To: All County Coordinators, Volunteers, and Supporters of the the
Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project:
Greetings,
During the course of the last several weeks, it has become increasingly
apparent to me that there has occurred a division of the overall goals
sought by The Indiana Pioneer Cemeteries Restoration Project. Upon
giving both of these sets of goals consideration, I have decided that
both are valid. Each goal set has the merits of being both beneficial
and in the public interest. Each set, although related one to the
other, is distinct in its purpose and scope.
The first is the simple goal that prompted the formation of this
project: "To see the Pioneer Cemeteries of this State restored." I
still firmly believe in this goal. I think it is attainable and I will
continue to promote and support its continuance.
The second goal has been spawned from the first and in many cases, must
be the first objective in attaining both goals. Even though this goal
has not yet been spelled out, I now offer my own perception of it: "To
enable the continued preservation and protection of all cemeteries in
the State of Indiana through support and promotion of positive cemetery
legislation." As we have seen, lack of sufficient legislation or the
existence of improper legislation has left us powerless to complete our
first goal in many cases.
With these two goal in mind, I feel it is now necessary that we, as an
organization, take such steps as may be required to successfully manage
our efforts. I submit to you that we need to formalize the existence of
this organization with the authoring of a mission statement, creation of
by-laws, election of officers, and application for charter.
This is not something I undertake with light heart. I do not feel it is
something which may be done quickly or without careful consideration. I
do, however, feel it is necessary to continue. My convictions on this
project have not changed. I feel as strongly now as I ever have that
this organization will succeed, that it must succeed.
For the purpose of establishing those documents I have mentioned and
whatever other documents or materials may be required to successfully
charter this organization, I would like to appoint a committee whose
term of office will expire when officers have been duly elected by the
organization membership. This is not a forced appointment, but rather
an invitation to serve.
Availability of time is of course the critical factor we must consider.
We all have different amounts of it available, though usually not
enough. While I realize that the people whom I am about to notify may
not have been expecting this, It is my desire that they share enough of
my conviction to this cause to accept.
A formal announcement with the names of charter committee members will
follow their acceptance.
Sincerely,
Scott J. Satterthwaite