Just home from a fantastic general meeting where, even as a DCCT/EDIC participant (i.e. guinea pig) I learned some new things about the study I entered in 1987. My daughter was 18 months at the time; now she's nearly 28 and in graduate school!
We're sadly and fondly thanking Nancy Trebilcock for all her hard work and dedicated service at this, her last board meeting! She joined the board in 2009, I believe, as chair-elect. She lead a Hurculean task in following hundreds of moving parts to move into the current AADE structure. Without her, I believe, SLADE would be a shell of what it once was.
Many of our members have taken a turn as board members and even chairs/presidents in the past. Many are only too happy to keep a safe distance from the planning and logistical duties that keep our member development engine running. There's always been plenty of people to step in and do the work...
At this point, our remaining THREE board members; Tricia Green, treasurer, Melody Fox, Web Admin, and myself as chair have all been in our current positions for a year or more. The work of the Education committee is now being accomplished by 1 or 2 people. The events posting is predominantly done by one, and Tricia has poured over monthly reports with the same eye for detail as her predecessor, Sharla F. My thanks go out to all our recent board for all the "heavy lifting"!
Both Tricia and Melody have not only agreed to stay on until the Spring meeting on April 29th (mark your calendar!) but have already put much energy and creative thinking into this project. Those of you who've worked on our Dinners know there are many tasks involved in putting this event together. Even if you CAN'T commit to long term board involvement, please consider helping with this event. There is much to do with contacting reps for the vendor fair, set up of the venue and clean up afterwards. Step OUT of the shadows and lend a hand...because many hands make light work.
As chair, I've committed to stay on even after a new chair is selected and eased into the position over the course of a year. My promise is to accomplish as much as possible by phone and e-mail, to minimize the amount of time we spend in planning meetings.
Our webinars have been popular beyond our expectations, and we'll be looking for four HOSTS for the coming year; one on January 8th, one in April, and two more in the fall after the courses are announced. Just contact someone on the board for information on hosting one of the meetings.
The Board provides many opportunities for personal and professional growth; at my current position I made it one of my goals for the year. Next year, my goal will be to meet all the CE deadlines. If you feel our CE opportunities have fallen flat lately, feel free to step in and lend a hand... BECAUSE MANY HANDS MAKE LIGHT WORK!