Message from the President, October 2025

Greetings, friends!

Last month, I shared a few thoughts on why we have the Greensboro Bar Association and why it remains such an important organization. This month, I’d like to follow up with some reflections on how we come together to make the GBA the best it can be. Once we’ve clarified our purpose, the next step is to turn those ideas into action.

At the heart of this effort is participation.  We live in a time when attendance at civic and professional organizations is declining across the board. Many of us have faced that familiar internal debate: Should I attend this bar event, or should I catch up on work—or just head home and relax? I’ll admit, there have been moments when I’ve seen a GBA event on my calendar and thought, “Do I really need to go to this?” Without exception, every single time I’ve shown up, I’ve been glad I did. Whether it’s hearing from an engaging speaker, learning from a CLE, contributing to a service project, or reconnecting with friends and colleagues, there’s always value in showing up. I hope your experiences have been just as rewarding, and that I’ll continue to see many of you at our GBA events!

Of course, these events and meetings don’t come together by accident. Behind the scenes, our outstanding Board, committee chairs, and section leaders are hard at work planning programs designed to offer something meaningful for every member. If you’re looking for a way to expand your involvement, I encourage you to consider joining a committee (Committee Description and Sign-Up) or section (Section Description and Sign-Up). It’s a great opportunity to shape the kinds of programs and events that will have the most impact for you and others. If you’re interested, please reach out to me or to Diane Lowe; we’d be happy to help you find the right fit.

Finally, the strength of GBA lies in its membership.  One of the key purposes I highlighted last month was our commitment to serving the community. As individuals our impact is limited, but as a group our reach is far greater. Other goals, such as fostering community and mutual support, also depend on having an engaged and diverse membership.  If you’re reading this, you’re likely already a member and actively involved, but you may know colleagues who aren’t. I encourage you to invite them to an event, introduce them to the GBA, and share why you’ve chosen to be part of this organization. By continuing to grow our membership, we ensure GBA remains a dynamic and effective organization that makes important contributions to our profession and our community!

Thank you for all that you do to support the GBA. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sincerely,

Hon. Bill Davis
President, Greensboro Bar Association
and the 24th Judicial District Bar