October 1999

Happy New Year!

by Jan Michels
WSBA Executive Director
janm@wsba.org

October 1, 1999 marks the new Bar year – Bar Year 2000 (B.Y. 2000). I’ve completed my first full cycle as your Executive Director, we’ve sworn in our new Governors and President, and my circadian rhythms "feel" a New Year.

What a year! My learning curve was as steep as when I pumped my bicycle up Rainy, Washington, Loop Loop, Wauconda and Sherman Passes! The WSBA is a complex, multifaceted, sui generis organization. I’ve called on just about every learning experience I’ve ever had, from social work to court management, to being President of the County Clerks and Washington Association of County Officials, to raising kids, to academic writing.

I hope you feel I have met my commitment to you to improve member services, share information freely, better support the many Bar leaders and enliven the energy of our 24,000 members. I have been able to visit over half of the WSBA’s committees and sections, and have been informed and inspired by the town meeting and member survey input. I finally feel grounded in what members want and expect from their Bar, and the dynamic and sometimes conflicting opinions about some of what the WSBA does. When I first started working with you, I was embarrassed at my sometimes halting and uncertain explanations and presentations, but after this year my "bar association talk" is much more fluent and informed. I credit the Board, WSBA staff and member input for "filling me up." As a spiritual mentor once told me, "fill up on information, then speak from the overflow."

The "new" we ring in is a strong member statement and Board-endorsed summary about what matters to the WSBA in the future. Here are some WSBA New Year’s resolutions:

1. The WSBA will implement and follow the Long-Range Strategic Plan (LRSP).

The LRSP statement will frame our activity in the coming years. The 11 strategic goals are clear, simple statements about what the WSBA commits to in B.Y. 2000-2003 and beyond. The aspirational "outcome" that accompanies each goal describes what the WSBA hopes to see if we are able to fully meet the goal. These outcome statements become the beacon we point to. In 2000, the WSBA will set many new courses in support of our profession, our members and our Association.

2. The WSBA will leverage our networks and affiliations in the service of the public good.

In Washington, compared to many states, we have good working relationships with the legal service community, Supreme Court, judicial associations, other bar associations, sections, and state and local governments. These relationships are the commodity of our future and our goals of serving the public. We need to nurture these relationships with respect, cooperation and personal contact.

3. The WSBA will celebrate Year 2000.

We plan an "event of the millennium" — Celebration 2000 — September 13-16, 2000. The Bar, Judiciary, Access to Justice community and Bar leaders will present a four-day event filled with CLEs, collegiality, receptions, a vendor fair and some remarkable plenary events. We’ll have a semi-final program by December and open early registrations. We hope for broad and enthusiastic participation.

4. The WSBA will continue to enhance member services and benefits.

Watch for discussion forums on subjects of interest to members, simplified license renewal and MCLE reporting procedures, more immediate news, and easier ways for members to participate in the work of the Bar from remote locations. These are things that can help us maximize WSBA programs and services at minimal expense.

5. We will all lead a more balanced life.

This is a personal option, but whether we set recreational, social service and/or family goals, we will lead a better life if it includes our human side, too. So Happy New Year to you and to me — B.Y. 2000 will be a good one!

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