This paper attempts to show the need for Classicists currently in the field to begin long-range planning for the field of Classics. Classicists have been unable or unwilling to plan solid actions, waiting instead to react, or respond, to educational trends and problems. While the entire junior and community colleges movement was growing, Classicists ignored it and were ignored by it; more doctoral-level programs were begun, yet no one really stated the need or market for such programs and their degree recipients. These and similar actions and inactions have brought Classics to a critical stage; at the same time, other liberal arts fields are beginning to confront the same sorts of problems. With these allied fields, however, Classicists have not sought common bonds or paths of action. Thus, internally and externally, the discipline of Classics has done little to learn about its own goals and mission and to convince academicians and the general public that Classics is worth retaining at the secondary and collegiate levels. A call to commitment by Classicists on behalf of the Classics is followed by suggested steps which might be taken to establish machinery for planning. (Author/CLK)