By Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP
It is hard to believe that almost three years have passed since I was named editor of the Jer-Z-Journal. The position was not one that I actively sought; rather former co-editors, Robbin Dolan and Doreen Marino, identified me as their successor and assured me that I was “up for the challenge”.
And it has been a challenge.
During my tenure, distribution of the Jer-Z-Journal was decreased from bi-monthly to quarterly, as one by one, members dropped off the editorial committee and less article and ad submissions were received.
Nevertheless, I remained committed to my role, and strived to deliver electronic editions with comparable levels of quality to their hard-print predecessors.
Unfortunately, I now find myself at a crossroads. I have changed law firms and job titles/responsibilities since I was named editor, taken on increasing and additional volunteer opportunities and found myself traveling more, with no immediate family living in proximity.
Come the final edition of the current 2019-2020 membership year in March 2020, I can no longer serve as editor of the Jer-Z-Journal.
In anticipation of my stepping down, I have circulated several e-mails to the general membership seeking a replacement. I have not received even one reply.
If you consider the Jer-Z-Journal to be a valued component of your NJALA membership, now is the time to raise your proverbial hand and volunteer to assume the editor position. Without a new editor, the Jer-Z-Journal will cease to exist, and, in turn, a piece of our chapter’s history will cease to exist.
There is little to no day-to-day work serving as editor of the Jer-Z-Journal. Someone with a high level of organization and a strong grasp of the English language can easily handle the publication of four editions per year. I’d be more than willing to speak or meet with anyone who may be even remotely interested in the opportunity to share more detailed information.
In conclusion, during this period of year-end reflection and goal setting, I urge you to ask yourself, “Am I up for the challenge?”
Elyssa A. Goldstein, CLM, PHR, SHRM-CP is the Firm Administrator of Rebenack, Aronow & Mascolo, LLP in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
