President’s Message – August 2024

President’s Message Aug 15, 2024

An introduction: You have a new President now. It’s me, Tamara Buchanan, a longtime NWSSA member. You may know me from the Dojo at the WA Symposium, helping you understand how to work with stone. You may not know me at all. But on one level you do, I am like so many of you, passionate about carving stone and this organization, NWSSA.

At the 1st Board of Directors meeting of the new board, I began by reading this statement. I want to share it with you because I believe it is important that you, our dear Member, are included.

“The biggest challenge that we, this Board, will face and the issue that will most affect the outcome of our year together on the Board is how we interact, cooperate, problem solve and support each other. “

We have a chance to build a culture of support and a positive working environment, which will directly benefit each of us, the board and NWSSA.

Our organization’s mission: The purpose of the Association is to nurture the stone-sculpting community in the Pacific Northwest. It achieves this by providing services and volunteer support for community communications and publications, gatherings and events, and educational programs.

We are a group of volunteers who believe in this mission:  who value the educational opportunities we provide, who cherish the very varied associations and friendships that are created. Everyone of you is an important part of how our mission is carried out.

The role of the Board is to “run the business” of NWSSA. We listen to you, to your ideas, your concerns, what gives you the most joy. We also keep track of satisfying state and federal regulations. We mind the budget. We interact with the Directors of our symposiums and retreats, and chairpersons of the NWSSA committees.

This Board wants to hear from you. Tell us how you can help NWSSA. How can NWSSA help you?

Dusty Cheers,

Tamara