President’s Letter 2/24/07
On the basis of our TAD History, I must be the 30th documented president of Texas Association of the Deaf since it’s founding in 1886. Historians may judge me as the “accidental” president because I was not elected at the 2005 TAD Conference in Austin. To make a long story short, it was a necessary evil to change guards last June. The membership had spoken and we moved on to keep the good ship TAD floating in time for its 120th year of existence. The experience took courage, integrity, intestinal fortitude, and intuition to move forward in the best interest of our Texas Deaf Community.
Of course, my life was not the same since June 11: my wife became a reluctant TAD widow, my three cats thought me a stranger, my spectator sports watching declined and my writing projects were put on hold. The transition from the previous administration was challenging, but it turned out better than expected. The new board of directors and officers were a tremendous assistance, especially Kathy Walters who helped more ways than one. The wisdom and advice of Gertie Galloway, Larry Evans, David Pierce and others proved valuable and my leadership withstood the challenge. Believe it or not, I was accused of doing too much for a short time span. But I had no other choice since every week counted so we can focus on the conference itself after Christmas.
Thank goodness that Kathy Walters, Byron Bridges and their all-star conference committee took up the challenge for us and got the logistics in vogue for our vital June 21 to 24 event in Arlington. Eleven months since my presidency is nothing compared to the last lap of a mythical mile towards our 44th biennial conference. This administration intends to make the 121st year more resolved, stronger and focused on our mission in Texas. But we cannot do without more members, leaders and new ideas. We want to regain our visibility in NAD Region 3 as well as National Association of the Deaf. So download the conference registration form and join us in Arlington to keep our heritage alive and well.
Steve Baldwin - The President of Texas Asssociation of the Deaf