Past President's Letters

As you should all be aware, the success of our association depends on growth. As I have observed over the past several years, the loss of members in some areas has far surpassed membership growth. I understand as well as anyone the many reasons for the loss of members; however, I don’t understand why the lack of growth persists. At this point, we have an opportunity to correct this problem and grow as chapter and division. The simple answer to our problem is cops talking to cops. Certainly we can take the time in our own communities to extend to our fellow officers the opportunity to present them with the great benefits PBA has to offer. Each chapter has a membership chairperson, but they cannot do the job alone. Every member should be actively involved in conferring with various agencies within chapter areas to present PBA to our fellow officers. As PBA members we must encourage our board members and fellow members to take time to recruit new members and ascertain why we are losing others. Who better than you, residing in your community, to personally contact and recruit new members? If an officer/PBA member you know is experiencing a problem that we’re not aware of, they may need some assistance to help them through their difficulties. If you are spreading information about PBA benefits, you may be able to direct your fellow officer to PBA and in many instances we are able to assist them. We can’t help members if we do not know that they need assistance.

Our goal for 2005, then, is to get more members actively involved in recruiting and, of course, to increase membership. The bottom line is this: If we do not recruit and grow, our association will not be in a position to participate in all the great activities our division has become accustomed to. If we fail to meet our leadership responsibilities and fail to grow as an organization, we will, to put it bluntly, “die” as an association. Let’s all recommit ourselves and reevaluate our position as PBA members and spread the great news of an association second to none that stands up for the rights of law enforcement. As you present PBA to our fellow officers, you will see that PBA benefits sell themselves. I look forward to a great year of growth and a great satisfaction that all law enforcement officers are a part of the finest association in the southeast. If my office can assist you in any way, please call upon us.

Welcome

(2004)