For all the work that goes into the campaign process, it is important to keep in mind that seeking election is a pursuit of means, not ends. My own reelection to the post of MACA president was not my ultimate goal, but a golden opportunity for me to help the organization pursue its goals, and a resonant mandate from the voters to do just that. 

What Can MACA Do For You?

And what are MACA’s goals? Simply put, to promote the game of chess within the commonwealth, and to meet the demands of this chess community. But the game exists in many forms and places, and the community has many faces, from the child just learning the rules to the professional in pursuit of an international title. 

Historically, the most important resource provided by MACA is the tournament, at any level of chess. In regard to our traditional adult and scholastic events, the greatest onus placed upon the board is that of maintaining these events to suit the players, providing the best possible venue and conditions while keeping entries reasonable and incentivizing new participants. 

New tournaments are a limited space for growth, as we only have so many directors, and there is a point of saturation for the demands of players. If we offer a new event, it needs to have distinct reason and purpose.

I was pleased with the success of the Spiegel Cup Series, then, as I do feel it does something of worth. By working through our affiliates, it not only avoids placing additional burden on our directing group, but promotes the local clubs and offers players a wider geographic selection of events. 

There are adult tournaments worth pursuing as well. The unfortunate state of the campus tournament, a once-proud local institution at schools like B.U. and Harvard, may signify a time for MACA to try to come in and help organize events where the clubs are active, and we certainly have no lack of healthy college chess clubs. We are also looking into the viability of norm events in our state. 

Beyond the tournament halls, MACA seeks to promote chess through a variety of other programs, not the least of which is the exciting Early Education Initiative. By providing the resources schools need to create chess programs they can run themselves for the youngest learners –equipment, demo boards, textbooks, supplemental guides, and a support forum –we not only make it easier for after-school clubs to sprout, but we open the door to chess in local schools as a curricular. 

What Can You Do For MACA?

The Early Education Initiative also offers those interested the most direct opportunity to get involved. It only takes a few local passionate people to get started. 

Beyond that, of course, the best way to support MACA is to give us your feedback and ideas. Let us know what changes you’d like to see – the responsiveness of the organization, and its success, begins in hearing what you have to say.