From the Executive Director
For those of you who joined AORE in Atlanta, I thank you. For those of you who could not attend, we missed you and look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis in 2016. It was a great conference; we celebrated members who have contributed to AORE and the profession, we honored Pasty Kott after losing her earlier in the year, we supported many student professionals, we elevated our educational content, delivery and design.
As an organization we pride ourselves in customer service. We have grown in size, and scope and complexity exponentially in the last 5 years. As we head into 2016, we find ourselves as an organization with increasing complexity and fixed capacity. As we leave Atlanta having a renewed sense of our mission and understanding, it is the many individuals who continue to work tirelessly to advance AORE as the key to our success.
We have made the decision to be the leading organization that serves college, university, military and nonprofit sector in recreation and education. Based on member feedback, we have worked hard to increase not only member benefits, but also our value proposition in the industry. The increased deliverables and initiatives, compounded by increasing numbers as well as more engaged volunteer leadership puts us at a critical juncture.
In order to achieve the objectives identified in the Strategic Plan that was developed by and for the membership, AORE is onto its next horizon. Inspired by Keynote Astronaut Nicole Stott who spoke about expanding our view and knowing our positive impact on the people we serve, we all must appreciate how AORE is a key influencer in outdoor recreation and education. As a professional organization, we have committed to make data driven decisions. As a member organization we have committed to soliciting member feedback. As an education organization we have committed to shared leadership, open communication. As a volunteer organization we depend upon numerous individuals who give their time, talent and treasure to achieve the agreed upon annual goals through various programs, offerings, commitments.
In order to support the initiatives that have been delegated by the Board to committee and task forces, every person in this association needs to engage. All AORE committees and task forces are up to this challenge and I am absolutely delighted to see our association mindfully create and support strategic initiatives that move AORE forward. It was truly a celebration to see leadership in all its forms in Atlanta – from those who hold named roles to the first time student attendee who reached out to me sharing that they want to be involved and have some ideas of how they can contribute.
As this great work is being done by volunteers and staff and with the support of recruited others, in 2016, AORE will focus on three priorities:
1. Membership: Grow the membership and enhance experience
2. Advocacy: Develop a stronger voice to advance outdoor recreation and education.
3. Development: Strengthen resources to preserve fiscal sustainability.
The time is now. Thank you for those who have lead before, those who lead now, and those who have been inspired to lead moving forward.
Adventure on,
Jeannette Stawski
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Dear AORE,