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I am a fan of the Editorial written by our Editor Dr. Udeni Nawagamuwa. He always write something, to the point, bringing our attention to "a mission critical" issue that we as "members must take actions". In other words, his editorials always "call for action". Very recently, the Editor wrote about the need to raise our voice on important matters - internal IESL related or external matters of national interest. Please read most recent editorial: http://ioes18.wildapricot.org/Digital-SLEN-17-Editorial
IESL Members have four (4) ways to contribute:
1. Write to digital SLEN: recently all members received an email giving details on "how to". This email will be sent monthly.
2. Use our FOUR digital forums: http://iesl.lk/page-1560868 ( It was wonderful to see Council decisions published on the forum dedicated to the President and the Council. We are promised that it will be a monthly communique. Thank You President and the Council: http://iesl.lk/page-1567974/3275640)
3. Write to any Council Member, Sectional Committee Chair/Member, Council Approved Committee Chair/Member, Chapter Chair/Member, etc. by using our digital directories (from the digital record, one could send an email to the owner of the profile record or even contact if the phone number is provided and made visible to members). Main Directories are accessed from our Home Page (http://iesl.lk/page-1566049) and committee member directories for Sectional Coms, Chapters, etc. are accessed from Committees and PCs page http://iesl.lk/page-1534711
4. Get elected to the Council and/or join Sectional Committees and/or Council Approved Committees on advisory capacity.
I also like to emphasize that in order to encourage such open discussions, Editor and the Editorial Board must give full freedom to members to express their views, suggestions, etc. in any language ( I don't think this is an issue), any format ( video, voice, text) and most importantly, express "differing views without restrictions" as far as the message is written with civility and professionalism. I think many members are concerned about:
a. mistakes they could make during the use of English language ( Editor can help by sending a message to all members how he and others could help)
b. writing in their own native language ( Editor can encourage)
c. what to write, as some may be wondering whether the subject is appropriate ( recent email from IESL indicates any topic is as good as another)
d. repercussions from IESL ( an expressed concern, especially among non corporate members - if constructive criticism is given about IESL), and this can be easily addressed through "Editor walking the talk" by publishing differing opinions without censure.
At IESL, much needed transparency, democracy and collaboration is taking steady hold thanks to technology that eliminates distance and time barriers. Yet, mental barriers within must be overcome by us - members! .
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