Each year AADE offers leadership training for the incoming leaders of the state Coordinating Bodies (CB) and Local Network Groups (LNG). The training is held in Chicago during the “warm” month of January. Montana does not have a LNG, but “we are one” CB with our approximate 100 members.
The agenda was full of informative topics including AADE’s Goals, The Art of Delegation and Inspiration, Project Management Tips, Getting Member Input, Strategic Planning, Advocacy and other great topics. Some of the highlights included: the AADE board looking at hot topics and issues including population health and models of care, peer support networks (diabetes online communities), and focusing on content strategies (for example: hypoglycemia, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, obesity, technology integration). In the coming weeks, “you will get to meet DANA” (Diabetes Advanced Network Access). As a member benefit, DANA will provide information on the latest products and diabetes devices; provide a review of the latest software and apps available giving us a tool to help our patients.
We heard the importance of the “Platinum Rule” or treating others as they would like to be treated. We learned the importance of “Authenticity” when interacting with others. In addition, we were reminded that “all news is local”, but by working together at the grass roots and state level and then national level, we can “Amplify Our Voices” as diabetes educators.