Looking Forward After Looking Back -Winston Stewart
It is always instructive to review the past year when pondering what the new one may hold. The year 2005 could be considered a defining one for KCOBA (Atlanta) both in terms of performance and maturity. To be sure, the association is merely six years old and although expectations run consistently high these must be tempered by the realization that age and experience are not yet on our side.
We entered 2005 buoyed by a successful Christmas Fundraising Dance held a few weeks earlier and with momentum at an unprecedented level. Planning began in earnest for two major events scheduled for the June 17 – 18 weekend, namely the 4th KCOBA Summit and the Annual Reunion & Awards Dinner. An attempt was made to hold a no-frills dance prior to the June functions, but lack of an appropriate venue negated the efforts. Still we pressed on undaunted by such a setback, as the intent was to harness revenue to help offset some of the cost associated with the reunion. Such determination was a clear sign that the association was entering the realm of the matured.
The records will show that the Summit was an overwhelming success – it started on time, ended within schedule and achieved its objectives. Representatives from all of the chapters, except Toronto, were on hand to witness the most effectively run Summit to date. Our reunion on the following day (June 18) was a splendid affair. It presented the association in a sphere hitherto before not contemplated. Comments by many of our guests were most positive and encouraging. Although we did not realize a revenue surplus, we left an indelible impression on those who attended. However, in retrospect, a more rigorous analysis of this event would have led to critical changes in the offerings, such as the musical entertainment. The experience gained from this function will prove invaluable as we move forward.
The annual general meeting was pushed into July due to scheduling issues. A new board was elected, which portended the sign of things to come, given the immediate synergy amongst the members. Several board meetings were held with utmost efficiency and the level of communication within the association rose to an enviable level.
We held a successful family day picnic in September which provided an opportunity for the children to participate. This event represents a most important calendar activity, as it provides a forum for advertising the association in a positive light. We must continue with this function and take it upon ourselves to encourage the older folks to come out and mingle with us.
We topped off the year with the most successful Christmas Fundraising Dance to date. Championed by vice-president Glen Laman, the planning incorporated the talents of the spouses of board members and other Old Boys, culminating in a display of teamship on the night itself. It was a sight to behold!
There can be no doubt that the association has moved a few notches upwards in its performance during 2005. So the question begs itself – where do we go from here? In my opinion we need to remain focused on the association’s mission to provide valuable assistance to our alma mater, Kingston College. We need to be constantly weary of the fact that “it is all about K.C.” and that the rewards for our efforts are contained in the knowledge that we are helping to make a positive impact on the lives of its students and staff.
In addition we must do the following:
We should prepare our calendar of events at the start of each fiscal year and share it with all of our supporters. Reminders should be sent early enough to allow prospective attendees to plan accordingly.
Assign 3 months lead time to every function that we undertake to allow for proper planning and execution of associated tasks.
Every fundraising event must have a work plan that is essentially a road map for success. Such a plan shall have as a minimum, a break-even analysis and identification of roles and responsibilities.
Develop closer ties with the administrative staff of K.C. We need to know what it is that the school expects from us rather than assume that what we are doing on its behalf is appropriate. In this regard, we need a school liaison at the board member level to take on this responsibility. We must be relevant while continuing to be diligent in our efforts to help.
Identify where our main support base lies and consistently reach out to same; not only when a fundraiser is near. Reciprocating their support is also not debatable. We must prudently support those who support us.
Establish a community outreach program, which will showcase the association as a responsible member of the community. We cannot assume that the community in which we operate understands our modus operandi, so it is up to us to educate our neighbors and friends about our passion and why they should support us.
Finally, we have been negligent in adhering to our Christian teachings by not celebrating that rich heritage at local churches. This is another opportunity to be in the public’s vision and in a positive light.
Above are some of the things I believe we ought to do in 2006 to move the association to a higher operating plateau. Of course they require discussion and expansion of thought, which this forum cannot accommodate because of space limitation. The bottom-line is that we are a significant support pillar for our alma mater and therefore we have to fulfill our mission perennially.
It is always instructive to review the past year when pondering what the new one may hold. The year 2005 could be considered a defining one for KCOBA (Atlanta) both in terms of performance and maturity. To be sure, the association is merely six years old and although expectations run consistently high these must be tempered by the realization that age and experience are not yet on our side.