WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO

Harry Fornwalt, a past CAL-MOAA leader, has offered a number of ideas which he believes will lead to Council revitalization, growth, acquisition of added resources, and greater achievements. He suggests the Council move far beyond its current concept.

An underestanding of who we are and what we do will help avoid unrealistic expectations and bring greater satisfaction.

For many, the Council is focused on its purposes and has accomplished much, as outlined in an October 16, 2008 dated State of the Council document.

One great challenge faced is how to effectively engage and orient new chapter presidents in an environment of constant annual leader turnover. In many cases, new presidents have little or no knowledge of CAL-MOAA, that the chapter is affiliated with the Council, or of basic opportunities and obligations.

According to the bylaws Article IV Sec B(1), “The CAL-MOAA Council of Chapter Presidents…is the ultimate CAL-MOAA authority…the Council shall consist of the President of each Affiliated Chapter or, in the President’s absence, a representative designated by that president in writing.” The Council currently has 43 chapters and 5 satellite chapters, a total of 48 members.

According to the bylaws Article IV Sec C(2), “The Executive Committee shall act for the Council between Council meetings and carry out the programs of the Council and duties delegated by these bylaws. It shall have the powers of a corporate board of directors subject to review and modification by the Council.” The Council currently has 15 of 17 positions filled (vacant positions include Judge Advocate and Meeting Chair), an additional 15 Council members.

Total CAL-MOAA membership as of October 2008 is 63 members.

The Council is an organization formed years ago to provide the presidents networking opportunities–bring them together, give them a chance to get acquainted, have a social time, learn about opportunities and challenges, obtain information and “best practices,” share experiences and lessons learned, assist one another with leadership requirements, serve the wider military community beyond the local chapter, and work together to make a difference.

The specific purposes as outlined in the bylaws include promoting the aims of MOAA; helping to protect earned entitlements by supporting federal legislation and other MOAA objectives; helping to create and pass California state legislation which upholds the rights and interests of members, families and dependents; providing general and direct chapter support by offering advice, counsel, and in some cases resources; and finally, to establish and maintain liaison with other state veterans organizations in order to coordinate efforts related to the notion of “One Powerful Voice!.”

As far as can be determined, the Council was never intended to be a California statewide mini- MOAA built on the national model.

Council resources are matched to the situation and mission and today are adequate for carrying out the purposes effectively. Because of the bylaws mandated purposes, annual dues are a modest $0.75 per member based on the chapter membership on December 31st of the prior year.

Some wonder why certain EXCOM members and chapter presidents choose not to participate actively. It seems clear that there are extensive cultural, economic, and social forces at play that work against full participation. It’s too bad–the Council is an outstanding platform for serving the wider military community in California and chapter presidents who fail to participate lose out on good opportunities.

In the view of many the Council is doing what it is supposed to do with reasonable success. There comes a time when the opportunity is right there–get involved, participate actively, reap the benefits, and have a good time. With realistic expectations, the outcomes will include both profit and fun.

Perhaps it’s time to relax, enjoy ourselves, and be grateful we have an award-winning council in California.

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