(The statements made here are my own, and not directly from or on behalf of VCF-MA) Today is the last day to make, change, or otherwise consider voting for the VCF Mid Atlantic Steering Committee positions. This is YOUR organization. Therefore, YOU are the one who has the best interests in mind for the organization, and as to who YOU want to see as members of the Steering Committee to help lead the organization. The Steering Committee is an important conclave. The intent of the committee is to help be the voice of direction for our member's interests. They are effectively your representatives, charged with listening to both you and VCF-MA leadership, and maintaining communications and information flow between the two. The Steering Committee election is NOT a popularity contest. There were a LOT of support statements made by non-candidates on behalf of current candidates. While it's perfectly normal that members may support one or more candidates with a passion, garnering votes through public expression of that support is simply playing politics. The Steering Committee is not a political entity, nor should it be subject to "good 'ol boys" methods of advocacy. Doing so could lead to bad practices where the Steering Committee is basically the same people having excessive exposure every election cycle. An organization does not grow on repetition. It grows on change. YOU are trusted by the organization to make sound decisions on your own, and to place those YOU feel are capable of fulfilling the duties of a Steering Committee member who is charged to effect change for the better. There is nothing wrong with adding new blood to the mix, if need be, to encourage change. Therefore, it is important to read the candidate's own position statements, and base your voting decision on those. If a candidate must rely on external support to make their statement, then ask yourself if that candidate is able to make important committee decisions on their own. The current Steering Committee candidates are as follows, with a direct link to their Position Statements (in no particular order): Doug Crawford - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-doug-crawford/ Chris Fala - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-chris-fala/ Alex Jacocks - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-alex-jacocks/ Jeff Salzman - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-jeff-salzman/ Dean Notatnicola - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-for-dean-notarnicola/ Ethan O'Toole - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-for-ethan-otoole/ Adam Michlin - https://vcfed.org/position-statement-adam-michlin/ There are a lot of candidates, and it is more important than ever to understand where each candidate stands. Ask yourself if they represent YOUR beliefs? Even if you already voted, please take the time today to re-read all of the Position Statements. Pick the three candidates YOU feel will help the organization promote the needed changes to grow. If your vote remains the same, it's trusted that you voted in good conscience and the organization is thankful for your vote. If you wish to reconsider your vote, you can still do so. The voting rules are to take your most recent vote up to December 7, 11:59PM EST. You can click on the original voting link you received from Chris Fala (provided below) and cast a new vote if you wish. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqnOZddYcoHTc59HLVn4QxWaEAdNehGL3k... Remember, this is YOUR organization. Make sure you are voting for those who YOU trust to guide the organization in the direction you wish to see it go. Thank you for taking the time to read this message. Sincerely, Jeff Salzman