Springtime is an important time of year for our organization. It is a time when we gather for professional development, celebrate and recognize members, and to connect with our professional colleagues. The pandemic has altered not only our personal and work lives but also the operation of our organization. The theme of our conference this year was to be “Sharing our Story, Building Strong Connections”. It was going to be the time I shared the connections I had made throughout the year. I reached out and connected with FCS members to learn their stories. I enjoyed reading the stories and listening to the conversations on how my colleagues began their FCS journey. As we wind down the NCAFCS year and transition to a new executive team, I’d like to express my gratitude for having the opportunity to lead this organization forward, to strengthen my leadership and to connect with members. It has been a rewarding experience and a learning opportunity. A lot of wonderful ideas, strategies, and concrete action steps were taken. From writing and receiving a membership growth grant, celebrating dine-in day, developing a membership marketing plan, strengthening our social media presence to developing business and industry connections. We will persevere because that is who we are. FCS professionals are resourceful and can face adversity with strength.
Pivoting from in person meetings to virtual ones is a new normal. I attended a virtual leadership meeting with the national AAFCS staff, board members and affiliate leaders in May. Jacqueline Holland , the AAFCS President began the meeting with the announcement of initiatives recently approved by the board of directors. The Diversity and Inclusion community has been established and recently launched. In the efforts of recognizing our profession a task force led by Virginia Vincenti was developed to strengthen higher education programs. It is called the FCS Task force for Program Advancement. The 2020 conference was a major topic of discussion. It has now been moved to a virtual platform and registration is open. They have worked hard to shift the agenda to a digital format. Just think, you will be able to attend the conference, connect with colleagues, and attend workshops in the comfort of your own home. I sure hope we will have a strong NCAFCS presence.
The assembly of higher education’s new graduated program to provide free membership is still ongoing. They are working on ways to strengthen this program. This year AHE had options to invite students. You could personally invite students or send a list to nationals and they would. They had a 60% response rate, 21 out of 36 universities responded. Overall, 90 invitations were extended to students.
A reminder to not forget to stay up-to-date with your annual dues was mentioned along with a prepayment option which is now available. The renewal period is open for all to take advantage of. Another important policy change in the writing of the 2018 hardship policy was amended to include a pandemic along with natural disasters. The form will be up shortly if you need to apply.
Even though we did not meet physically this past spring for our annual meeting, I challenge you to reach out to members to stay connected. We need to rethink how we as an organization can move into the digital world. I will be hosting live FCS meet-ups in the fall to help keep our professional family strong. I hope you will consider joining me.