I am writing this on the plane back from the MTNA Summit for Leadership in Cincinnati. This is a somewhat bittersweet trip for me as it is my last time.
This event is impactful in countless ways. Much like the WSMTA Leadership Seminar it is an opportunity for leaders from around the country to be in the same space connecting, learning and growing. We are then able to take this connection and learning back to our own members to pass on.
I have found the most informational sessions to be the States by Size and Division meetings.
Did you know WSMTA is one of the 5 largest MTNA affiliates? We stand with Florida, Illinois, Texas, and California. These states face many of the same obstacles that WSMTA does in growing membership, having enough volunteers to run programs, and the types of programs each organization runs. Many of the programs, while named differently, are similar in nature.
As a good balance to what feels like only a large state problem, we follow this meeting with the Division meeting. It is a joy to meet with the representatives from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Talk about varying state sizes for membership. It is extremely helpful to share ideas and perspectives with these states. In somewhat of a relief, they too face many of the same challenges.
The Summit for Leadership does not just highlight challenges, but also solutions, or at least how to approach them. It can be as “simple” as a shift in thinking.
One highlight was volunteerism. As leaders do not simply put someone in a needed position. It is important to know the person, what fits their strengths and interests. Find their niche.
Another highlight was the importance of accurate and up to date job descriptions. At a State level this is an ongoing project. How many local chapters also need to do these updates? Something to think about.
A last highlight to share here is how to connect with members. It is important to reach out in various ways, email, text, social media in either a text or video post, or even a phone call. Everyone stays connected to news in different ways. What works for one will not work for another.
I believe the most important thing about events such as this are the connections built. While we do not have a lot of time together meaningful conversations are had and long lasting relationships are built over meals and in between sessions.
I have enjoyed attending the Summit for Leadership these last 3 years, first as President-Elect and then as President. I have learned more about MTNA, how it functions as a support for state and local affiliates, getting to tour the MTNA offices, meeting and connecting with many fabulous people from across the country, and then coming back to our fabulous state to share all that I have learned.
While I am sad to not be attending this event again I am eternally grateful to have had this experience. Thank you for allowing me to help to represent WSMTA.
