The September 2 meeting was much more than a regular business meeting. It was a very successful first meeting under our new leadership, with some new faces around the table and members also joining us remotely. It was our first opportunity to bring everyone together to talk about the changes already underway and where AFA Palm Springs Chapter 134 goes from here. Our new President, Ian L. Sitren; and our new Secretary/Treasurer, Frank Iain Parsons.

The discussion began with AFA’s mission and its three central areas: Educate. Advocate. Support. That mission provides the foundation for what we want to accomplish as we move forward.

One of the biggest surprises has been the actual size of our Chapter. We now know that AFA Palm Springs has 519 members, including 333 free Mission Members. A major priority will be doing a much better job of communicating with that membership and giving people more opportunities to participate.

Communications are already being expanded. Our website has been revitalized and is being updated regularly, and we are increasing our presence on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube. We are also moving to year-round Chapter operations rather than going dark during the summer.

Cyber Education will continue to be an important part of what we do. The Chapter conducted a very successful Cyber Camp this summer, and we are now working to continue and expand our Cyber Education programs and opportunities for young people.

We are also continuing our successful Teacher of the Year program. AFA Palm Springs has had three consecutive honorees go on to be named AFA California State Teacher of the Year, an extraordinary record that we want to continue.

Aviation will become a larger part of our activities as well. We are developing our relationship with EAA Thermal Chapter and its Young Eagles program, which introduces young people to aviation and gives them an opportunity to experience flight firsthand. We also plan to build a stronger relationship with Civil Air Patrol Palm Springs and explore other ways our organizations can work together.

Behind the scenes, we are modernizing how the Chapter operates. Records are being digitized, administrative systems are being updated, and information will become much more accessible to our members. We are also beginning the process of updating our Chapter By-Laws to better reflect how an active organization should operate today.

As new programs and activities develop, we will be looking for members to serve as Program Leads. This gives people an opportunity to take responsibility for something that interests them without creating unnecessary additional officer positions.

And our regular gatherings will continue. We meet for lunch every two weeks in what has become our “Ready Room” at ROC’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert. Once each month that gathering includes our formal Chapter meeting. The other lunches are casual, and everyone is welcome.

There is a lot happening at AFA Palm Springs right now, and the success of our September 2 meeting was a very encouraging start. Seeing new people around the table, longtime members returning, and others participating remotely showed us what is possible as we reach out to more of our 519 members.

With new leadership, better communications, expanding programs and new relationships throughout the Coachella Valley, we have an opportunity to build a much more active Chapter.

Now we need our members to be part of it.

Thank You!