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Dear SAA Board and CEO,

You are facing a very challenging moment as leadership and I know that you are receiving a lot of demands of change. I would like you to know that you are not alone, that the SAA is all its membership, and that if you feel that is way too much to be done, continue asking for help. Not only to professionals and consultants, but specially to the membership! In that sense, thank you so much for offering the DEI training for all members, especially for Teacher Trainers! It is extremely important to have this as a regular part of our training not only in North America, but also in Latin America. I suppose you had access to the translated talks from the Zoom meeting in Spanish and Portuguese. Racism is a huge problem everywhere!

On the other hand, I am really glad that you started the “SAA Board News”. Communication is very important! That’s why translations are urgent! “All together”, you (Board) speak 6 languages! So please! At least, send the translations for the most important communication in Spanish and Portuguese, for example, invitation and reminders for the Annual Meeting and SAA Board News.

Finally, I am very worried about the communication with the Latin American Associations. I am a very active member of the Suzuki Associations of Peru and Brazil and I see all the work they do to spread the Suzuki Method and contribute with the SAA. Please, ask them properly for reports. Right now, there are 4 Latin America Associations. I have seen the Board minutes in the past where some “Latin America reports” have been presented but none of the Associations were asked neither the Latin America liaison committee. Send official emails, ask them in advance for anything that is needed and share a vision. These kinds of actions are transparent and show respect and professionalism.

Sincerely,
Luciana Castillo
SAA Recorder and ECE teacher
Suzuki Festival of Peru’s administrator