Thank you for electing me as the President of the Past DCP Association. I feel humbled and would like to serve you well during my term.
As I pointed out during the luncheon, we have a great amount of knowledge in our collective heads. I feel it is time to use our knowledge to educate the present and future Auxiliary leaders. We have all addressed problems at times during our terms and have handled them in varied ways. If there is a way to use this for the benefit of present leaders, they may be able to analyze our actions and come to a possible solution of their problem. In my field, I find it advantageous to learn from other's mistakes and victories.
The question is how to do this. I have sent up a discussion list in the cgwebs site at http://cgwebs.net/forums. For instructions on how to join this list you should read the instructions at http://cgwebs.net/forums/PDCP-How-to-Sign-Up.pdf. You can then join the group by following these instructions. Then, when a present DCP has a problem, he can enter the list and submit a potential problem. By routinely looking at the list we can see what topics have been entered. We can then look at the problem and give some suggestions. If the problem requires sensitivity, we can e-mail the inquiring DCP directly and not broadcast it to the entire list. Also, we can communicate amongst us via this list.
All too often I see persons who are in leadership positions "because nobody else will take this office." They are just filling a slot. While many attempt to do a good job, their heart is not in it. The present and past leaders should approach each flotilla or division and speak on the advantages of leadership. Then we should take potential leaders in hand and MENTOR them on leadership. They will become more efficient leaders and their enthusiasm will lead to more efficient leaders in the future. As any parent knows, your real goal in life is to support your children and lead them to a better future. Present and future Auxiliary leaders are our "children." How we can do this is not yet clear, but we should work on setting this up.
Other things we could be considering is getting a group together who can help Flotillas and Division apply for grants. Many of our units have decreased funds from decreased members or may just want to obtain some equipment or start a program and, for many things, grants may go a long way.
Another thing to consider is a Summer gathering. Several things have been considered such as a meeting during the ISAR Semi-finals and visits to theme parks. I'm sure there are other things we may try. How about a 3 day cruise? We should start thinking about this now.
Above are only a few things we may do. Other things, like sponsoring a Coast Guard Auxiliary License Tag for Florida, are also not out of the question.
To do this we need people to work on some of the committees I outlined above. Please let me know if you wish to help or if you have any other ideas. My e-mail address is bermals@yahoo.com.
Semper Paratus
Lawrence S. Berman, President, PDCPA
