On April 3, 2015, the newly founded Latter-day Saint Publishing Professionals Association (LDSPPA) hosted its initial organizing event at the Salt Lake City Library. The event officially launched LDSPPA as an international organization that provides support and networking for LDS publishing professionals and for students who are considering a career in publishing or related fields. LDSPPA encompasses all media forms (print, audio, video, online), all publication forms (books, articles, blogs, etc.), and various careers in publishing (writing, editing, design, marketing, etc.).
The purpose of the organizing event on April 3 was to generate enthusiasm about the LDSPPA, get to know each other and network together, staff the board of directors, and create plans in key areas. All expectations were exceeded as from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., event attendees were actively involved in discussing and developing plans for governance, membership, services, outreach, chapters, and more.
Attendees spent the morning discussing and reporting out answers to three questions: “Who am I?”, “Why did I come here today?” and “What do I hope the LDSPPA can become?” Networking, belief in the organization and its possibilities, and exploration were the most common reasons for coming to the event. Hopes for the organization’s future centered around educating and certifying members, outreach to national and international communities, and supporting students entering the business. Other questions were posed in role groups (writers, publishers, editors, designers, educators, etc.): “How can the LDSPPA best serve us?” and “How can we best serve the LDSPPA?” which garnered lists of ideas and concrete plans and decisions.
After a working lunch, the progress continued as attendees broke into nine groups (originally this was eight, but discussions from the morning proved a ninth group was needed) and identified actions in each area, prioritized the actions, and developed project plans to operationalize as many items as possible. The groups were:
- national conferences and programs
- local chapters and programs
- student outreach and programs
- membership recruitment and orientation
- business management, budgeting and fundraising
- communication
- partnering and liaison with other organizations
- governance/legal/organizational structure
- standards and certification (added that morning)
Work continued with breaks and progress reports to the larger group during the afternoon, after which the day concluded with final plans, board commitments, and summary of next steps.
The event far exceeded the organizers’ highest hopes. Steve Piersanti commented, “We accomplished more in one day than most such meetings accomplish in two or three days, which, as I felt inspired to say at the time, is a testament to the many gifts and advantages we draw on because of our shared beliefs, knowledge, culture, commitments, education, and leadership experience. There was tremendous energy, excitement, vision, and commitment, with dozens of participants stepping up to take on responsibilities.”
The LDSPPA is strongly focused on professionalism, being a service oriented association, and asking each member to actively work toward keeping a high standard of professionalism and quality in the industry. In return the LDSPPA is committed to provide opportunities for growth, education, training, and networking among authors, freelancers, editors and agents, and publishing houses.
The following were elected as officers and directors of the organization:
- Steve Piersanti, President of the Board of Directors
- Sue Bergin, Vice President of the Board of Directors
- Aleesha Bass, Director of National Conferences and Programs
- Amy White, Director of Membership
- Brad Farmer, Director of Business and Fundraising
- Bryce Mortimer, Director of Partnering
- Eric Smith, Director of Governance
- Erin Willder, Director of Communication/Marketing
- Kathryn Thompson, Director of Chapters
- Steven Thomsen, Director of Student Outreach
- Suzy Bills, Director of Standards and Awards
The first meeting of the board of directors was held on May 6, 2015.
The association was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under the laws of Utah by the articles of incorporation executed October 29, 2014. The incorporator was Brad Farmer. The initial directors were Steve Piersanti, Sue Bergin, and Christopher Robbins. The organizational meeting of the corporation, April 3, 2015, was convened by the initial directors of the corporation.