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Constructivist Chronicle
His Majesty Steps Down:
Jon Raskin's Success as CPN President
By Caroline Stanley
Vol.
10, Issue 2 (Fall 2006)
Photo
of "His Majesty"
Nicknamed "his majesty" for his extraordinary "reign" over the
CPN organization for the past six years, Jonathan Raskin
recently completed his term as president. Coincidentally, this
very act of “completing a term” exemplifies what may be one of
Jon’s greatest presidential achievements: the creation of
bylaws. When Jon came into office six years ago, the
organization (then called NAPCN) did not have specified terms
for officer positions. This meant that officers usually held
their titles indefinitely and stepped down at odd times. It also
meant that the process of holding elections and designating new
appointments could be somewhat overwhelming.
However, Jon’s mission to create bylaws has changed the
structure of CPN. Officer terms, duties, and the election
process are now clearly delineated and well-documented. The
bylaws, posted on CPN’s website, also provide guidelines for
finances, membership, conferences, and the Steering Committee.
When
Jon was first elected president, he wanted to "better market
[the organization]…to include more people and to allow them to
expand their horizons." During his six-year reign, Jon has been
committed to this goal. His accomplishments include an on-line
payment system for membership dues, a CPN hospitality suite
(shared with Division 32) at each year’s national APA
convention, and a book series (Studies in Meaning, Pace
University Press) that contains the proceedings from CPN
conferences. Another triumphant feat for Jon includes obtaining
non-profit status for the group, paving the way for lots of
financial and structural benefits. As best summed up by
long-time Steering Committee member Jay Efran, "his majesty" is
an apt title for Jon because "his enlightened leadership rescued
the group from the organizational dark ages."
Although some may wish to see the king reign just a little
longer, we can feel certain that Jon’s commitment to CPN will
not be fading anytime soon. Although Jon officially stepped down
from the throne at the San Marcos banquet, he appeased his
subjects with one final decree: to continue serving CPN in his
new role as the first Past President.
Back in the Era of Kings, "His
Majesty" Jonathan Raskin
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