November 1, 2006

Thoreauvians,

I am writing this letter as part of our Annual Appeal for financial support. As you well know by now this has not been just another year for the Thoreau Society. Dear friends, scholars, and staff have departed in one manner or another. And we miss them all for their many and varied contributions and support that they gave so generously to the important endeavors that we are pursuing.

We carry on with the benefit of their spirit upholding and encouraging us as we pursue our mission of stimulating interest in and fostering education about Thoreau’s life, works, and philosophy as well as encouraging research on his life and writings.  Through the generosity of the estate of John Mack, the intellectual challenges by Brad Dean, and the improved organizational design for operations by Jayne Gordon, we have a great platform from which to launch the expanded programs and activities this coming year.

One such program is the recently completed DVD titled “Life With Principle,” featuring prominent national figures and students as they respond to the life and writings of the works of Thoreau. We are attempting to make this program widely available to high schools, colleges and universities, and community organizations. Our hope is that through the thought-provoking materials and discussions of the DVD others will join with you and become members of the Society, thus widening our appreciation for Thoreau’s life and writings.

The Annual Gathering is continuing to expand its range of programming, and next year we are hoping to expand both the scholarly content and the materials for a more general audience. Some fresh proposals are in the offing—stay tuned. (Speaking of which, if you have not sent your email address to us, please do so that we may improve the delivery of our news and notes in a more timely fashion using our new and secure Etapestry program.)

We are taking bold steps to improve our financial base. This is going far beyond talk. Mike Frederick, our Acting Executive Director, and Jim Hayden, now handling community relations as well as managing the shop, are both working on a series of lectures and programs to create more community exposure. These programs will be posted on the website for your information. Ideas? Send them to either Mike or Jim.

And now to the mountain we have to climb. Unfortunately it is a serious piece of rock, and we have but limited equipment. For the past several years we have tried to see over the top without a great deal of success. I know that we have all had those visions of what lies ahead if we can only overcome some obstacles. They are not to be taken lightly, but neither is our desire. I can feel a great wave of fresh energy amongst many of the new board members and society members at large.     I believe!

I believe that if we all feel that who we are as the Thoreau Society and what we do and stand for is important in this present chaotic world, perhaps some of what Thoreau has to say may bring a sense of clarity to those seeking a message for our age. I believe that Thoreau inspires, challenges, and exhorts us in ways that I have seldom experienced through other messengers. As a member of the Thoreau Society I want to see that the excitement that his words generate in us can be spread far and wide.

This challenge to expose Thoreau’s writings to a new generation requires a deep commitment both of our individual and collective energy and of our personal resources. I know that many of you respond each year to this Appeal and that many of you also teach and write of the wonders of Thoreau and his words. I am asking you to stretch your stride, to reach deeper and to support what we are doing by increasing your financial contribution well beyond last year’s efforts. If we all do this it will help us move closer to that day when we can see over the top of that mountain called Success. Then we can look to John, Brad, and Jayne and say through our actions, “Thanks for your leadership, support, and challenge!”

Tom Potter, President