Letter From The President One of the most important activities that we can participate in throughout our careers involves improving our professional growth and development.  Basically, it's part of our jobs to create a better workplace for the folks who will follow in our foot steps.  With every improvement we make, our profession will become stronger and better for the next generation. While it may seem easier to leave this arduous task to others, I hope that you will embrace the opportunity to become involved in this effort.  Some of the things that you can do to become involved include getting to know your legislators; taking time to visit the Capitol during the legislative session; writing letters that support a unified EMS message to political leaders encouraging them to support our needs. You don't have to focus just on state legislators.  Its important to establish a grassroots approach in your very own community.  Making sure that your mayor, your city manager, your county commissioners, your sheriff, your neighbors, and other community leaders are well informed about emergency medical services is paramount to your long term success in your city or town. Whatever approach you wish to take, we at EMSAT want to be your partners.  In the future, we will begin to prepare a series of educational presentations that you can use to develop your message.  These materials will be free with your annual membership. EMSAT has some exciting activities planned for 2008. Strategic planning to establish a strong focus for EMSAT; Participation in development in the Texas EMS Memorial at the Texas Capitol; Reorganizing our meetings to coincide with GETAC meetings; Developing a High School EMT Student Membership Program and corresponding Website; Establishing a Legislative Agenda; Renewing our membership drive and considering establishment of local chapters in the future; Planning an EMS Day at the Texas Capitol during the next legislative session; Supporting the Administrative Track for the 2008 EMS Conference in Fort Worth; Establishing connections with other important professional associations in Texas and in the nation; Developing public education tools for members to use to teach community leaders about EMS; and Representing the needs of our members. If you are interested in any of these areas, now is the time to join EMSAT and become part of the solution.  EMSAT is only as strong as its members.  While the weight that we carry is based on the size of our membership, our impact is dependent on the involvement of our members. If you are not already a member of EMSAT, consider becoming one today and help make Texas EMS a proud and strong profession. If you are currently a member of EMSAT, we truly appreciate your membership! We look forward to your involvement in working toward solutions that matter and will have a positive impact on Texas EMS. Sincerely, Ernie Rodriguez, President EMS Association of Texas