As the association membership is aware, I have stepped into the office of president earlier than I had planned due to the sudden resignation of Ken Mabery. Statements from both the Board of Directors and myself concerning this matter were mailed to the membership as well as being posted on this website. Those who have read my statement can see that I have two immediate goals that I believe are crucial for the association, increased membership and financial stability. Neither of these goals is attainable without the help of the entire membership of this association. If you are currently active in promoting ANPR through volunteerism or holding an office, I offer a well-deserved thank you and ask that you consider other ways to help the association. If you have volunteered or held office in the past, but not currently, I thank you for your past service and ask that you consider renewing your assistance to ANPR. If you have never volunteered or held office, I thank you for your membership and urge you to seek ways that you can help ANPR achieve the goals of the organization.

Everyone in the association can help increase the membership base by simply letting co-workers know about the organization. I have been amazed to discover how many long time seasonal and career employees are simply unaware that ANPR exists. We all need to let people know that we are here and what we are doing. The website contains printable talking point papers on various positions and objectives of ANPR. There is also a printable recruitment poster that can easily be placed on break room bulletin boards. Consider having an ANPR recruitment party in your park. There are many ways that every member can help to increase membership with little effort.

Many of you have probably noticed that there is now a donation link on the website. I realize that we have many members who are simply not in a situation to make donations in addition to their membership dues. I do not expect them to. There are many members, like myself, who probably can afford to contribute extra. I ask that you consider it. Any small amount will help, but we also need to look beyond the membership for the type of funding we need. Ed Rizzotto has recently updated ANPR’s strategic plan to reflect goals and daily operations as projects. Before the end of the year I intend to ask for the assistance of the membership in writing grant proposals that we can have in hand as we find possible grant donors who may be sympathetic to ANPR’s objectives and purpose. If you are a member with experience in writing grant proposals, consider volunteering to help the association achieve the financial stability we need. I believe that this is the route we must take to ensure continued daily operations and the advocacy role ANPR is performing on behalf of the parks and all park employees.

I look forward to the Ranger Rendezvous this November. I am eager to see the membership face to face and have discussions and debate on the role ANPR is playing. I ask that every member do what they can to come to Rapid City and help ANPR renew its commitment to advocating for the parks and all park employees.