By: Jeff Goodwin, SRM Director
Three years ago, I became a Director for the Society for Range Management. Today I reflect on not just the past three years, but my path with SRM. I have been a member for twenty five years. However, I have spent the last eleven consecutive years of my life as a Texas Section Director, Texas Section 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President, Advisory Council Chair Elect/Chair, and finally Director of SRM. My nine year old son does not know me as not involved in a leadership role with SRM at some level. I am certainly not the only person that has given sustained service to this organization. That is our strength; our membership. We have countless members who have given their time, their years, their thought, and their money; all because we have a shared passion for our planet’s rangeland resources.
I feel this is an opportunity to encourage future direction. I urge the next Board of Directors to refocus efforts on our local membership. It is my opinion this is not a national question. Members are local. Our membership are, first and foremost, members of our Sections. They are represented within the Advisory Council. I urge the Board to refocus efforts to revitalize participation of this Council, as they are the true voice of the membership. If we are to remain a “society”, we must bolster our Sections at the local level. In fact, I believe that should be our primary focus. Empower our members where they are…in the Sections.
The past three years have had a significant impact on my perception of this organization. I’ve had the opportunity to see it inside and out. I cannot say that everyone always agreed with a proposed direction, but I can say that we found a direction. This organization was founded by men and women who had the courage to stand up for what they believed in. Regardless of the “side” you are on, the men and women that lead this organization today still embody that spirit. I’m proud of that.
So where do we go now? We go forward!
Looking back can be a powerful process. It can provide insight, reflection and ultimately aid in building experience. Looking back however will not move us down the road. We learn from our experiences and we move forward. I believe the future SRM Board of Directors and Officers all have an unbridled passion for rangelands. I am confident they will lead us forward.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve this membership. I greatly appreciate it!
Respectfully,
Jeff Goodwin
SRM Director 2017-2019