Happy Birthday Chautauqua! Words cannot adequately capture how excited we are to reach the milestone of Chautauqua’s 150th birthday this week, and we look forward to all the special traditions, events and programs that will ensure that day is celebrated in fitting fashion. I express appreciation to all who have contributed to our season-long celebration of Chautauqua’s sesquicentennial. Many hands have made this work a joy!
As we explore the topics of “Wonder and Awe” and “Reverence as a Response to the World,” I look forward to reflecting with you on the wonder of our mission and this place that has played an important role in the world and in the lives of its patrons for generations. We are fortunate for the wisdom of our founders and the commitment of all who would follow in their footsteps to love and preserve Chautauqua for the future. Everyone who participates in our mission contributes to its stewardship for the benefit of future generations. As the saying goes, we plant trees in whose shade we will never sit.
In this spirit, I ask your permission to use this space to offer perspective on a topic that has been raised recently in the “Letters to the Editor” section of The Chautauquan Daily. Two Chautauquans suggest the governance model of Chautauqua Institution should be more “democratic” by permitting property owners to elect more trustees. The current charter, as adopted in 1902, constitutes the board with 20 members elected by the trustees for a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms, consistent with common practice among not-for-profit organizations throughout the country. This is not unique to Chautauqua; it is seen as normal practice. Four trustees are elected by the property owners, again for a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.
Lewis Miller and the other founders of Chautauqua were not “undemocratic.” They were motivated by the belief that Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit organization surrounded by and animated by a devoted community, and that community has long consisted of many different types of stakeholders. Chautauqua’s mission has always been an invitation, extended to those both within and beyond the physical boundaries of the grounds, embracing property owners and thousands more Chautauquans who are not property owners. The mission also serves thousands who have never set foot on the grounds but have participated through the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle or our CHQ Assembly streaming channel, as examples.
Property owners hold a unique and significant place within the Chautauqua community. They are committed to, and have invested in, the success and future of the Institution and the community in countless ways. The charter recognizes that unique role by giving property owners the opportunity to elect four members of the board. No other constituency has such recognition. And, while four are elected by property owners, many more property owners serve on the board. Currently 17 of the 24 trustees are property owners.
Chautauqua Institution’s board was never intended to be a “town council.” Chautauqua is a unique entity with a charter from New York State that reflects its role and purpose: a place but, equally importantly, a mission to explore the best in human values — something that depends on and bolsters our nation’s democratic way of life.
I look forward to celebrating this very special organization’s 150th birthday with you this week as we also marvel at the awesomeness of the opportunity to be here in community to “benefit from the shade” of those dedicated Chautauquans who came before us.
