2004.10.20: Fwd: Re: Resignation from the Executive Board

From: L.Antonia Codling
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 2:47 PM
To: Susan Morris; ALAA MEMBERS
Subject: Fwd: Re: Resignation from the Executive Board

Azalia,

I would also like to express my profound appreciation and thanks for all of your thirteen years of tireless work on behalf of our members and our clients.

Azalia was one of the founders of ACLA, a caucus within our Union for Attorneys of Color at Legal Aid.  She is one of a few original ACLA members who have remained within our ranks and continued to fight and struggle around ACLA’s issues as well as the issues of the larger Union.  She has (along with others) laid the goundwork for the hiring, retention and promotion of attorneys of color within this organization.

I join in the rest of my collegues in applauding you for your unswerving devotion and staunch defense of Union principles, your willingness to fight for what is right, and the passion and vitality you always bring to the table!

In peace & in struggle,

Antonia

>>> Susan  Morris 10/19/2004 5:45:56 PM >>>

This was originally intended to go to the membership.

I am not sure how I messed it up.

Apologies if this is a duplicate.

>>> Susan  Morris 10/19/2004 5:29:52 PM >>>

I think we all owe Azalia a HUGE round of applause/thanks for all her hard work over the years.

Whether we agree with her recommendations and opinions, whether we think what she did was “right” or “wrong,” the fact remains that she worked tirelessly and professionally for many years.  Her goal has always been to maintain a DEMOCRATIC, MEMBER-DRIVEN, union; a from the bottom-up organzation.

She has set a great example for all of us to follow – an example of principled committment to our clients and our membership.

Her shoes will be hard to fill, her absence will be felt, and we all have a huge challenge to live up to the principles she has espoused and untiring effort she has put forth.

Azalia, we will miss you on the board.  Your voice, while so often an unpopular one, has been a voice of reason and ethics.  Again – the word PRINCIPLED is the one that best fits your work and your motivation.  Those of us remaining will be hard-pressed to serve as well.

Thank you for your service and your example.

>>> Azalia Torres 10/19/2004 5:14:17 PM >>>

I will not be able to finish my present term as the Senior Attorney Representative on the ALAA Executive Board.  Pressing family concerns and responsibilities do not allow me to give the amount of time and attention this position requires.

I have been a part of the Executive Board in different capacities for at least 13 years.  This is not an easy decision for me to make.  I will continue to be active within our union and continue to contribute to its growth on a local basis.

As a leadership, I look forward to your continued efforts to do battle in the best interests of all of us, the membership.