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SFWA 2024-2025 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

 

Dear SFWA Members,

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“It is a curious thing, Harry, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who, like you, have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well.”

-Professor Dumbledore, from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

 

After President Mort Laitner stepped down for his health, he entrusted his vice-president, me, to lead this Association.

 

One day, I confess, I planned to run for president. Now, fate laughs and throws wild dice, to thrust leadership at me early.

 

I am now one of the SFWA’s youngest members and its president. I need to lead, not only to manage but to better our association. For years as a member, even from high school, I loved SFWA. Every month, I met fellow writers who validated my passion. Who revealed new summits and dared I reach them. The SFWA must continue to do so.

 

But my ascendance is not caused by me. I thank my board and fellows for accepting and supporting me. But, you must give more than approval. Give your criticisms, your worries, your revelations and concerns. Dissent and talk back, tell how we should improve the SFWA.

Some criticisms will be baseless, sure. But only through discussion and reflection will we improve. Both as writers and an association.

 

I received the mantle unexpectedly, but wait to discover if I “wear it well.”

 

Best wishes,

 

Giancarlo Diago Cevallos