Dear CAHPERD Members,
It is with mixed emotions that I write
this letter to you. On one hand, I regret to say that the current
CAHPERD model of Governance and Structure appears not to serve
our membership as efficiently or efficaciously as we expect. On
the other hand, it is a pleasure to say that for the past two
years leaders of our Association have worked conscientiously
to conceptualize a new model for the Governance and Structure
of our Association.
Why change CAHPERD Governance and Structure?
Using a connoisseur evaluation model, a panel of experts assessed
qualitative data that reveal sources of concerns to the lifeblood
of our Association. The obvious biases and threats to
validity of this evaluation model exist, but identification
of these concerns has occurred by many of our members, including
our experts (e.g. three Past Presidents, members of our Governance
and Structure Committee, the Executive Director and related
staff members). Here are some issues they identified
from their Association observation outpost:
- While rank and file membership shows a gradual increase
over the past few years, there is not an associated increase
in members committed to leadership roles. The decrease in
representation and participation in Units and House of Regions
is obvious. Representation in the Divisions is disproportionate
by discipline and there is a glaring absence of participation
from professionals in higher education.
- Having one person available for leadership positions in
the Association is not an exception. My personal experience
as the single candidate in 2007 as President-Elect is testimony
to this observation. Frequently, Association leaders
scramble to identify people willing to serve in leadership
roles but fewer members choose to make a commitment to lead
our Association and demonstrate their leadership ability.
Many factors can contribute to these observations, including
a cloistered dominance of influence easily manipulated by a
cumbersome structure. Our experts attribute these concerns
to the unwieldy operation of our Association’s governance
and structure.
CAHPERD Governance and Structure Committee
I am delighted to say that over the past two years the CAHPERD
Governance & Structure Committee has worked to develop
a conceptual model to streamline the governance and structure
of our Association. To date the Committee has prepared
and presented two drafts to members of the Board of Directors
and House of Delegates to review and comment on. The
intention of the Committee is to develop a model of Governance
and Structure that is egalitarian in its operation and acceptable
to our membership. Please note that he proposal primarily
addresses the Association structure with limited operational
and/or implementation policies.
On a more personal note, I want to thank the Committee for
their persistent dedication to make our Association more efficient
and efficacious. Their task is daunting; yet they continue
to serve in making our Association landscape more inviting. Please
take time to review the enclosed papers and share your views.
Kind regards,
Terry L. Rizzo, President-Elect
