Dear MRA,
This is my last president’s message. As we move on to the next chapter of our organization, I want to thank all of you for your support over my two-year term. It has been an honor and a privilege to be leading such an amazing group of people. The MRA mission statement: “The Mountain Rescue Association is an organization of teams dedicated to saving lives through rescue and mountain safety education” remains true. But there is more. No one gets into SAR to be part of the administration, let alone work through the legal, financial, and political aspects of functioning as a non-profit in the 21st century. However, this is also part of our responsibility.
Over the next months and years, we will be making changes that are difficult, but also exciting. We have the opportunity to improve the quality, efficiency and currency of our organization. We can create a framework for improved membership engagement and director involvement. All of this to better support you, the rescuers working hard every day to save lives. My last ask is that you get involved in these changes. No single individual chooses the course we take; it is the membership that drives the MRA. If you want change, gather consensus, bring it to a business meeting and hear other ideas. Be open to compromise, take ownership of the organization, and stay active in your region. And as always, thank you for all that you do.
Alison Sheets
