Re-vitalized Rhode Island Songwriter's Association rolls out new structure and initiatives. Elects new slate of Officers and Board.

In an effort reminiscent of "A Little Help from My Friends", the Rhode Island Songwriter's Association (RISA) has been undergoing an ambitious re-organization of its structure and services.

Last June, at the annual all-member meeting, John Fuzek, Co-Chair of RISA,  acknowledged that the Association needed to be better organized in order to create programs to better serve members of the Rhode Island Songwriting Community and in turn the Region's music community as well.

A volunteer Steering Committee was formed to study various issues and create a new organizational structure... in fact a new RISA...to address the future.

One year later, at this June's 2010 RISA Annual all member meeting, the thirteen member committee presented its work which included:

1. Updated by-laws

2. Streamlined membership and financial processes

3. New state-of-the-art website/community portal featuring member profiles, benefits, articles, community accomplishments, learning topics, and event updates.

4. New workshops & critiques based on membership surveys.

5. Performance Initiatives - new guidelines and packages for creating RISA songwriting showcases throughout the region and performance opportunities for members.

6. Mentoring program for new & growing members

7. Marketing - new objectives, and organization.

Committees were formed and staffed. Active committees are: Development & Education, Performance, Mentoring, Marketing, Website, and Membership.

Nominations for officers, and Board of Directors were held and the following offers were elected at a RISA Meeting on July 12:

President-John Fuzek,

Vice President-Chuck Williams,

Treasurer-Joanne Lurgio,

Secretary-Earl Faria. Board Members and Members at Large:Garry Foisy, Paul Pasch, Mary Ann Rossoni, Billy Mitchell, Jan Luby, Rick Demers, Anthony Demmings, Rick Wahlberg, Wyatt Lema, Greg Lato.

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The Rhode Island Songwriters Association, founded in 1993, is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to encourage, foster and conduct the art and craft of original lyrical and musical composition; provide educational programs, critique sessions and performance opportunities for all musical styles; and support open collaboration within the Songwriting community of Southeastern New England.