The_Ledger_Spring_2019

“It’s about every member of this association saying, ‘I’m in this association because I care, because I have a stake in it, and because I’m going to be a vocal participant and take action to move us forward.’” – Paul Moya

Starting From Scratch Continued from page 12

committees, and understand how is sues, ideas and concerns are funneled from the member level to the board of directors. “The answer to transparency is hav ing a more effective structure in place that everyone understands, under stands their role in it and understands what it takes to get an idea from the local operation all the way to the board and become organization wide – that’s transparency,” he said. Moya’s proposed structure is made up of three levels – regions, commit tees and a board of directors (Figure 1). The association’s five regions form the foundation of the proposed structure. Each region is tasked with: 1) creating a vehicle for local mem ber voices to funnel to the board; 2) developing a consensus of regional members on important issues and concerns; and 3) sending a voting representative to each committee meeting. Committees comprise the middle layer of the association. The role of the committees is to: 1) divide up the work of the organization; 2) expedite work by removing routine tasks from monthly board consideration; 3) utilize members’ specific talents and knowl edge; 4) permit broader participation by all members; and 5) create a place where all member voices can be heard. Functional committees ensure that the board can focus on the bigger pic ture, while giving members a pathway to voice their ideas. “If these committees don’t work, then you’re left with a situation where the board is in a really bad spot be cause there’s too much for them to take on,” Moya said. “And the mem bers are in a bad spot because there’s no longer a pathway for them to share ideas. “When committees don’t work, none of it works,” he added.

The board of directors sits at the top of the structure and is tasked with: 1) organizational oversight; 2) effective governance; 3) developing the vision and outlining strategic organizational goals; 4) designing systems for effec tive execution and involvement; and 5) empowering committees to solve problems and develop new ideas. “A lot of times, people think the board handles everything – the board solves all the problems, comes up with all the ideas, passes everything, and we wait and see what happens,” Moya said. “In reality, in an effective struc ture, the role of the board is organiza tional oversight – they’re developing effective governance, they’re the one tasked with developing the vision and strategic organizational goals.” The board’s focus on framing the vision – the big picture so to speak – allows the association to capitalize on future opportunities. Having an effective organization structure that prioritizes committees allows the board to be more proactive rather than reactive because it empow ers committees to solve problems. Effective communication is key to success under the new structure. The design of the structure allows for information flowing in both directions – from members all the way up to the board and vice versa. “It’s about every member of this association saying, ‘I’m in this associa tion because I care, because I have a stake in it, and because I’m going to be a vocal participant and take ac tion to move us forward,’” Moya said. “Whether that’s at the regional level, the committee level or the board level, there is a place in this model where every single voice in this room can be heard.” who is eligible to serve on the board. It is a huge learning experience. The 2019 AJAA Junior National Show and Competitions will be held in Lawrence, Kan., at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, June 24-28. I would like to invite all junior members to par ticipate. Junior nationals is not just

While the model allows (and encour ages) members to share their opin ions, it does not guarantee that things will always go the way a member wants. “Unity isn’t about getting along and having the same opinion on every thing,” he said. “Unity is understanding that we all have a voice, we’re on the same page and understand what’s go ing on … and we have enough faith in each other as an association that we believe they made the right decision with the information they had at the time.” Some may think the proposed structure seems pretty basic, and Moya agreed. “This structure isn’t reinventing the wheel by any means,” he said. “It’s simply trying to understand where we’re trying to go and asking, ‘How do we make sure there are checks and balances across the board?’” With consumers demanding more efficient, environmentally friendly products, AAA is in line to seize the opportunity to provide them with beef that meets their demands. Doing so will require the association to rethink its structure and force members to get involved. “We’re at a place where we can implement something that can create great change,” Moya said. “If we adopt this structure (or a similar structure), then across the association everybody knows their pathway is to let their voice be heard, and it’s up to their personal responsibility to step up. “The only way we win is if everybody says, ‘I’m fully in – I have faith in my peers, I have faith in the structure, I understand how the structure works, and I’m ready to be an active partici pant.’” TL about exhibiting your cattle, although it’s a big part; it’s about seeing all your friends, making new ones and having fun. Many competitions are held dur ing the week, along with some other fun activities. Be on the lookout for more info as the AJAA Board begins to develop the schedule. TL

Junior Corral Continued from page 10

I would also like to give a shout out to our AJAA advisors, Shane Goss, Darwin Engelkes and Kiersten Beilke. If not for our advisors, I am not sure how we could do what we do. They push us and teach us so much. The junior board is a great organization to be a part of. I encourage everyone

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