We are past our district meeting and we are headed to State, it seems out of allowed more than 20 delegates we have 14 signed up for State convention. WE the usual delegates are going to make the decisions once again for the masses. I again ask you, are we prepared to do the same thing expecting different results? I am unable to understand exactly why those that have been impacted so severely have no desire to advance their future by participation.

Yet here we are advancing toward State and National with the burden of the future of the NRLCA, and in my case the FL. RLCA. It was asked of me, what it is that could be done to change the things in our State, that which has turned away many members, and even those that could be but aren't because they believe, that those in power today are just members of the "good ole boys" club. I want desperately to argue against that point but have difficulty.

Why? Because we have allowed ourselves to be comfortable with the status quo. What do I mean by that?
We have come to expect that the nominees for offices have to be those that have believed and done what those that have come before believe. The members that have done all the expected precursors to becoming board members become board members, the obligatory board members that have done their expected duties become Vice- President, or Secretary- Treasurer, and the Vice President becomes President. And all approve the State Steward.

This is the way things are done, that's the way things have always been done. There's Federal Election Laws or National Constitution Laws or State Bylaws and even the status quo laws that all govern the direction, and premise that we have called the election process. Who do we think we are to step outside the box and think about changing what is, what has been, and what will be?

I believe the time has come to change the rules, no more can we stand on the sidelines and let the status quo rule what is our Association. What exactly does that mean? It means that we are going to have to look for individuals that don't fit the standard of status quo, who are willing to step up and be the elected delegates, that are willing to make the rough choices, to ask the questions WHY, and to be held accountable to the membership instead of the other way around. We should be able to access and be informed, even if we are unable to be at meetings that more and more are closed door, as if we are unable to handle the truth.

WE have got to look to those that have stayed uninvolved, yet with all the capabilities to lead and encourage them in their efforts to advance in this Association, or in the Steward program. We have for too long discouraged those that potentially are great leaders by a system of steps, that need be followed if your ever to make it to the top. Instead of looking at what these individuals have within, the ability to give to this Association, to advance the future of not only the State level leadership but that of National leaders also. We have got to change business as usual and look at those that are willing to give all they can, to the positions of leadership at all levels in this Union. And even more so, as you look to the higher levels of leaders in the State Offices and National offices.

Are we willing to let the system of electing officers to remain the same with the potential of the same results? Are we willing to let what has been expected in the past to influence us in our decisions to elect those that will lead us into the future?

I've been speaking a lot about the future lately, and this is because we know the disaster of our past actions. We are in a position to potentially change the entire Association, if we have the courage,  we need to even if we can't find courage. Change is what it is about, the change to make come about the transformation of this Union into a powerful bargaining entity of the 21st century.

We know how the story ends if we stick to what has been comfortable for all these years, we know the direction we will take because we have lived it. Dare we chose comfort, over the most difficult endeavor we as humans are required in life to do, that of change? As we move to the next phase of of the Democratic process from election of District officers to National Delegates and State Officers and Stewards, then on to National Officers we must look to those who are not the norm or haven't officially announced a candidacy, to see if they have what it takes, and not just what has been, or what has always been.

And that's the way Jay sees it.