Mission (Statement) Accomplished
By Gary Maehara
NASA’s space shuttle Discovery recently made a safe return to Kennedy Space Center after a 14-day flight. During their mission, the Discovery astronauts delivered supplies to the International Space Station, tested new repair techniques and even removed potentially dangerous material from the shuttle during a spacewalk.
In July, the incoming Board of Trustees also embarked on a noble mission, albeit not as dangerous, but nonetheless noble. At my request, the Board undertook the challenge of writing a new mission statement to succinctly communicate the essence of our association to stakeholders and to the public. (I will refrain from any lawyer jokes about what happens when 15 lawyers are placed in a windowless room and asked to draft a document.) A collaborative effort of board members and staff (Amelia Adair, Eileen Concannon, Gary Strauss, Mark Hillman, Alice Paine, Ginna Owens and Julie Gardner) resulted in several proposals submitted to the full board for consideration.
I am proud to announce that your Board of Trustees unanimously adopted KCBA’s new Mission Statement:
The King County Bar Association provides support to its diverse membership; promotes a just, collegial and accessible legal system and profession; works with the judiciary to achieve excellence in the administration of justice; strives to benefit the community through its own efforts and those of its Foundation; and offers opportunities for public service and input into matters of public policy.
I hope you agree that our Mission Statement captures our purpose, values and beliefs as we undertake new challenges and activities. We are indeed a dynamic association serving the needs of our members and the community.
And as the Discovery astronauts proudly pronounced, we too can say “Mission Accomplished.”
KCBA Member Benefits
High on the list of priorities are the interests of our members. Your annual membership dues provide the continued financial support for our essential pro bono programs and community services. At KCBA, we realize that as much as you respect the good work the association performs for the profession and community, your annual dues should also provide some real benefits for you, too.
KCBA tries to offer member benefits with a real potential for savings. We typically focus on law-office overhead expenses, but we recently added some discounts to health clubs, knowing lawyers also need balance in their lives. A substantial savings on health insurance, while particularly needed by solo and small law firms, also is appreciated by large law firms whose insurance premiums can be very high. The selected vendors offer discounts because visibility to a large group of attorneys means volume sales.
The Board of Trustees maintains criteria that must be met for a program to be added to the list of member benefits. No one criterion is determinative, but the board considers whether the proposal results in a true benefit to members in terms of a verifiable price discount or some other advantage unique to KCBA members. We confirm with references, government agencies (e.g., the Insurance Commissioner) and the Better Business Bureau that the vendor is reputable. We also consider whether the proposal results in an attractive inducement for potential members to join KCBA and for current members to sustain membership. If a royalty or a financial benefit to the Association is offered, we pass 100% of the savings on to members in most every instance. The vendor may not require an “endorsement” by KCBA of the product or service.
We strive to provide a member benefit package that reflects the needs and interests of our valued membership. (See the accompanying list of member benefits.) If you have suggestions for other products or services, please let us know. Your membership in the King County Bar Association is vital and greatly appreciated, and a benefits package in step with your needs is one way to show our appreciation. n
Gary Maehara is the current president of the King County Bar Association. He can be reached at garmae@safeco.com.
