April 28, 2002 1. Dear members and friends of Clann O'Dochartaigh We of the executive council wanted to keep everyone abreast of our recent activities and situations that affect the Clan association. Rumors a catylist for executive action A while back we received some communications from Hq concerning several issues, the details, which I would prefer not to go into at length, but there were several allegations made and some resignations of employees. None of the allegations had been able to be substantiated. Paddy is fine and in great spirits, as usual. These rumors/allegations however did act as a catalyst for us to work more fervently to give more definition to Clan assoc. organization and government. The executive committee has been working on a number of issues in counsel with others such as Thomas Doherty and we are trying to develop some strategic plan for the future. Since we have never before issued such an announcement, we assume it could spur some concern throughout our O'Dochartaigh family. However, we want you to realize there's nothing of alarm outside of possible damage done by rumors and gossip as is frequently the case with many organizations. We feel it is important for you to know that the Association is strong and your interest has never been more important to us than now, and in the coming days and weeks. Status of Clann HQ in Buncrana An issue we had thought to make clear is the "ownership" of Clan headquarters. It has been through the extreme generosity of Paddy, members of his family and friends, that the Clan has had use of its' current and past facilities. They are the owners. There has been some inferred critism of the "management" of that property and needless to say the critism is improper. Association being formed in the USA around a clan vision We are looking into the possibilities of providing a nonprofit corp. status for the association here in the U.S. to facilitate funding of Clan activities and projects. We are recruiting and appointing committee leaders and other positions. We have a common vision of a Clan association with financial viability and one actively promoting Irish culture, history, tradition and heritage. We also hope to capture the interest and appeal to a wider mix of Clan members. We will try to give a report through the newsletters and websites on our progress on a regular basis to keep our constinuancy informed of progress and to solicit counsel from the members on ideas contemplated. April 28, 2002 2. From Where I Stand By Cameron Dougherty, member of the clann's Executive Committee From where I stand, I would say that our clann association is in its infancy and needs your help to move forward. Sure, that may sound like a strange thing to say since my dad (Pat Dougherty) started the clann association nearly 40 years ago. Give me a moment of your time to explain myself, and then also to challenge you. The Clann Executive Committee (EC) is now developing and registering a legitimate "Not-for-profit" corporation in the United States which, upon completion, will give us by-laws and a constitution which will provide order, structure and an electoral process for us. It will have in its Articles of Association, stated purposes which will give us the vision and unity we will need as we continually grow through the years. It is our hope that this will be a model for us to use as we organize 'chapters' in other countries around the world. It could be better accomplished with your help. We are putting committees in place, and although we don't have people busting our doors down with offers to participate, we are preparing for just that to happen. As you can imagine, the list of desired committees is extensive. But alas, to date we have only two in existence- the International Executive Committee of four members formed during our year 2000 reunion (Jackson Daugherty of Texas, Steve Daugherty of Georgia, Eva (Doherty) Gremmert of Washington, and myself) and the Newsletter Committee headed by Marta (Dougherty) Sterns. Other work that is being carried out informally, at present, is our three websites (bless them), genealogy, membership and finance work. We could use your help. Then, as far as the administrative work is concerned, the work is greater than the budget or the staff can handle. Again, how greatly your help is needed. Get the picture? Although it may look disheartening, I bring it to your attention because it is a reality. The nice thing about this reality, however real, is that it is only a present condition :. The EC response to this reality is to act swift and decisive. The Clann needs to be organized and to be led and that by individuals who will not be afraid of the work ahead. From where I stand two things need to happen immediately to achieve this goal. We need to get all the help we can and then organize that talent, leadership and willingness to the best possible advantage to the clann. Secondly, we need to re-invent ourselves without losing the faith or interest of our members and not to lose what great work we have already accomplished. What we have done genealogy-wise we need to do organizationally wise. Our staffing goals are to have an association where: (1) no one is expected to do anything more than for what they have volunteered themselves; (2) have a design which allows for members to come in and out of "active duty"; (3) to have members rotate their function in different areas and at different levels of leadership; and (4) be able to have members function from their home. Given this, the association will perpetuate itself as long as there are Dohertys. This could be a challenge! But, from where I stand I know that we have a vast and diverse talent pool, a willing and caring group, a resourceful and educated group and a people of vision- an association of which I am glad to be a part. An association that is vast, enlightening, life changing, fulfilling and gratifying, helpful and supportive, educational, as well as a place to exchange and commune, a place to enlarge oneself and a place of discovery! Even the focal point from where I stand, I can't see all of the impact of this great association, but I have been touched myself and I have heard wonderful stories from hundreds of you. Along with you, I imagine what the future could hold. What do you see from where you stand?