Editorial
From Bill Boyd

As we embark on a new year, let us dedicate our lives to making the world, our country, and our communities a better place in which to live. We start by making ourselves and our lives better. We all know that every body has to face problems and difficult times. Some people seem to enjoy them and discuss them to no end. Some people choose to ignore problems, while others see them as challenges to be overcome and opportunities to move forward. Let us consider this just from the square dancing prospective. “I would like to be a better square dancer, but, I don’t want to dance to that caller, or I don’t want to go to that club, or I can’t get into that square, or there is something on television I want to watch, or I am just to busy to angel a class, it seems so futile to go over what I already know.” The clubs perspective, “I don’t want to raid that club, their dancers are not good enough for us to have a good time; or we don’t need a greeter, everyone should know they are welcome; or I don't know those visitors so I won’t dance with them; or we don’t need to put on demonstration dances or public relation dances, those things never get any attention anyway; or why advertise, it doesn’t do any good; or why should I put out any flyers, no one comes anyway.” If you see yourself or your club in anyone of these scenarios, it is time for a change. Look to the future and say, I will be a better dancer. I will greet and dance with visitors at my club. I will support and encourage newer dancers by dancing with them as often as I can. I will visit other clubs, both as individual and club “raids.” I will help my club by volunteering a little of my time to help set up or take down chairs, decoration, etc. I resolve that this year I will have fun square dancing and spread that joy and cheer all year long. Whether you club has one or one hundred squares you can have fun. As a club, go to convention dances and get together for after parties. As a club, visit other clubs and dance to different callers. As a club, plan a party or picnic and just get together for fun. Pick one or all of the things that you want to do to make yourself a better person and a better square dancer.