Survivor’s
         Notebook
Number 26, July 2004 Published for NAPA
By Hugh Singleton at 6003 Melbourne Ave.,
Orlando, FL 32835

An electronic journal

IS THIS NAPA?

N
O, IT IS NOT, but it well may appear to be unless we are more open to new technology and different ideas about what is acceptable in the pursuit of amateur journalism. While we all admire the work of talented printers and their skills that make NAPA bundles an eagerly-awaited treat each month, the passage of years provides undeniable evidence that these dedicated people and the tools they use are on the decline. Is this a matter of choice? No, it points out instead the validity of our often-used adage, nothing lasts forever. 
     Does this mean that amateur journalism is doomed? Indeed not! What it means is that we should look more favorably toward alternate ways to enjoy the hobby. The computer most likely will bring new people into amateur journalism and can provide an acceptable means of producing a journal early in their membership. To this end, we would be well-advised to use computers in promoting ajay. 
     What is NAPA’s greatest need today? Young people who have an interest in writing, editing, publishing and printing and who are sufficiently dedicated to seek office and work to popularize amateur journalism in general, and NAPA in particular. Now is the time to make a concerted effort to bring new people into the organization. Now is the time to listen to those who have fresh ideas and to seek out answers to the age-old problem of kindling a flame of enthusiasm for amateur journalism. We can no longer rely on our schools to do this for us, but we have the talent, the skill, and the knowledge to do it for ourselves.  Martin Luther said, “If I rest, I rust.”  NAPA  is
resting too much for its own good, I think

HOLDING OFFICE

W
HAT does holding office in the National Amateur Press Association entail? My belief is that it entails exactly what the officeholder believes it entails.  If that person brings enthusiasm to the office, then his term will be marked by a year of effort and accomplishment. If he sees his office as one of title only, then he will do nothing and the purpose of that office’s existence is defeated. Perhaps it is time to re-examine the structure of NAPA’s government and to re-define the duty of each office. How do we go about that? We look for people who are willing to lead and we persuade them to employ their talents in behalf of NAPA. We look for people who believe in what NAPA stands for; and we encourage them to take a role in “growing the organization”, to use current phraseology. My personal feeling is that we need an agenda for the officers as a group; something to focus on; aims that would require action on the part of each officer. 
     Would it not benefit our group to raise the level of prestige accorded to those who hold office? Certainly it would. I am certain that recognition is due for accomplishments reached, and that acknowledging the efforts of those who hold office is one way to enhance  the office and value  the officer. 
     Another step toward raising the level of activity among the officeholders would be to circulate an Officers Newsletter  with updated results of projects underway. Communication is a vital aspect in any group, and especially so when meetings are as infrequent as they are in NAPA. Thanks to Bill Boys, we have his NAPA E-MAIL NEWS for updates, but for those without computers we need a monthly hard copy sheet in the bundle. 
     I can think of other “little” things that would add to the overall stature of NAPA. Among these would be the adoption of official stationary, business cards, recognition pins, award certificates for specific purposes such as recruitment of new members, longevity of membership, etc., etc.  We might also add a few items to our welcome packages for new members—if only a scratchpad with promotional data.  Follow-up contact with new members would help assure their continued interest. We know that at present the majority of our members are not actively involved in any aspect of ajay outside of reading the bundles, yet they do continue to support NAPA by renewing their membership every year, and are therefore important to the organization. A more lively approach to holding office may tend to stimulate more activity among all members.  
     What we need in leadership may have been described by George S. Patton in his notion of the six qualities of a good general:  “Tactically aggressive, strength of character, steadiness of purpose, acceptance of responsibility, energy, and good health and strength.”