District Chief of Staff ’ s Message
I would like to thank our members for all they did this past year , a year filled with uncertainty , but which quickly came around . We were able move ahead with critical work of serving the Coast Guard and the Boating Public .
Special thanks to our staff officers , from top to bottom , for their leadership and commitment . As we welcome the many newly elected and appointed leaders at District , Division , and Flotilla levels , all who have completed your terms please remain a mentor to members undertaking these new positions . The learning curve may be a heavy lift , sometimes overwhelming , at times fast and furious .
As Auxiliarists , we learn from each other , from our intrinsic knowledge . We cannot overemphasize the importance of mentoring and imparting our wealth of knowledge . Helping new leaders to formulate goals and objectives for the coming year , standing as a resource as a mentor whether you hold office or not . New leaders will also find that many answers can be found in the Auxiliary Manual , Standing Rules , District Procedural Guide , etc . Task One : become familiar with all resources available to you .
Our past limitations due to COVID have now largely dissipated . Hopefully we will start the New Year full of energy , ready to push the limits of what is possible . When I look around , all I see is greatness in our Auxiliary . The lives and property saved due to the safety checks , the classes taught , the program visits , the simple tips to boaters . These efforts are valuable , and they make the difference .
Recreational Boating Safety ( RBS ) is our most important mission . We need to continue our work in this area . So let ’ s be creative in all we do – as I like to say , “ spaghetti against the wall ”. Continue outreach to educate the boating public and further reduce boating deaths and loss of property . Find opportunities to become visible in your community – there are plenty of local businesses and organizations who will benefit from knowing who we are and what we do to support the Coast Guard and boating safety .
Communicating , by following the chain of Leadership and Management and Parallel Staffing Chain , is extremely important . Please remember that communicating is not just about emails and texting – a most valuable communication tool is to just “ pick up the phone ”.
The upcoming Leadership Development Academy ( LDA ) will be held January 7-9 , 2022 . We are looking forward to a great turnout of our elected leaders for what is shaping up to be the best LDA yet . Also , plans are advancing quickly for an exciting , actionpacked , and star-studded D-Train . We are returning home to a location in D1SR . Our instructors are hard at work planning a great four-day event , from March 3 to 6 , 2022 .
Let ’ s all make the best of the upcoming hard water season by completing all needed mandatory training and focus on areas of qualification to ensure that we are ready when boating season is back .
Wishing everyone a Happy , Healthy and Joyous Holiday Season .
Michael West
Michael West District Chief of Staff First Southern District
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