As I write my last column as Chair of the Board of the SAA, I wish to look forward to what the SAA can become. Your SAA Board has the charge to be visionary and to see that the organization has the funds it needs to see that vision become a reality.
Fundraising is crucial to any non-profit, and an international organization such as ours needs to be creative in finding those individuals, corporations and foundations that are interested in talent education. It takes hard work and determined effort to fundraise, but more importantly, it takes team effort. The SAA Board is keenly aware that individual programs, schools and private studios must do their own fundraising, but also knows that members of the SAA can be integral in identifying potential donors for the SAA as a whole. We need to work together to friend-raise for the Suzuki Association.
It is also important that the Suzuki Association of the Americas maintain a positive image not only in the minds of our members but in our communities in the Americas. Having our own headquarters building would be such a positive step in the development of that image. It’s a dream that has been discussed before and has the potential of becoming a reality.
Teacher training is one of the most important things we do as an organization. Teaching excellence is the cornerstone of the Suzuki method. We need to be looking at different venues for delivery to make training available in a variety of settings. We also need to be encouraging teachers to become teacher trainers, which is crucial for the future of Suzuki Talent Education.
Mentoring of young our new teachers is mentioned frequently at SAA Board meetings. Steps are being made to have a formal mentoring system that will connect new teachers with seasoned teachers, but help is needed.
The use of technology will continue to change the way in which we communicate and do business. The SAA website and chat rooms are already making communication easier for our members. The Virtual Leadership Retreat, created by talented SAA staff members, is “cutting edge” and creating excitement among our members. As technology changes, we must be ready to change with it and recognize that communication may take different forms.
Institutes and workshops may have to adjust to our society as schools potentially go year round or the economy prevents parents from travel and additional expenses. Creative ways of delivering an institute experience need to be explored.
Good parent education is needed now more than ever as families are spread thin by a myriad of activities and children are pulled in many different directions. The community that can be created in a Suzuki program can make a huge difference in the life of a family. Setting priorities becomes easier when the sense of community is strong and when both parent and child are happy being a part of a Suzuki program and understand their roles.
The SAA and its members also have the unique challenge of making Dr. Suzuki and his teaching real to those who never met him. It is important that parents and children know that there really was a Dr. Suzuki who loved the violin, loved children and loved the world. Take time in your teaching, whether you are the teacher or home teacher, to tell about the man who has literally changed the way that learning takes place, and in so, changed the world. If we keep this in mind it unites us as parents, teachers and students; it helps us maintain positive and encouraging associations with one another.
I thank you for the privilege of serving on the SAA Board and particularly serving as Board Chair. It has been a pleasure for me, as the parent of the Suzuki triangle, to work with dedicated teachers and our CEO who make this organization the special entity it is. I am eagerly looking forward to volunteering and continuing efforts in parent development and fundraising.
