Well, I'm on the road again - seems like the only time I have to stop and think is on an airplane somewhere. I tend to write most of my stuff above 30,000 feet - hopefully the pressure in the cabin is good enough that any amount of oxygen deprivation doesn't come through in the content. 

 

Just finished filling out one of those surveys the hotel sends you after your stay. You may have gotten one of those before - maybe you ignored it; maybe you didn't. I tend to fill them out every once in a while. I like giving feedback - praise when it's warranted, complaints when necessary. I think data is powerful to help guide planning for the future. 

 

I really want to thank every member who responded to our membership survey. It really helps the organization make some plans. Without input from members, the only people who would be involved in directing the MPS would be the leadership and staff. And then it's not your organization; it's an organization of a few people for which you pay. 

 

I've written to you before, asking you to participate. Many of you have, in one way or another. You've joined committees, attended events, filled out the survey. I want to share a few thoughts on the survey results with you, so you can help with the next steps.

 

In general, I read the survey results to say that most of you are pretty happy with many things about the MPS.    You like the staff a lot, and that they answer the phone in person and respond to your needs. You like hearing about what the MPS is doing and what the big trends are in Maryland psychiatry. You like the interaction with colleagues, and many of you who responded say you like having the opportunity to participate in the organization at some level. You give ideas about CME topics you would like, and the leadership generally listens, and you appreciate it and come. 

 

I'm very glad you're pleased. Of course, there are always issues upon which we can improve. But you report them and they are considered and, when possible, steps are taken. By participating in the survey, you are being active. It is noted and appreciated by all of us, since together we are stronger than we are alone. 

 

There is one area, however, that I need to write about in more detail. I can't put it any more simply than this: the MPS needs money. If you've never been to a Council meeting, you haven't heard our financial reports. We're not broke. We have some reserves. But over 50% of our income comes from dues, and the rest comes from other sources - CME events, peer review activity, advertising. And membership is dwindling. We hear some reasons for dropping out. Some say they like being in the MPS, but don't want to be in the APA, and there's no option for that. Some say they belong to several organizations and want to concentrate on another, more subspecialty organization, and since dues are high, they are trying to save money.

 

It comes down to this. Under President Anita Everett, we formed a financial strategic planning group last year to make sure the organization can remain strong and active. One of the directives from that task force was that we need to develop short- and long-term income sources to buffer against future uncertainties in membership and operating costs. 

 

One of my tasks as your president this year is to attempt to put those recommendations into action. We have begun to form a Development Task Force. Plans are being made for ways to enhance longer-term income. But for now, we need a short-term income boost, and your responses to the survey helped us decide how to achieve that. You aren't generally keen on fundraisers that involve attendance. The highest response rate was for an annual donation request.

 

It's December. Everyone else is sending you requests for donations. I would like you to consider the MPS as well. We're not a charity - you can't deduct your payment as a donation on your taxes. But we are your organization, supporting you in ways you say you like. I'm asking you to reflect on this, and support your organization as it supports you. Donations are welcome - send checks to the MPS office. But more important are members. Tell your non-member colleagues why you are a member, and ask them to join. The more we are, the stronger our voice. 

 

I said I would ask for your time, your talents, and your treasure. We still need all three to keep the MPS the organization that best represents you. Thank you for your efforts.