Resolution of Commendation from the Greater New Orleans Archivists

In early October, the SAA office received the following “Resolution of Commendation” from the Greater New Orleans Archivists, signed by President Leon C. Miller and Secretary Lester Sullivan:

WHEREAS, the Society of American Archivists moved quickly in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to support archivists throughout the affected areas in many ways, including generously offering a one-year dues waiver to members in the devastated areas; and

WHEREAS, SAA staff diligently attempted to contact all SAA members in or evacuated from the devastated areas by phone, email, or mail to notify them personally of the dues waiver, to inquire about their individual safety and circumstances, and to offer SAA’s help and support, thereby relieving the sense of isolation and dramatically increasing the morale of many victims; and

WHEREAS, the Society of American Archivists went further and partnered with the Society of Southwest Archivists to create the SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Grant Fund; and

WHEREAS, the SSA-SAA Emergency Disaster Assistance Grant Fund not only provided much-needed financial support for the preservation of the affected area’s documentary heritage but also brought hope and comfort to archivists throughout the affected areas;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That on this twentieth day of September, 2006, the members of the Greater New Orleans Archivists do hereby highly comment and offer their deepest appreciation to The Society of American Archivists, whose actions in the wakes of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita demonstrated a caring and concern for their colleagues and a commitment to their profession, thereby portraying archivists in the highest possible light and bringing increased respect to the archival profession as a whole.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution of Commendation be entered into the permanent minutes of the Greater New Orleans Archivists; and

That a copy of this Resolution of Commendation be forwarded to the Executive Director of the Society of American Archivists.

Passed and adopted by acclamation this twentieth day of September, 2006.