April 2012
Spring ... A Time for New Beginnings
2008 President, Susan Durso, wrote: “Spring is all about new beginnings, growth, and a fresh start.” I definitely agree. Each of us has an opportunity for a fresh start and a new beginning. Just as winter turns into spring we can learn from, but leave behind our past, and reach out for the future.
Barrie Cogburn, 2011 President, in her April newsletter article shared with us about beginning her spring gardening. She said, “I need to slow down and consider my plan. Part of the planning process is taking inventory and assessing the situation. What worked last year and what didn't? Taking time to review the plan and making changes accordingly just makes good sense.”
Both Susan and Barrie’s philosophy applies to EWTG. Each year is a new beginning for EWTG with the onset of new ideas and goals from a new Board of Directors and new Committee Chairs, not to mention the others of you who step up to volunteer. The 2012 Board of Directors and Committee Chairs have been busy planning new EWTG directions for you.
In March, President-Elect, Mary Castleberry, and her Mentorship Committee, were busy planning Executive Success Team activities. Until last year, I had a misperception about what an Executive Success Team really was, but, as President-Elect, I quickly learned the truth. On my committee was newcomer Alta Alexander, who said, “We need to let the membership know what an Executive Success Team is!” So, our committee got started. Our team extended open enrollment through the end of April, notified our membership as to what an Executive Success Team is, and we were thrilled when six new teams were created. So, now you say, ‘What is an Executive Success Team and why would I want to be on one?” Executive Success Teams make up EWTG’s group mentoring program. Teams are comprised of five to seven women who meet regularly to learn with and from each other in an open, relaxed, and confidential environment while developing and expanding their EWTG network. Team members commit to meeting throughout the year to support and mentor each other about professional and personal issues.
The dream of a mentoring program began in 1997 under President Penny Johnson. Mary Howerton and Ethelynn Beebe, 1997 Board Members, were asked to evaluate such a program and make recommendations for a future mentoring program as a part of EWTG. The 1997 Board did approve implementation of a group mentoring program with oversight of the program given to the President-Elect. The first Executive Success Teams were formed in February 1998, under the direction of 1998 President-Elect, Joelyn Weeks.
Mary Castleberry and her committee have brainstormed to come up with new ideas and goals for Executive Success Teams this year! Look for more details in Mary’s newsletter article further on in this newsletter.
Spring is here …. Take Time to Stop and Smell the Roses.
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