Hello to Region 4 members,

I have two separate issues where your help and feedback would definitely benefit the entire USDF membership.

First some background – At our Region 4 meeting at the December USDF annual convention I volunteered to work on a committee charged with forwarding a proposal to the Board regarding the disposition of funds collected as part of the $10 Regional Championships that was earmarked for a possible National Championship. 

For the last few years, $2 of your $10 qualifying fee was set aside for a proposed national head-to-head championship competition.  Currently these funds total about $390,000 nationally.  However at this time nothing definite is in development foe this competition.  I’m in need of grass roots sentiment towards proceeding with a national head-to-head competition.  We need to consider the role of the Regional Championships and the future direction of the sport.  Obviously a National Championship would require enormous financial support, both from the membership as well as sponsors.

A straw pole taken at the convention indicated widespread support for continuing to search for a viable National Championship competition.  As this requires USEF blessings, your input is most valuable should we continue down this path.

Secondly, I also volunteered to head up a Ways and Means committee for our Region.  To more fully represent our regional membership I need some additional volunteers to join me, as I would like to have something to present at our regional meeting scheduled for April 1 & 2 in Kansas City.

I see this as a guide to members in our Region for benefits available from USDF and its supporters.

One example would be a listing of all the available grants and scholarships available with criteria for applications.  Many of these go unused due to lack of publicity.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Joyce Hardesty

joyce@...