[Reading-hall-of-fame] Re: Reading Hall of Fame home base

[Hoffman, James V]

Hello friends, 

I support the move to LRA for all the reasons that have been given. I think the move would be good for us and not make much of a difference at all for ILA. However, I want to raise an issue for discussion.  I am guessing that most of us have been involved in NRC/LRA leadership over the years. We have all struggled in those times trying to keep the sense of “in groups” within the organization to a minimum.  I think the member survey data continue to show that many of those attending the conference feel that there is an "in group" that is well established and a large group that sits on the outside unable to fully participate.  I’m not sure we will ever be able to eliminate this sense from LRA but we need to keep trying. 

The “Hall of Fame” is about as "in group" as you can get.  So there is an LRA part of me that says this move might not be good for LRA.  This leaves me wondering if the decision to move is not just for us to make but needs to involve LRA leadership and even the LRA membership at large. I am wondering what we might offer to LRA in the form of a meaningful contribution to the organization and members rather than be just a move for our convenience. What could that be? Should we meet the day after the conference or before? Should we try to integrate? I have lots of questions.

Look forward to your comments.

jim