This has been an important year for GFSC. We are proud of the volunteer services we have been able to provide in different parts of the world. We have several new Local Volunteer Networks (LVN) and Local Network Coordinators (LNCs). We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to meet people who share our values and mission. We are very happy to have been able to attend IAF conferences and activities in Argentina, New Zealand, Slovenia, Taiwan and the USA and share the work of GFSC with all those who attended.

What is most fulfilling for me is that, in addition to all the above, we continue to evaluate our organization and have made two very important decisions for our future:

• GFSC has further clarified our mission emphasizing the development and support of local networks of volunteer facilitators throughout the world, so that we can help communities maximize their capacity to address their challenges and create sustainable solutions.

• In 2005 GFSC will make great strides toward becoming a truly virtual global organization. We will continue our online Mentored Pathways Programs for Field Volunteers as well as initiate a new communication tool with a virtual GFSC Board meeting in January.

Be sure to read Karen Brill´s explanation of our proposed structural changes following this message.

As a year-end reflection, I want to share with you one that I wrote for the Spanish-language facilitator listserve:

What would our world be like if each of us were to pledge
and then carry out the following resolution for the coming year?

At least once a week during 2005, I commit myself to:

• Evaluate the other person's point of view...instead of just presuming that I am right.

• Offer a suggestion for a possible solution...instead of just identifying a problem.

• Facilitate a practical learning...instead of just demonstrating my knowledge.

• Defend an important personal value...instead of just passively accepting the values of others.

• Seek a win-win agreement...instead of just deciding who is to lose.

• Recognize my errors and make amends...instead of merely justifying myself or blaming someone else.

• Formulate additional clarifying questions...instead of just giving preconceived advice.

• Express a contrary opinion...instead of just falling into the silence of consent.

• Praise a specific personal quality of an individual...instead of just giving general feedback regarding mistakes.

• Stimulate the participation of those affected by a decision...instead of deciding independently or delegating the decision to someone else.

I wish each and every one of you and your families, the happiest holiday season and a new year filled with good health, peace and opportunities to facilitate positive, sustainable change.

Gilbert Brenson-Lazan
President, GFSC

As Global Facilitator Service Corps grows in vision and capability, so too must our governance model. On November 6, 2004, a bright autumn day in Toronto, the executive team met to discuss the evolving structure of the GFSC Board of Directors. President Gil Brenson-Lazan began by identifying the opportunity for us to develop organically, creating a structure that meets the needs of our (unique) organization and is consistent with our vision, mission and guiding principles.

Our first iteration of the board's structure occurred spontaneously in November, 2002 when the twelve people who attended our very first meeting in Miami were invited to become founding members of the GFSC Board of Directors. Since then our global network has expanded dramatically and our methodology for serving communities has become much clearer.

With this in mind, our next and very natural step in our evolving Board structure reflects our expanding global network. Our governing body must truly represent our Local Volunteer Networks by adding Local Network Coordinators (LNCs) to the Board. We will all benefit from their input, and improve the delivery of our services to meet the unique needs of each local community, with respect and integrity.

We propose continuing with a small central executive team to drive issues such as board governance, operational policy and local volunteer training, functioning within a larger global Board of Directors, which participates in researching needs, decision-making and the implementation of plans in each of their local communities. We have created a model that reflects our guiding principles of inclusion and participation and meets the needs of GFSC in a way that will be efficient, dynamic and effective. The model is a wheel with many spokes: the hub is the Board comprised of a small executive team, encircled by the Local Network Coordinators; the spokes extend from the hub, connecting to the Local Volunteer Networks, communicating important issues, linking local communities to the hub as well as to one another.

Our 'switchboard' is now open to receive your comments and suggestions on this proposal for our emerging board structure. Please let us know your thoughts on the model's strengths and limitations and, as always, we look forward to the dialogue!