President’s Message: January 2025 New Year, New JAG, Need New Support

by Bob Duthaler

As we step into the New Year, I want to take a moment to reflect
on all we’ve accomplished together and to share my excitement for
the opportunities ahead. 2025 holds great promise for each of us, and for our organization as a whole. With the fresh start that January brings, we find
ourselves not only looking back with pride on our achievements, but also eagerly
anticipating what we can achieve together in the months ahead. This year, we’re
entering a new chapter for JAG—and it’s a chapter that depends on each of you.

New Year, New JAG

Every new year presents a chance to refresh, to reassess, and to set new goals.
But this year, the change we are embarking on is even more profound. JAG is
evolving—our programs are expanding, our members are growing, and our
impact is deepening. We are excited to launch new initiatives, enhance the
programs that already make a difference in the lives of our members, and create
new spaces for collaboration, learning, and leadership.


One of the most exciting changes in 2025 is how we’re approaching the future of
our community. We are introducing new ways for you to get involved, whether
that’s through fresh leadership opportunities, mentoring programs, or
committees focused on specific areas of impact. We want each member
(whether you’ve been with JAG for years or are new to the community) to feel
empowered to shape the direction of our organization.


This is a moment of transformation. With transformation comes shared
responsibility. As we build on our successes and create new opportunities, we
rely on the energy, ideas, and commitment of our membership. JAG has always
been a place of innovation and passion, and I have no doubt that with your
involvement, 2025 will be another year of growth, connection, and progress.


Need New Support

While the future looks bright, it is also clear that we cannot move forward
without the active support of our members. Whether you’ve been with us for
years or are just getting started, we need your involvement now more than ever.
Our growth and the impact we have is directly tied to the strength of our
community. That means each of you plays a pivotal role in shaping that impact.
We are asking for new support across the board in several areas. First and
foremost, we need you to help us grow. Our mission continues to expand. We
need more hands, more ideas, and more voices at the table. The best way to do
this is reaching out to those around you—colleagues, peers, and surrounding
communities. Encourage them to join us, to become a part of something bigger
than themselves, and to help us continue the work we’ve started.

But perhaps most importantly, we need your expertise and time. Volunteering is at the heart of what makes JAG a unique community. From sharing your insights at a roundtable discussion to mentoring a newer member, your knowledge and experience are invaluable. It’s through these small yet mighty contributions that we build a stronger, more resilient organization. And, these efforts don’t go unnoticed—every hour you contribute and every idea you share strengthens the fabric of the local access community.


Why Your Support Matters

You’ve seen firsthand the incredible work that JAG does. You know that when we come together, we accomplish great things—whether it’s advancing our advocacy initiatives, helping our members reach their goals, or building a stronger network of support. But this kind of impact isn’t something that happens by accident. It’s something we all create through our collective effort.


That’s why I’m asking each of you to think about how you can contribute to JAG’s continued success in 2025. This year, we are striving to achieve more: more members empowered to take on leadership roles, more partnerships that extend our reach, and more opportunities for us to drive change. To do that, we need more than just good intentions—we need active involvement. The success of JAG is not solely dependent on our leadership or our staff—it’s built by the entire membership. Your support (whatever form it takes) is essential.


Looking Ahead: A Year of Bold Action and Impact


The good news is that we are already on a strong path, and as we move forward, I know we will accomplish even greater things together. This year is an opportunity for each of us to contribute in meaningful ways, whether that’s through volunteering, financially supporting JAG, or lending your voice to new projects. Together, we will move forward with purpose, direction, and passion.


In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who have already given so much to JAG—whether through your time, your energy, or your support. You are the reason why we are here today and you are the key to ensuring that JAG continues to grow, evolve, and thrive. If you’re ready to get involved in a bigger way this year, reach out to us—we’d love to find new ways for you to contribute and engage.
Let’s make 2025 a year of bold action, collaboration, and impact. Together, we can strengthen our community, support each other’s growth, and continue to push the boundaries of what we can achieve.


Wishing you all a year filled with growth, purpose, and success. Thank you for being an essential part of the JAG family and local access television!