Tradizioni - March, 2007
Dear IFAFA Members,
For those of you who are unaware, the IFAFA Board of Directors recently compiled a slate for the election of new officers. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, and to enthusiastically and graciously accept the responsibilities of the office of President and CEO of IFAFA. My name is Mark DeSanctis.
First and foremost, I'd like to take a moment to thank a few individuals. Paul Torna, for all of his hard work and dedication to the IFAFA organization throughout his two terms as President. I don't believe that Paul has gotten the credit he deserves for all of the behind-the-scenes work he has put in over the years. For that, he is truly appreciated. In addition, it also bears notice that two very important, long-term members of the IFAFA organization are stepping down from their duties as officers. Rose Giarrusso and Rita Tonitto, who have held the positions of Treasurer and Secretary respectively, are both resigning from their positions effective this year. We should all take a minute to show gratitude for their longevity, dedication, and devotion to the ultimate cause of IFAFA. I believe I speak on behalf of the entire membership, when I say that I hope they'll continue to provide us with their wisdom by remaining on the Board, for many years to come. Thank you to you both!
And finally, before I get to the task at hand, a little bit about myself. I'm 27 years old, grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and have been performing with our local dance group since 1985. I've held the position of Dance Director and Choreographer of the group since the age of 17. I've been a member of IFAFA since my first conference in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1991, and since then, have had the chance to meet many wonderful individuals at each of the yearly conferences. Over the years, I've taught several workshops, and most recently, decided to embark in a leadership role for IFAFA. In 2004, I accepted the role of Director, and very shortly thereafter, accepted the position of Vice President. As I mentioned above, I have most recently decided to take on the position of President. For now, I'll spare you the remaining history of my life...
At this moment, however, it's time to get down to brass tacks. I have given myself a deadline - 8 months - 8 months until the next conference to turn this organization right-side up. To perpetuate a new enthusiasm for IFAFA that hasn't been seen since the member growth of the earlier days. Speaking not only as your newly elected President, but also as an officer of a folk group whom occasionally struggles to locate the information necessary to sustain its absolute mission (preserving the Italian culture), I believe that IFAFA should once again become that conduit by which information is spread. A tapable resource that is filled with available information and knowledge. An organization that not only accepts new membership along with their dues, but provides that critical return on investment that I believe many groups feel we lack.
Please allow me to quote directly from our constitution:
According to Article II, Section 2.01:
"The purposes for which the Italian Folk Art Federation of America is formed are:
- For advancing education, training, and study in the history, customs, and folk traditions of Italian culture and Italian heritage, with special emphasis in the areas of performing arts and exhibitions;
- Providing an organization to sponsor programs that will stimulate the furthering of the research and preservation of Italian folk arts, song, dances, instruments, and costumes, and the traditions and customs related to these;
- Acting as a center for gathering, storing, and disseminating the information;
- Bringing together Italian folk groups and interested individuals;
- And to do all things necessary to accomplish the above purpose.
I believe that all of these purposes can be achieved solely by concentrating on two very simple, yet important areas of concern: Increasing and sustaining our membership, and gathering new and fresh ideas.
I propose the following:
- Committees will once again be resurrected. I shall call upon the Board of Directors to appoint heads of the following initial committees:
- Membershi
- Folk Art and Developmen
- Public Relations and Marketing
- We shall return to the homeland! Italy is absolutely brimming with traditional folk groups representing all the things we here in the U.S. hope to represent as part of our mission. It's time to tap that resource! As part of a subgroup, I propose the following:
- o Set up ties between each and every member group of IFAFA, and a similar folk group residing in Italy. Imagine the possibilities!
- o I will again call upon the Board of Directors to seek out a qualified individual to serve as IFAFA's Artistic Director. This individual must hold that same quality level that this organization soon hopes to possess (again, maybe someone directly from Italy?).
...and I have many more bullet points to come (14 listed on my agenda to be exact...).
Despite whether you have been inspired by this letter or not, I ask that you rest assured - rest assured that IFAFA will again become that institution that you or your group can turn to when searching for guidance. I also ask one favor of each and every one of you that has read this letter: Send me an email! Tell me your thoughts. Give me an idea of which direction you would like to see this prodigious organization travel. Most importantly, let me know that you as individuals still see IFAFA for what it is - an extremely important society that helps all of us sustain the everlasting link from our American lives, right back to our Italian origins. Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to welcome all of you, to the new IFAFA.
Mark DeSanctis
President
Italian Folk Art Federation of America