What’s on your GWRRA horizon?   It doesn’t matter whether you are a member who has been around for awhile or whether you are a member who has recently joined this great association.   What does matter is that you are an active, vibrant, participant!   Every organization needs new blood and new ideas to continue to thrive.   If you aren’t the ‘new blood’ then you can still be the one to come up with new ideas!   When members grow bored with activities and routines, they often stop participating, which may lead to them discontinuing their membership.   Each of us plays an integral part in recruiting and retention.   The most important thing we can do is stay interested, stay active, and stay committed to GWRRA’s motto: Friends for Fun, Safety and Knowledge!

So, what does all this have to do with the Horizons Program?   Continued learning is key to maintaining interest, expanding knowledge, and creating fun in any organization.   Learning is a social activity.   It gives people an opportunity to socialize and interact with others during times and in places where they otherwise might not have such an opportunity.   Think about it: other than your monthly gathering, how often do you see your GWRRA family between November and March?   Probably not as often as you do between April and October!   The Horizons Program is just one opportunity during the ‘down’ months to gather with old friends, meet new friends, and have the opportunity to learn something that will improve both you and your chapter!

From the beginning, Ken and I have wanted to dispel the mystery and myths of the Horizons Program.   So, here are a few fiction vs. fact thoughts for your consideration:

Myth #1: The Horizons Program is a ‘by invitation only’ program.  

Fact #1:   The Horizons Program is open to everyone, no invitation is needed.   Your interest is your invitation.

Myth #2:   The Horizons Program is for chapter officers only.

Fact #2:   The Horizons Program is open to everyone.   You do not have to be a chapter   officer to attend.   If you are interested in learning more, you are welcome to attend.

Myth #3:   The Horizons Program is boring and you already know everything about everything.

Fact #3:   The Horizons Program is NOT boring!   You may laugh yourself silly when you attend a Horizons Program.  Besides, who among us actually knows everything about everything?   Every one of us can learn something new.

Myth #4:   The Horizons Program costs money to attend.

Fact #4:   The Horizons Program is free to attend.   Members are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and food expenses.   Morning coffee breaks and lunch on Saturday will be provided by the Tennessee District.

Tennessee will be holding its Horizons Program the weekend of March 10-12, 2006, at the Smoke House Lodge in Monteagle, TN (off I-24 between Chattanooga and Murfreesboro).   This location is exactly half way between the farthest points of our state.   The 20 acre lodge is set atop a 2100’ mountain with beautiful scenery surrounding it.   The lodge has tennis and basketball courts, shuffleboard, horseshoes, swimming pool, volleyball, and even a fishing pond!   There is a full-service restaurant and gift shop on site, too!   There are also many interesting activities within just a few miles of the lodge so you may want to come earlier or stay later to take advantage of these opportunities.   Take time to visit Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Nickajack Lake, play golf at one of several well-known courses, visit one of the many state parks in the area, see the impressive Bridal Veil Falls, Chickamauga Battlefields, Lookout Mountain, and much more!

So, what can you expect when you attend the Horizons Program?   On Friday evening, from 7-9pm, there will be a welcome reception.   This is a time for you to gather and meet those who will be your classmates for the weekend.   On Saturday, we will begin at 8:30am.   Topics will include GWRRA principles and basics (you might be surprised at the things you will learn here), knowing yourself better (see yourself from someone else’s perspective), and team building (why it’s important, how to do it, and where do you fit in).   There will be plenty of breaks and a nice buffet lunch will be provided.   Saturday evening is a time for you to enjoy the facilities and socialize with your new friends.   The Lodge offers plenty of places to gather and relax.   Sunday morning we will reconvene at 8:00am.   Topics will include chapter operations (finances, newsletters, gatherings, FUNdraisers, etc), as well as the couple relationship and the role it plays when holding positions within the organization.   Group presentations will also be made and awards will be given to all!

Ken and I are committed to improving Tennessee through well-trained, knowledgeable, members who are eager to learn and have fun.   We know the key to a strong state is strong chapter participation.   This can only be attained when all members feel welcome and enjoy participating in their chapter activities.   We hope you will join us for this fun-filled weekend of learning, making new friends, and growing!   Registration is required and may be completed online at our web site: www.tngwrratraining.org.   For further information, please visit our web site or contact us at ken.zahn@smokymtnit.com.   We look forward to seeing you at the Smoke House Lodge in Monteagle, TN on March 10-12, 2006!