Nohema Fernández
You may remember that a few words by Bob Dylan became one the most important anthems of the 1960s: "The times they are a-changing." I used to think that those words were tainted by the tenor of the times. Now I hang over my desk a sign with words that echo the concept and frequently serve me well: "The road to success is always under construction; be prepared to change lanes at any time." While maturity teaches us the dangers of reckless swerving, a willingness to make well-considered lane changes can mean successful evolutionary changes toward the future. So it is with CMS.
Well-managed change builds on the strength of the past and anticipates the challenges and opportunities of the future. It is with great enthusiasm, therefore, that I can share with you the good news of some transformations. After months of careful consideration, the CMS Board, at its recent meeting in Portland, voted to make some significant changes that mark the beginning of a new era for our organization. The legally necessary change in nonprofit status, from our historical "educational and charitable" label to that of an "educational and professional" organization, will be accomplished in the coming months.
What does this mean for you? While your membership renewal notice will offer detailed explanations, it might be interesting for you to note that the most immediately visible change entails the reunification, under one umbrella, of all activities and services presently carried out by CMS and CMS Publications Inc., including the re-incorporation of the Music Vacancy List, directories, and other publications as part of membership benefits. Other key candidates for change in this ongoing evolution are advocacy efforts, new methods of information delivery, closer interaction with other societies, improved professional mentoring, services for professional development, and expanded international efforts. Our tools for change feature a flourishing sense of team-based management, responsiveness to the needs of members and our profession, a refreshing sense of adaptability, a growing data support structure, and, most importantly, a vast supply of creative thinking generously shared.
During the Annual Meeting in Portland, the sense of excitement and shared anticipation was easily palpable. It was interesting for me to note the complex symbiotic relationship between the organization and the individuals that form the organization. I have noted before that any healthy community or organization thrives only through the participation of many individuals. However, this Meeting has provoked in me a firmer belief that individuals also thrive and are healthier (emotionally, psychologically, and professionally) when they function (and recognize their roles) as members of a community. The Portland experience was positively energizing for all who attended—rife with professional excitement and shared sense of accomplishment.
We look forward to the future. CMS is now able to increase its range of influence and activity and to set a fresh foundation for service to our profession in the twenty-first century.