If you haven't already registered for the Grandfather Mountain Scottish Clan Caucus, there is no better time than the present. We call this event a 'Caucus' because it is strictly intended for North American clan leaders and volunteers to gather, discuss and debate critical issues of the day. We will bring extraordinary, experienced and influential guests to the Caucus to lend their unique perspectives to our work but the primary purpose of the Caucus is for all of us who make up the heart of Scottish North America to begin to form and more clearly voice our positions on the things that matter the most to us.
This year, for the first of what we plan as an annual tradition, the selection of the critical questions of the day was made easy by the piping hot topics of the year that has just past. This year's Caucus topics are:
Question 1: Homecomings, Gatherings and Conventions - Finding The Best Way Forward
Question 2: Organizing To Sustain Strong Scottish Heritage And Ancestral Ties In Our Backyards And Across The Globe
We will have a team of experienced, well informed and very generous special guests from Scotland on hand to help us navigate through the twists and turns of our questions so that we might reach better clarity and consensus by the end of the Caucus. The 2013 Caucus Special Guests include:
- Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (Caucus Co-Chair)
- Lord Jamie Sempill, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
- The Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish, former First Minister of Scotland
CLICK HERE to view the preliminary Caucus Agenda. Keep an eye on the COSCA Website at www.COSCA.net for more updates and information.
If you come and join us - and we really hope you do - be prepared to roll up your sleeves to think and to discuss these important matters with your friends and colleagues. No one need check their brain or tongue at the door - we need to know what you think!
Further, as this is a working conference for the participants, we will formulate and publish a Grandfather Mountain Scottish Clan Caucus Summary Report 2013 in the days immediately following the close of Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. This report will chronicle our discussions, disagreements and areas of consensus regarding the two Caucus questions for 2013 The Caucus Summary Report will provide a useful starting point as we continue our journey with the next steps outlined during the Caucus.
Sounds like a great conference in a beautiful setting doesn't it? It is. See you in North Carolina in July!
Yours aye,
Susan L. McIntosh, President
Council of Scottish Clans & Associations
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Caucus Lodging - where can I stay?
Need some HELP??
Visitor lodging fills up fast in advance of the fabulous Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. If you don't already have your lodging set up, please take a few moments and make arrangements now so you aren't disappointed later!
COSCA has partnered with Lees - McRae College to make student accommodations on the beautiful Lees - McRae campus available at a very modest cost for Caucus participants. A few special rules apply but you can't beat the price and the location is perfect. Contact us at
coscainfo@gmail.com if you would like more information on the Lees - McRae College lodging option.
If you would like to check out something off campus, we recommend that you visit the Lees - McRae College visitor's website to view an extensive list of recommended local accommodations.
CLICK HERE to view Lees - McRae lodging recommendations.
