Hi all fellow ASTC members,
As you know, the ASTC AGM took place last Wednesday. I cannot tellyou how many
members attended, as I didn't have visibility of the rest of theattendees, but
I must say that I was disappointed to know that only three peoplenominated for
the Committee: two for President, and one for Vice President. AsI said many
times before, the Society can only operate if members are willingto participate
and give their time to work on the Committee. And it does nottake that long. I
know that we all have jobs and families but it is ourSociety. So, if you think
you can spare some time, please consider sending yournomination. Currently, the
role of Secretary is still available as well asTreasurer even though Janet
Taylor agreed to step to the position while theCommittee searches for another
volunteer.
The President's report, still available at the ASTC website,had some statements
that I would like to address. One is about SouthernCommunicator. Dave Newdick
stated that it struggles to get content. That is notquite true. Yes Southern
Communicator relies on some key personnel but so doesany other role in the
Committee. When Sue Woolley decided to step out of her Editor's role, I
willingly stepped up. So, please let us not compare thewoes that plagued
Context and Southern Communicator. If and when the peoplethat put the journal
together run into problems, I believe it is up to thosepeople to announce it.
In the meantime, Southern Communicator is, as far as Ican see, the only visible
benefit of being an ASTC member. And as they say,"if ain't broken, don’t fix
it". But again, it is up to you membersto participate in discussions.
Dave Newdick also mentioned that the Committee would like toengage the
membership in each state. That is not new and is something that someof us in
Queensland have tried to do for many, many years. I mentioned it anumber of
times in my communications to you while I was President, and thisyear I again
asked everyone why are writers and editors so different. I stilldo not know.
Editors do not seem to have any problems in getting together on aregular basis
in each state. In the meantime, I just received an email announcing that the
Victorianmembers are being treated to a Christmas party sponsored by the ASTC.
Why only Victoria? Why notthe rest of the states? Where is this engagement?
The last comment in Dave Newdick's report is puzzling. Hementions that the
Society needs "a President that is professional anddiplomatic, and who will not
offend members or other people in performing theirrole." In all my years as a
member, Committee member, and President I havenever come across such person.
What is Dave trying to imply? Is he possibly sayingI was the offender because I
dared to ask questions? Is he saying that askingquestions is offensive? I have
always believed and will always believe that itis only by asking that anything
evolves and indeed gets better. In my book, askingquestions is not offensive,
what is offensive is ignoring any and all questionsthat are asked and simply
not answer them. Puzzling indeed.
Please do consider nominating to the Committee. The Societydoes need you.
For all subscribers of this list that are not ASTC members, my apologies for
the mass email but this is the only way I canreach the ASTC members.
Best wishes for the festive season. May you have a safe, peaceful, and loving
one. Regards,
Ana
