the Clan McLea Society (America Branch)

D.W.Livingston · Post by **D.W.Livingston** » Sat Mar 10, 2007 1:08 am

Hello Family Members, Hopefully we will shortly move into a the creation of a Society for the McLea-Highland Livingstone clan in the America's. Now, it has been asked in the past but I would really like to know, when this Society is formed, who would like to be a member of it? We are talking about being on the ground floor, helping to create the constitution, the by-laws, the look and feel that the general population gets when the Livingstone/McLea family is talked about or seen at Highland Games around the world. Now with any Society I feel that it should start as big as possible to gather as many people at the beginning to make it the best. Now Niall, the ultimate person with whom the Society answers to, stated that the Society should be "one American Society - covering the entire continent." so that is what we will do. After it has been created and refined, with new members count increasing to a point where the main Society needs to be split into sub-sections, we can look into creating multiple "local" societies that answer to the America branch, who in turn answer to the Clan Chief. I am not asking who wants to be President, Secretary, etc. I am just looking for people who would join when the opportunity arises and we will work on the details later. Thank you everyone for responding to this request. Sincerely, David

Bachuil · Post by **Bachuil** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 11:18 am

Dear All, Initially I would like to see one branch for the Americas.

D.W.Livingston · Post by **D.W.Livingston** » Sun Mar 11, 2007 7:43 pm

Hello Donald, It is I who must apologize of in any of my comments I made it sound like "America Branch" meant "United States of America Branch" with any other country as a subordinate, it was not my intention. I took from Niall first writing that it should be the entire Continent and instead of saying North and South America Society I shortened it to the America Society. We are a clan, which should be like an extended family, no political aspects, and no subordinates. To be honest, if Niall feels that the Commissioner should be from Canada I am happy to follow whomever that may be, if it turns out that the best person for the Commissioner hails from Argentina sign me up to be a member under them. At this point and time I believe that we should not let Geographical/Political "lines in the sand" split the Clan. We, in my opinion, are looking to reach out to all McLea and Livingstone members whether they are local to my area, your area, France, Taiwan or Russia. With the forming of the Society (which I believe is a separate entity from the forum) we can make a presence that will draw our family together, and we need everyone to participate in all things as an equal, no one less than or greater than anyone else. To let others know a few things about me: One, I would not make a great Commissioner or Treasurer; I do not have the background knowledge for such lofty positions. I do have time and energy to give the Society but I know it would not be best put to use in those positions. If I am wanted in any official position I could see Vice or Secretary/Recorder. If there are others better suited for those positions then consider me an active member only, which will give his opinions freely. =) haha Two, there are far more eloquent speakers in this groups than I. I tend to try my best to express my thoughts and opinions but don't get the subtle points out. I am not a writer I am more technical in nature. Three, due to the technical aspect of my nature I have a tendency to hear of something I find interesting or what I believe is needed and I run forward like a locomotive gathering information and "how-to" from everywhere I can and then falling back on my second point I have a hard time clearly describing what I have found. So, I believe that to make this clan more unified and less splintered we need a focused group that a Society can provide but I agree with you that any geographical location should not be in, or feel like, a "second rate position". And I do apologize to all members of this forum who might have gotten that feeling from anything I've said or done. Thank You Everyone. David

Bachuil · Post by **Bachuil** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 12:00 am

I am greatly heartened by this. You see I sit here answering private correspondence from many people.

Craig McClay Wilson · Post by **Craig McClay Wilson** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 1:37 am

Hi all, Having read this thread with interest , I offer the following suggestions: 1) Make a decision on whether to move ahead at this time and ,if so, what the structure should be.

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:21 am

Back from Chicago, all! It's late, and I don't have much time to respond, but I wanted to throw out one (quick? long-winded?) comment. I think everyone needs to take a step back and breathe for a moment here. I really don't think there is any move afoot to place anyone subordinate to any person, on this forum or otherwise. Our Livingstones in Canada, USA, and elsewhere, are all valued and important.

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:30 am

I have my own ideas and feelings based on reading thru past threads who should head up the "Americas" branch and how I would choose to lay it out based on both member levels and participation levels from each area.

Kyle2 MacLea · Post by **Kyle2 MacLea** » Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:32 am

Here, here! Esprit de corps indeed! And a second to the Highland Garb events.

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