It is customary for some occupations to provide an opening statement that lays out one’s intentions and objectives as they assume a new position, especially when that position is largely elected and the person answers to the voters. I hope to make clear what I envision this new NABO position to be and what you can expect from me in this capacity.  Furthermore, this report is to ADVISE delegates about what I have done / am doing / will do while seeking their ADVICE and CONSENT on some issues.  

APPRECIATION.  First of all, I am grateful for being selected for this position by my fellow delegates.  It is an honor.  Thank you to those who expressed their congratulations.  I hope to reward your confidence with a job well done over the next year.

CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM.  One of the most distinguishing characteristics of our Basque community is the degree of “grass roots” involvement and work.  Many a club and organization has started with a dream and it has come to fruition because of the hard work volunteers who are willing to give of their time and energy.  N.A.B.O. too has prospered because of the contribution of dedicated volunteers.  This new paid sustatzailea/facilitator position does run the risk of unsettling a good arrangement in NABO, but it also holds out the exciting possibility of realizing new goals. 

CLARITY.  I have it very clear that this position is bigger than one person so it cannot be wholly identified with me.  It will succeed only to the extent that I work well with others, and that others want this to succeed.  Therefore let’s take our first steps forward and hope that this position can be an overall positive for NABO.

FUNDING.  This position is wholly funded by a grant from the Basque Government.  While it has been made clear that they are not seeking to directly influence NABO policy, they nonetheless are certainly hopeful that they will see something beneficial for their interests of trying to better communicate with the Basque diaspora.  With direct communications with Josu Legarreta and his aide Benan Oregi, we hope to move forward like a yoke:  harnessing the power to drive toward common goals.

ACCOUNTABILITY.  This position requires accountability

• Chain of Command.  I will ultimately answer to the President of NABO who will be sent copies of all my communications and initiatives.  Where appropriate, I will also contact the relevant NABO officer or chairperson for the matter at hand.

• Trimester schedule.  I plan to organize things around NABO’s three meeting schedule.  Each meeting therefore will serve as a means of accountability to NABO delegates so that they remain informed about what I am doing / have done / will do.   

• Assisting chairpersons.  No one person can make a go of this on their own, so it will also depend upon the contributions of others.  I will be offering to assist (not replace or take over) current chairpersons in their various endeavors where I am able.  This is about initiation versus response.  I don’t want to push people, so I hope that they will initiate the contact so that I can respond with what I might be able to assist them with.