president's corner
President's Report

Remarks of the OTF President to the Winter Board of Governors’ Meeting, January 16, 2010

Dear Colleagues:

Members of the Board of Governors, colleagues and invited guests, it seems like only yesterday that I attended my first Board of Governors’ meeting in January of 2000. Some of you present will recall that the issue of Pension surplus was high on the priority list as well as some aspects of OTF Governance.

Some things change and some do not. Although a decade has passed, the issue of Pension and OTF Governance are still prominent issues for OTF. The only major and most significant difference is that the Pension discussions are not focused on surplus, but are directed on its sustainability for the future.

At the beginning of the decade we were used to the continual growth in the pension plan. None of us could predict the current circumstances. The economic challenges we face today have brought us all to a reality that was not foreseen a decade ago. Although some articulated the “what if scenario” of an economic downturn, it was not valued in the options undertaken at the time.

As I reflect on the past ten years, OTF and its Affiliates have made great strides in all aspects of its pillars of advocacy, pension and policy and legislation. It has been noted consistently by Stephen Covey that, “without a shared value system there is no source of security, and that culture by definition, assumes shared vision and values.” We, at OTF, are fortunate in that the vision of our predecessors is still today, the shared value that is our culture – that first and foremost, OTF is a collective voice with a common action.

As we move toward the next decade, the message of that vision has been incorporated in our new logo: Your Voice, Your Strength. In essence, we are the sum of our parts, whether we speak on matters advocating for the profession, or we are engaged in discussions with our Partners on the sustainability of our Pension Plan, or we are directing our attention to a Legislative dialogue. Underscoring it all is our commitment to promoting the advancement of our publicly funded education system from professional development for our teachers to the most important curriculum issues focusing on the betterment of our students.

My experience over the past three decades suggests that personal tendencies are carried with us into our organizations. But I also recognize that the old strategic model of the ends justifying the means, which may have served us well in the past, is no longer suited for today’s environment.

A good strategic planning model reflects both vision and purpose. It requires a set of principles and values that focus on ways to achieve our shared goals. Our leadership at OTF is fortunate to have Affiliate representatives who have a shared vision of teamwork and cooperation, even though at times there is a difference in opinion.

I am very hopeful and optimistic that collectively we can respond to the economic challenges we face with respect to our Pension’s sustainability. I have experienced and have currently been engaged in such hopeful and promising discussions. Our collective membership looks to us as their vehicle by which to address their concerns in all aspects of their professional career and equally important in their retirement.

In facing the challenges ahead, it is our responsibility to promote and advocate for our profession. Where the previous government was unconvinced of the endurance of our profession to withstand its attacks, we demonstrated that our solidarity is alive and well. In fact, we have and continue to address those concerns at all levels, especially when the integrity of our profession and our publicly funded education system is at stake. Victor Hugo once said, “There is nothing so powerful as an idea whose time has come.”

In closing I would be remiss in not acknowledging and expressing my personal thanks to the Administrative, Secretariat and Support Staff at OTF. The acceptance and friendliness that has been afforded me and others who visit, is without question indicative of their collegial work ethic and daily commitment to our membership.

It goes without saying that the success of any service organization is often the result of the many hands behind the scenes. I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the staff at 1300 Yonge Street. I can honestly say that I enjoy working with all of you on behalf of the membership.

Thank you.

Reno Melatti
President