2009 is upon us. What an amazing year of change 2008 was for me. After 18 years at the helm of DCIAmerica, I resigned my position as president of the company to form Creating Stronger Nations (CSN). For nearly two decades of building DCI, I crisscrossed Indian Country to help tribal governments with needs such as re-writing their constitutions and confronting the rising wave of issues linked to tribal enrollment. Along the way, I witnessed great change among the indigenous nations of the US and Canada as they remarkably rebounded into a new era by practicing sovereignty as it was intended. Now, as I step into my new role with CSN, I am pleased to announce that my outreach and support to the respected tribal nations of Indian Country will continue; but not without some company.
Over the years, the technical support and training I offered while at DCI was a service exclusively provided to tribal communities. Today, those same methods that built my former company will be enhanced under the mission of CSN; a mission that will continue to provide exceptional support, training and consulting to indigenous communities, and that will now include outreach to the private and non-profit sector as well. Just as I have helped scores of tribal nations dissect and revise their constitutions, by-laws and ordinances to better understand the functions of daily government, I have begun providing support to organizations such as labor unions who rely on similar administrative structures to build sound leadership. Above all else, one thing that remains the same is the symbiotic relationship between a fine-tuned government and its governing documents. In my experience, if one government is functioning well, chances are its governing documents are well-written. This also means that a clear understanding of authority has been stated. But most often, the case among governments is that the documents meant to enlighten the people often tends to leave them confused. Lengthy paragraphs become bogged down by legalese or jargon that the average person rarely, if ever, reads. And finding the time to focus on fixing the problem often times is relegated to the "to-do" list. Its why CSN, backed by years of experience, is the resource that can help simplify these challenges that are helping tribes, organizations and businesses grow and reach their potential.
t the start of a new year, and a new beginning, CSN is very busy. Currently, CSN is finalizing tribal enrollment detail for a few clients. And this year, CSN will work under secured contracts with several other tribes to help draft their governing documents and make presentations to tribal memberships for the adoption of these documents. In addition, CSN is continuing its work with the governance committee of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), the engineering union of Boeing Aircraft. CSN has been assisting the organization draft a new constitution, develop its by-laws and re-write its policies and procedures. Meanwhile, I have been asked to make a presentation at Harvard next month before an international audience of labor organizers and union leaders. My presentation is entitled, "Constitutions: Do they really say what you mean?" I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Looking forward, you may have noticed the recent facelift of the CSN website. Feel free to browse around as we continue construction of the site. On the homepage, we hope you can find 3 minutes to watch our "Tip of the Month". The video is our way of offering you doses of helpful advice to help your organization grow strong. In our recent clip, we focus on Roberts Rules of Order and the practice of "I Call for the Question." Tune in for more details. And just for tribes, CSN is hosting an upcoming event you may be interested in attending. Entitled, "The Anything and Everything about Tribal Enrollment Workshop", it's basically your chance to set the agenda on topics you want to discuss in the area of tribal enrollment. The workshop will be held in Phoenix, March 11th & 12th. To register or for more information, head to our events section on the website.
In closing, as I diversify my outreach and ventures, I look forward to what opportunities may come and what new relationships may form among other unions and corporations. With every change, new possibilities emerge, and the changes of the last several years come as no exception. In spite of the challenging economic times of today, I look forward with great optimism to working with all of you in the years to come. I hope the New Year has greeted you well.
Sincerely,
James Mills
