Induction Days

NADFAS provides one day induction days for society chairmen and treasurers. These are enormously valuable and I have yet to meet anyone who has attended one who did not find it valuable as well as very enjoyable. Sadly, there is a reaction against attending these and it is particularly sad to report that, of all twenty areas, this resistance is greatest in the SW area. Many other areas have much greater distances to travel and, in any case, NADFAS is keen to pay all reasonable expenses for such attendance. No matter what experience you have, it is still beneficial to meet others at NADFAS House, to compare notes and to find out how others have solved many of the unexpected problems you will face, which can save you a lot of time and embarrassment.

We are particularly lucky in the SW Area, as we have a nationally recognised expert in training as our own training officer (Maggie Biggs) so we are looking at the possibility of running induction days more locally.

The one area where it is definitely preferrable to attend a national induction day is when you become a society chairman. The loneliness of command is more than just a Royal Navy myth! You soon find that the chairman is expected to anticipate and subsequently solve a wide range of problems. If he or she succeeds, the committee is keen to be associated, but if they don't, then they tend to get all the blame. So sharing experience and receiving the reassurance that we don't have to keep re-inventing the wheel is very valuable. Also, there is no substitute for seeing NADFAS House for yourself to ensure that your society doesn't miss out on the many benefits to be had for the asking.

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