August 1, 2009

Dear Members:

TSARI desperately needs Board Members.  Presently our working board has only three members, which is not adequate to continue the Chapter’s mission of education, advocacy and awareness.   These board members have served for many years and the Board Chair has requested to step down from this Officer position.  National TSA requires that each state chapter have a functioning Board of Directors.  Unless we are able to increase the size of the TSARI Board, we will be forced to recommend that National TSA disband the Rhode Island Chapter until such time that there is renewed interest from the TS community in Rhode Island.

We certainly need to applaud the contributions of the many hard working individuals who have served on the Board of Directors over the years.  TSARI has been able to flourish because of these individuals who have been willing to share their ideas, talents and time.

TSARI Chapter has been an active chapter providing much needed services to individuals and families with TS.  These services have included an Information Line, a Chapter Web Site, Monthly Support Groups, as well as yearly awareness campaigns, and Educational Forums for physicians, educators and allied professionals.  TSARI has working relationships with RI Parent Information Network, school districts, and community groups.  Our Chapter Liaison for Education and Advocacy has been available to offer informational presentations in response to requests from the community.  The most recent workshop was offered to library staff following an unfortunate incident involving a man with TS.  The work of the Chapter has been recognized throughout the years as having made significant contributions to the citizens of RI and consequently we have received legislative grants for multiple years.  Although we are the smallest state chapter, we continue to receive national recognition for our efforts.  In November 2008 we collaborated with RI Department of Education and National TSA to provide the CDC training for 300 Allied Professionals.  TSARI was recognized for having the largest turnout in the country.

TSARI CANNOT CONTINUE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT THE NESESSARY INPUT AND DIRECTION OF OUR MEMBERSHIP. 

TSARI is at a critical junction.  We are faced with the difficult decision to either disband the Rhode Island Chapter because of lack of local interest or to bring new life to TSARI through the rebuilding of a functioning Board of Directors.  If you value the services that TSARI provides to the community or if your family has directly benefited from these programs, consider serving on the Board.  Certainly these are difficult times.  Families are contending with multiple pressures and not everyone is in a position to volunteer.    If you are not able to personally serve on the Board, then reach out to family, friends, neighbors and colleagues to ask them to consider serving.  Enclosed is a flyer describing requirements for Board service as well as a notice for the annual meeting.   

  A membership vote regarding the Chapter’s future will be taken at the Annual Meeting on September 29, 2009. 

 

TSARI BOARD :       Mary Schatz , Board Chair  and Barbara Baron, Board Member