Despite all this good work, I find myself increasingly disturbed by the lack of [[Planning|long-range planning]] in our organization. Indeed, I am disturbed by the lack of ''interest'' in long-range planning, or even short-range planning. For example, it is now late August, and we haven’t even begun work on next year’s [[Budget]], despite needing to mail out renewal reminders in less than six weeks.
In particular, I am disturbed by the lack of planning for where the Society’s [[Headquarters]] will go when we can no enjoy the use of [[Consuls]]’ the Metcalfs’ dining room... and living room, and spare bedroom, and den. We have long outgrown the time when our Society’s physical presence could be contained in someone’s residence, and we approach the time when even our office functions cannot be so contained. Present Consuls The Metcalfs are patient, but they have a right to expect the Society to be constructively and effectively addressing this problem.
This isn’t the only long-range plan that needs attention, but it is one that will kill the Society if it is not attended to in time. This is an immediate challenge, not one that can be put off until the next decade. We must begin at once to address it—either by developing new sources of revenue or by adjusting our goals and activities.