Dear Valued Members and Friends of WISSA,
For an incredible 45 years, the World Ice and Snow Sailing Association has thrived as a global hub for our unique and exhilarating sport. This journey has been fueled by the unwavering dedication, passion, and entirely voluntary contributions of countless individuals within our community. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to these founders and long-time members whose tireless efforts have built WISSA into the respected and beloved organization it is today. Their enthusiasm has been the very wind in our sails, driving the spirit of ice and snow sailing across the globe and fostering unforgettable competitions and camaraderie.
As we reflect on this rich history, we also look towards the horizon and recognize that the landscape around us is evolving. To ensure WISSA not only continues but flourishes for generations to come, we must thoughtfully consider how we can best navigate the future. The world changes, and with it, the demands and complexities of running a global sporting organization also shift. We believe the time has come to explore a more sustainable and robust framework that will safeguard WISSA's legacy and amplify its potential.
To propel WISSA into this exciting next chapter, we are proposing the development of a more formalized organizational structure. This is not about abandoning the passion and spirit that defines us, but rather about strategically building upon it. By establishing a clear framework, we can better define our goals, strengthen our operational foundations, and ensure the seamless transfer of invaluable knowledge that has been accumulated over decades. This evolution will empower us to enhance our competitions, broaden our reach within the athletic world, and provide even greater value to our members and the wider ice and snow sailing community.
To achieve this vital evolution, we envision establishing WISSA as a formal membership organization. This structure would allow us to collectively invest in the essential resources needed to modernize our operations and secure our future. Specifically, a nominal membership contribution would be strategically allocated to cover essential expenses such as formally registering WISSA as a non-profit organization in key regions, updating our governing documents to reflect contemporary best practices, maintaining and enhancing our digital presence, utilizing modern communication platforms, and developing a more effective outreach and marketing strategy. These are crucial investments that will directly benefit every member by strengthening the organization as a whole and enhancing the WISSA experience.
We firmly believe that moving towards a membership model is a positive and necessary step to secure WISSA's long-term health and vitality. It is an opportunity to collectively invest in the future we all desire: a future where ice and snow sailing continues to thrive, where WISSA remains at its forefront, and where the spirit of our community continues to inspire and excite for many years to come.
This is a proposal to the entire WISSA community, and your input is paramount. We encourage you to consider this message thoughtfully and share your perspectives. We are eager to engage in open discussions and explore this potential path forward together. If there is a consensus within our community to pursue this direction, we are ready to take the next steps in developing a clear and collaborative process.
Thank you for your continued dedication to WISSA and the sport we all love. We look forward to shaping a bright future together.
