President

President's Report

ANOTHER ARKANSAS

MOUNTAIN TOP EXPERIENCE

by Ronald D. Harrison

Backpackers and hikers have an expression reserved for those rare experiences which, almost singular, are set apart from all others. These wonderful events are called mountain top experiences. On the trails and in the mountains of Northwest Arkansas where my family and I have camped or hiked, I have experienced a few such events. One occurred during a sunrise service conducted literally on the edge of a mountain over looking the Buffalo River at Camp Orr, a Boy Scout Camp in the Ozark Mountain range. We have experienced the sensation in the beauty of the changing color of the mountain forests in October at Devils Den State Park. Recently, I was blessed to enjoy another mountain top experience at Eden Isle on Greers Ferry Lake. The experience came not, however, from the shimmering lake or the surrounding forest, but from the fellowship with brothers and sisters of the bench and bar at the first conference of the Arkansas Bar Commission on Diversity (ABCD.) In a small conference room at the Red Apple Inn lodge, warmed by a crackling fire in the fireplace and the goodwill of those present, we began our effort to make a difference in a complex world.

It was for me another Arkansas mountain top experience. The work of the Commission is dedicated to encourage and advance diversity first in the Arkansas Bar Association, then in the legal profession in Arkansas, generally. At our conference November 17th and 18th, we began to explore the possibilities of how to affect change, to make a difference. Fundamentally, we are seeking change because it’s the right thing to do. But for those who seek additional incentives, it makes good business sense, too. Prior to the conference we continued ongoing efforts to involve lawyers diverse in color and gender in leadership roles within the Association. Although these efforts will continue, we must do much more. I am convinced that one thing we can do quickly, easily and whole heartedly is to be better ambassadors of the Association, each one of us. We have quite innocently failed to always provide a welcome environment to some new members of the bar - - regardless of color. The impact sometimes is greater if the attorney is from a minority group. Our members are good, decent, caring, professionals. But, think about it. Like others in any setting, don’t we tend togather with our old friends, former classmates and annual meeting friends during the course of our Association events?

When we do, without realizing it we have left out or left alone many lawyers, young and old, who may not return, may drop out, or may even openly reject the Association. I place great faith in the fundamental goodness of our lawyers. Our members do not intentionally ignore or seek to exclude others. Our focus for the future must, however, include a recharged commitment, a heightened awareness to make all welcome to the Association. We must engage each other, speak plainly and honestly to each other to the end that we become or remain friends. Look around at our meetings, seek out new faces, invite a new member to lunch or dinner, share a cup of coffee, invite a new member or new acquaintance to sit with you at a program segment, invite them to join a Committee or Section. Please join me in making sure that no one is left behind. "We came into the world like brother and brother; and now let’s go hand and hand, not one before another." One more thing! We will have a number of products available for purchase which depict the logo or name of the ABCD. We invite you to join with members of the Commission in displaying these symbols of our commitment. Contact the Association website or office for more information on what products will be available, and visit ABCD displays atfuture Association meetings.