Provincial Convention 2010: Past President Oral Report

Submitted by: Barbara Dowding

The role of a past president is a funny one and can be compared to many things. It’ s sort of like being a grandmother – we have all the fun of the experience, but don’t have to shoulder the main responsibility. We can enjoy more and worry less! We can speak up or stay silent; interfere or just be there.

Having experienced first hand how things work, we are in the best position to share some of what we learned (only when asked of course!~). Having gained some wisdom and faith, our passion and energy for the League can, and should, be channeled differently in this role. And, just as not all grandmothers are the same, neither are past presidents! From the annual reports it is clear the differences from one past president to another are as numerous as we are.

It is what we have in common that binds us together for the good of the League.

Servant leadership is a current buzzword but it really makes sense. Past Presidents, serve by offering trust, peer support and understanding, because they’ve been there and done that, so to speak. Even though it does not make us experts – far from it, it makes it clear how much more there is to learn! The view from the Past President’s window is much different – it’s broader, sharper and has great color and depth – like the grandmother who sits back and watches her children’s children on their own particular journey, we see our League sisters’ sisters embark on theirs.

Past presidents are concerned about how to help members get to the next level of leadership. We see how potential leaders are discouraged when their ideas are dismissed, resisted or given no backup or support. Past presidents are in the best position to offer positive reinforcement and guidance.

In collaboration with the president we have a great opportunity to encourage, mentor and affirm those who need that little push to take on a bigger role. Because we’ve survived (!) we can mentor and give testimony that is believable and helpful. We can offer realistic and practical ways to get through new challenges. As Past Presidents we have to work hard at listening, to identify questions before they arise and to ‘know our place.’

I found in the annual reports that, past presidents are totally involved and a valued part of the executive on the one hand to being an invisible member who’s never asked for anything, on the other and everything in between. Its up to us, to find our spot, where we fit best – again like that grandmother who so wants to tell her children how to do things, or how they were done in her time, all the while knowing full well that’s not always helpful – or appreciated!

Another image comes to mind as we savour the memories of the 2010 Olympics. Past presidents continue to pass the love we have for the League through the levels from President to president. Are you passing on the joy of the League? I think of us like those athletes who trained for years and years, sacrificing themselves for a higher purpose, believing in their ability and their goal. I think of us as members of the CWL who never give up. The athletes surely tried and possibly failed at times too, but they were constant in remaining true to what they knew to be the right thing for them.

We owe it to those who have gone before us and to those coming along to ensure a legacy of mentoring, educating and training, to keep our CWL dream alive. The dream that becomes a reality when the CWL is the heart and soul of parish life, the fun and fulfillment for our League sisters who want to take a leadership role because it’s worthwhile, satisfying and a great service. As Past Presidents we need to persevere in doing things by the book, to pass the amazing torch that was given to us and has been handed down for almost 97 years. The League and its structure and policies have survived, continues to grow and in many cases flourish. When nurtured, cherished and appreciated, the League will endure and produce strong joyful leadership. Let us continue to strive for the ideal, adapting only as necessary, never letting the exception become the rule.

In closing with sincere gratitude for this time I’ve had on the provincial council I quote St. Paul: As for me, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” Lift that torch up high and go for it!