I admit it. I’m addicted to "To Do" lists. I have them everywhere – in my Outlook calendar, written in little notebooks I carry around in my purse, even written on the back of junk mail. My lists reflect my goals, both short and long term. And I think goal setting is that essential compass that helps guide us all to achievement. As Yogi Berra once stated, "If you don't know where you are going, you'll end up someplace else."
At the DAYL Board of Directors retreat held recently, the Board set its goals for the year. The following reflects some of the main initiatives on our "To Do" list for 2010.
First, we recognize that even though the economy is allegedly getting better, there are still many attorneys looking for a job, or that want to change jobs. Elisabeth Wilson and Alyson Vrana have volunteered to assist with the exploration of ways to provide programming and resources for attorneys searching for employment. We are also evaluating the best method for obtaining and presenting current job listings on our website and/or in this newsletter.
Second, we would like to provide more programming and resources for transactional attorneys. Becky Niederstadt and Mark Melton are assisting with this initiative.
Third, we plan to facilitate more interaction and communication among the different committees so that DAYL co-chairs can share resources and ideas. A joint meeting with representatives from the Lawyers Against Domestic Violence, Animal Welfare, Barristers for Babies, and Aid to the Homeless Committees has already taken place. We have also scheduled a joint meeting with representatives from all of the education based committees including Law Student Assistance, Ties that Bind, E-Mentoring, Young Voters, Teen Leadership, and LISTA (Lawyers Influencing Students to Achieve).
Fourth, we have created a technology committee led by Chip Brooker, Jonathan Childers, Dustin Paschal, and Penny Blackwell. This committee will evaluate ways to improve our website, and will also search for a new webmaster to maintain the website.
Finally, we want to do a better job of publicizing all of the incredible ways that the membership of DAYL serves the Dallas Community. To that end, I have appointed a historian this year, Eric Walker. Eric will not only work with the Board and co-chairs to help publicize all of the time and service given by our membership, but will also update the Historical Affidavit at the end of the year.
If you are interested in helping out with these initiatives, please feel free to contact any of the individuals mentioned in this article, or you can also contact Cherie Harris or me. Let’s get done what we have set out "to do!"
