January 2025 President's Letter

Greetings Friends:

I write as we turn the page on 2024 and look to the new year.  And many of us are contemplating whether to make a New Year’s resolution. It is tradition, after all.

In December 2022, Time.com published an article about New Year’s resolutions. The article is entitled “Sick of Failing at Your New Year’s Resolutions? There Is a Better Way”. The authors write that many of us profess lofty goals, such as eating more healthily, exercising more, and limiting our social media time, to name a few. And while we all have good intentions, the authors estimate that around 80% of New Year's resolutions made are broken in less than 2 months, in February.

So, what is the secret sauce to sticking to realistic pledges? It isn’t keeping it to oneself. It isn’t through avoidance (of chocolate, fatty foods, or alcohol,) or stumbling out of bed early to get in a run or yoga class. Nor is it swearing off electronics. Rather, one is more likely to experience success through norms and community - a community that shares our commitment empowers us and makes us more likely to successful.

I have shared how important NAWJ is to me. I love everything about this organization. It is for that reason that I regularly donate to NAWJ in addition to paying dues and attending conferences. NAWJ is a charitable organization. As a 501(c)(3), we depend upon donors to keep our beloved organization going. Even nominal giving enhances NAWJ’s impact. It enables us to reach those in the judicial pipeline, as well as populations who might not have previously considered public service or a judicial career. Giving enables NAWJ to inform the electorate. Giving provides hope to those who are incarcerated and/or returning citizens. NAWJ can provide these as well as all its exceptional educational programming to members because of the generosity of its donors.

Can I get an amen?!

So, if you are a regular contributor, thank you. If you aren't a donor just yet, it is ok. It is never too late to start! 

So here, publicly and with my community, I declare that I will continue to give regularly to NAWJ. I invite each of you to join me. Take the plunge and make the pledge. The amount matters not. Give from the heart and what you can.

In addition, if you are or intend to become a regular donor, don’t keep it to yourself. Please share your commitment with the NAWJ community. Let others in your state,  district and committee know - not what you are giving, just that you are giving! Set up a comfortable payment schedule with Francie Teer.  She makes it so easy. 

Let’s make our voluntary contributions the norm. By doing it, you are sure to feel better and to remain successful all year long!

So, take the first step. Make the pledge and then encourage others to join you. You will be amazed what good things will come, and you’ll feel so good about your choice.

Happy New Year!

Best, 

The Honorable Michelle Rick
President, National Association of Women Judges