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In a recent TCA Board of Directors meeting, we were discussing how to make TCA more relavant for our members and what changes we need to implement to accomplish this goal. As I sat in the meeting – listening to the TCA Board discuss change, I realized how this discussion could parallel how we can become more successful in our profession. Not only is this discussion important for our association to progress, but it is also critical for keeping our professional life progressing and being more relavant for those we serve.

Progress involves change. I have often wondered if McDonald's would still be in business if they were only selling the all American burger as they did in the fifties. Do you know that McDonald's sells more chicken today than they do hamburgers? Now that is change. Change means being flexible and open to all the possibilities that exist. The corrections profession has been facing the challenges and opportunities of change particularly during the past year. As leaders in the corrections field we must all be open to change and exercise wisdom in managing change. We inherently resist change because it is uncomfortable. But change is necessary, change brings growth, change brings opportunity, change brings stability. This is what we as leaders and professionals do; we must accept and manage change successfully.

We can either remain in our own small world and be left behind or we can embrace productive change and take charge of our future. Great leaders and successful professionals keep ahead of the curve by leading their people into growth worthy changes.

One of the primary goals of TCA is to provide the corrections professionals with first class training. The training is not only educational but also helps position us all to take advantage of the changes that surround us today.

With this in mind, I hope you will circle December 1-2, 2011 on your calendar and plan to attend the TCA Mid Winter Conference. The 2011 Mid Winter Conference, Mental Health; Substance Abuse and Assessment Issues, will be highlighted by outstanding speakers: Senator John
Whitmire; Ed Latessa; and Faye Taxman. Our workshops will focus on providing useful strategies to handle juvenile and adult populations from an agency and line perspective. Please visit www.txcorrections.org to register.

There are a number of obstacles we must confront and overcome during these times of change. A big obstacle is fear. Fear of the unknown. Fear that there may be something out of our control or not within our ability to handle. As the leaders of our agencies or companies or departments, we must create the confidence and trust with those above and below us that change can be positive and will lead to the progress and success we all seek.

I realize this is the true challenge for me and for all of us in the corrections world – keep the enthusiasm high by keeping the focus on the rewards, security, and positive results that change will bring.

As we near the end of the year – take a few minutes to evaluate your professional life and see how you can make change a positive in your life. Maybe like McDonald's, you
need to add "chicken" to your menu. Being open to change and being flexible will make a difference as you grow in the corrections profession.

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TCA RECOGNIZES REPRESENTATIVE JERRY MADDEN

The Texas Corrections Association announced State Representative Jerry Madden as the recipient of the 2011 Clarence N. Stevenson Memorial Award. The Stevenson Award annually recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions over an extended period of time to the corrections profession. The announcement of this very special recognition was made during the Opening Ceremony of the TCA 2011 Annual Conference recently at Moody Gardens in Galveston.

In making the announcement, TCA President Michael Noyes, Director the Dallas CSCD said, “We are very happy to honor a true champion of the corrections efforts and profession in Texas, Representative Jerry Madden. Chairman Madden has been at the forefront of important legislative initiatives impacting corrections including the 2007 criminal justice system reforms. He is recognized not only in Texas but on a national level for his knowledge and efforts in criminal justice”.

Madden represents District 67 (part of Collins County) and has served on numerous corrections related committees and boards, helping to guide state policy on corrections and criminal justice. Since 2005 he has served as the Chair of the House Committee on Corrections.

TCA named The Stevenson Award in memory of Judge Clarence Stevenson (1934-1993) who served as Chairman of the Texas Adult Probation Commission and as Chairperson of the Judicial Advisory Council as well as serving as a member of the Texas Board of Criminal Justice. Stevenson was widely recognized by state leaders for his commitment to sound principles and was the embodiment of the community corrections system in the State of Texas.

Texas Corrections Association includes more than 600 corrections professionals in Texas and is the umbrella organization that encompasses all areas of the criminal justice system and related groups. TCA is dedicated to enhancing and building the corrections profession.