Boutilier
