AORE Association News December 2015 | Page 4

From the President

Greetings AORE members. I am fresh off of Thanksgiving Break and only a week removed from our annual conference as I write this. Furthermore, this will be my final update as your President. It seems some reflection is in order.

The word that comes to mind immediately as I think about the AORE is proud.

I am proud of the

many board members, committee members,

staff, and volunteers

that I have seen work

so hard on behalf of

our profession. I am

proud of what we

accomplished in my

three years on the

board and have a

very real sense that

we are leaving the

Association better

than we found it.

Most importantly I

am proud of our potential.

We have a potential that we are just beginning to realize. There is enormous talent and passion within the Association and I believe it will be brought to bear to improve upon our chosen field of work.

How will we improve our field? In 2016 we will develop objectives that complement our strategic plan and annual priorities. I am excited about the three annual priorities that board has set before us for 2016. The first priority is to grow membership and enhance the membership experience. Part of this priority involves engaging broader communities. We must become a more diverse association.

The second priority is to advocate for a stronger voice to advance outdoor recreation and education. This includes improving internal communication, finding ways to encourage research and building infrastructure to effectively advocate outside the Association. The final priority is to develop strengthened resources to preserve fiscal sustainability. The AORE is in a strong financial position. However, we must find ways to generate revenue beyond the conference and membership dues in order to continue our positive growth.

I am proud of what we have accomplished this year and hopeful about what we can

accomplish in 2016

and beyond. Thank you for allowing me to serve you as your President.

Sincerely,

Guy B. deBrun

AORE President

Asst. Director of Adventure & TEAM Programs

James Madison University

Follow us online as we explore the outdoors.

LET'S BE SOCIAL

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