A Message from our President, Peter Schanz
– reprinted from the 2013 Summer print newsletter*
“Things should start to get less hectic around here pretty soon.”
It seems that is the same thought that creeps into my head every year at this time. The trouble is, we still have most of our hay to bale and put up. At least graduations are over and also along with it, the various activities that encompass most families’ lives (spring sports, confirmation, weddings, etc…). Things start to “normalize.”
I have noticed recently that normalcy is becoming a thing of the past when it comes to not only our national government, but also many of the organizations in which we take an active role: city government, school boards, church organizations, service organizations, lodges, fraternities and, yes… even Farm Bureau.
It is almost certain that the new “normal” really is another name for change. Someone once told me that change is good. As he put it, “if you don’t change ‘what’ or ‘how’ you do something, you are static, and if you’re static, you start to stink.”
The only trouble I see happening in many organizations right now is that they are trying to change to avoid stinking, but in doing so, I am afraid they do not THINK. How many of you are becoming disgruntled with the things affecting your lives today because the organizations you belong to or live under are being run in a manner that seems almost amateurish or slipshod in the way decisions and long-range plans are made?
Well, part of the problem could be you.
If you are dissatisfied with what is happening, it is time for you to take a more active role in the organizations that you belong to. If you are a tax payer in Medina whose school board needs help with a superintendent, a citizen in New Franklin who just found out that his mailing address is not Clinton anymore, or a Tea Party member in Portage County who had his taxes scrutinized, it is time to take an active role in what is going on.
The same is true in Farm Bureau. There are many changes going on, some good and some not so good. It is up to us, the membership, to make our voices heard.
Several events are coming up in the next few months that you could offer to help with. We can always use help at Fair time at the end of July. In September we have our annual meeting and if you have some concerns, voice them there if it makes you happy, or you could just bring them to a County Board Meeting held the first Wednesday of every month, September through June.
One of the other ways that you can help is to follow the lead of Dr. and Mrs. Ben Pearson of New Franklin who recently made generous donations to support the Summit County Mobile Learning Laboratory (Ag Mobile) at three schools this past year. On behalf of the Ag Mobile committee and Farm Bureau, thank you.
Start to make a list of where you want to make a difference. Take up the challenge and make it part of your goals to make a difference in your passion. If you want something bad enough, then become knowledgeable and speak up.
You will make a difference.
Pete Schanz, President
Summit County Farm Bureau
*The Summit County Farm Bureau mails out a print newletter to each of its more than 1,000 members each year. To become a member, apply online here.