I’d like to talk about a new mission statement. As an organization matures it becomes necessary to evaluate the core of its mission. Who we are, what we do, why we do it. I asked members of the board to work on a mission statement that answered these questions in a short, sharply focused statement. Karl Hufbauer took the issue to heart and the board agreed that the word "nurturing" is the underpinning of our core mission. It answers the questions and is the kernel that binds us together.

 

The lion's share of our members have learned the technicals of working stone, so why do we every year spend time, money and effort to attend symposia? We go because we are sustained and invigorated, never having concerns that the eyes of our partners in conversation will glaze over in discussions about stone. We give freely to each other, how it's done, best tools, “Oh wow what a piece.” This is unique, kind of Carly Simon like. We have no secrets.

 

Over time it has become apparent that we rendezvous for deeper reasons than just to sculpt stone, though we do it with un-bridled passion. It is this passion shared by all the members who have stepped up, volunteered and attended symposia that fills our individual hearts. Sometimes we only see each other once a year and yet that sustains the friendships. So in a word, "Nurturing" is the sum of who we are, what we do and why we do it. It’s as clear as mud to a mud hen. We nurture each other. And it is our mission statement for the future.

 

Sculpt Proud in 2008., your pres,

Elaine