PRESIDENT'S CORNER

BY JANET MENDEZ (INGHAM)

Hello, fellow RAM-ers!  Despite this prolonged winter and excessive period of frigid cold we are having, hopefully everyone is staying warm and staying healthy. I am happy to bring you all some updates that will hopefully help get us all excited and ready for spring.  It is coming….I promise!
 
2026 RAM Applications
 
The updated RAM Application for 2026 is available on the RAM website. For anyone that has not renewed their membership, and for all new referees out there, I encourage you to complete your application and submit it at your earliest convenience. All of the benefits of RAM will be accessible once your membership is confirmed. Please share this information with any referees in your county that may not already be members.
 
RAM Conference
 
Mark your calendars! This year’s RAM conference will be held Wednesday May 20 through Friday May 22, 2026. We will be holding the conference at the H Hotel in Midland, Michigan. The staff at the H are amazing hosts, and we are looking forward to yet another outstanding experience. Remember, RAM is a certified provider of Continuing Judicial Education, so attendance at the conference will not only give you a great opportunity to network with your colleagues, relax and have a great time in Midland, but it will also earn you credit towards your required CJE for this new cycle.  Registration forms will be available on the website soon, and will be announced via the listserv. But in the meantime, clear your calendars and plan on attending this don’t-miss event.
 
Elections
 
This year is an election year for the RAM Board. Elections will take place at the conclusion of the RAM conference and annual meeting in May. There will be at least one open seat on the board this year. There is no need to do anything at this time. A formal request for nominations will be announced shortly, but I wanted to let everyone know as soon as possible so that you can consider this great opportunity to serve and get involved. Once the request for nominations is made, we will be asking for a short statement from each interested candidate, including a brief background and comment as to why you would like to serve. I encourage you to start thinking about your statement if you think you may be interested.
 
We Are Here For You
 
Last, but not least, please always remember that the RAM board is here for you. There are a lot of things happening in the legal community that could and/or will have an impact on the important work that we do. We generally have members involved wherever possible so that we have a voice at the table, so to speak, and also so that we receive first hand information. All important information and updates will be shared with the membership in a variety of ways, including our new and improved Listserv, the RAM website, and the Referees Quarterly publication, all of which are available to our registered members. Additionally, you should always feel free to reach out to any board member with questions. Whether you need support, have a question, or are looking for ways to get involved in the legal community….never hesitate to let us know.
 
RAM Board Meeting
 
As an FYI, the next RAM Board Meeting will be held Friday April 10, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Information on how to connect is available on the RAM website. All RAM members are welcome to attend.
 
That about does it for this quarter’s updates. Stay warm, and I hope to see you all in May!