The Torch Magazine

President Norine Haas

    Even though we have barely begun to disseminate plans for our Century Program goal (to attain a membership of 5,000 and 100 clubs by our centenary year, 2024), I already sense some special energy out there. A membership surge is afoot among our clubs! Several clubs that had long been at a plateau have come alive and doubled their membership. Other clubs are calling the Kalamazoo office for multiple new member packets. How encouraging this news is for those of us in leadership positions in the International Association of Torch Clubs! I hope you opened and read the November Torchlight that appeared in your computer inboxes; the good news included there was inspiring indeed.

    Being a member of a Torch Club is such a pleasure: an intellectual oasis in a world full of gridlock and strife—no partisanship, just a society of friends devoted to life-long learning. As a member of two Torch Clubs, I can say that Torch has brought together, in both, the most interesting, intelligent, lively-minded people that it is my great good fortune to know. I never would have run across many of these good friends anywhere else. And it is rare for people to leave Torch once they get the bug! Most of our members continue to enjoy Torch for years. But we do need to reach out to others to join our ranks—retiring baby boomers, folks in other community groups promoting life-long learning, younger professionals. Don’t hesitate—share the good news of Torch with the next likely person you meet.

    The Torch, a print and online journal including some of the best presentations given in our clubs, binds us all together. Due to economies to keep Torch solvent, the rest of our communications with you, our members, is by electronic means—one of several important changes we have been making to keep moving into the current century. Please open and read the electronic messages to find out what the IATC is doing on your club’s behalf, and do enjoy this issue of The Torch.

My best to you all, Norine

“Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” --John F. Kennedy