It's summer! What will you and your local association be doing?(Forum focus: local associations)(Music Teachers National Association)

People can be divided into three groups: Those who make things happen, Those who watch things happen, and Those who wonder what happened.

--John Newborn

This quote easily can be applied to our local associations. Which group do you want to be in? Let's work for the first one this summer and use these wonderful three months to organize, educate and energize.

Set immediate, short-term and long-term goals for your local association. Discover what you and your members have accomplished. Be creative and innovative; don't be afraid to go beyond your own resources. Research what your state association and MTNA have available. Check websites and ask members who have attended conferences for resources. Peggy Lewis, NCTM, presented a wealth of ideas during the Local Associations Forum at the 2004 MTNA National Conference (pegandjimlewis@cableynx.com). There are countless incentives and programs available, such as matching grants, association of the year awards, student achievement programs and New Local Association Start-up Grants for any newly established (since July 2002) or currently forming MTNA-affiliated local association. Take the time and effort to learn about opportunities and include them in your activities.

Immediate goals could be for the summer months. Have meetings to plan the year. Make the meeting fun by including something all will enjoy. A positive environment will produce exciting results. Be sure to select projects and events for teachers and students that meet your goals, as well as form bonds and relationships. This will strengthen and improve the quality of your association.

All work and no play sound boring for summer? Hold a social function for members and their guests. Plan a music shopping trip to a local store, watch a video or attend a summer workshop, computer class or convention together. Have a "brainstorming" meeting to evaluate your previous programs and begin new ones. Try holding an association summer camp or one-day workshop for students. Some project ideas that will add zip to your summer include a summer jazz festival, composition or music history week, zoo day or mall performance, theory day with games, testing and pizza, a practice-athon or other project.

Involve the community with your projects. Present a recital at the ...