What is the relevance of our organization and how do we impact the community? This is a question that underlies any assessment of the success of our strategic plan. Pat covered the Buddy Walk and Fall Jubilee. I wish to revisit our participation in the Thomas D. McNabb Leadership Program. We clearly have the skills to find candidates. Another area of consideration for extending our community support is the lead article in this month’s Digest. Could we consider a joint program of religious tolerance with our Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religious leaders? Prince William County’s Unity in the Community program offers a program to combat hate crimes.

Another opportunity is participating in advocacy programs; also addressed in the Digest. I would propose more than a pre-formatted message. One topic is the maintaining of the current relationships between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland surrounding the openness of trade. As the “Voice of Irish America, we should consider how to reach an audience and bolster our role in the community. Your input is necessary to implement these facets of the strategic plan.