A FIRST for ALA

ALA has the financial strength and character to serve as a true industry leader.

I am pleased and proud to tell you that ALA has reached another significant milestone in its organizational life cycle. Thanks to years of thoughtful financial stewardship by the ALA Board of Directors, ALA has been able to make a $100,000 sponsorship contribution to FIRST.

FIRST (which is an acronym for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring in students and their communities, an increased understanding, appreciation, and application of science, engineering, mathematic, and leadership skills. Many ALA members are familiar with FIRST, and have participated as volunteer organizers, sponsors, coaches, and judges for its many local, regional, and national student program competitions.

Founded by Dean Kamen of Segway fame, FIRST's vision is to create a world where science and technology are celebrated. . . where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes. It is through FIRST competition that students across the United States enjoy hands-on opportunities to learn about scientific principles and technological advances. They work together for months and years with gracious professionalism, challenged to apply specific tasks and achieve specific goals.

“Our partnerships with innovative, leading scientific societies and sponsors such as ALA are a major reason that FIRST continues to thrive,” said Dean Kamen. “I am pleased that ALA and its community of members are graciously supporting our mission with financial and volunteer resources. Once again, through ALA, the global scientific community has come through for kids interested in science around the world.”

“Supporting FIRST is a natural extension of the ALA mission,” said 2007 ALA President Reinhold Schäfer. 2008 President James Sterling concurred, adding that “ALA's ability to make this contribution is a testament to the vision and professionalism of ALA's volunteer leadership and staff.”

For many associations, it is a struggle simply to exist from 1 year to the next. Thanks to years of sound planning and management, ALA has the financial strength and character to serve as a true industry leader. I hope all ALA members will celebrate this milestone, and feel a sense of satisfaction in knowing that they, too, help make ALA and its many educational achievements an exciting reality.

Individuals can learn more about FIRST, including how to become a volunteer or sponsor or how to start a team, by visiting www.usfirst.org.

Sincerely,

Gregory F. Dummer, C.A.E.