It was great seeing so many colleagues in Newport--I think we can all agree it was a phenomenal venue with an exceptional line up of presentations. In this season of gratitude, I am truly grateful for the caliber of knowledge and professionalism our community embraces. As an affiliate, our National leadership is consistently looking to us as a model and it’s all because of our exceptional and collective talents. As I reflect on another year, I’d like to encourage our members to think about ways of Giving Thanks and Giving Back to NECHA.
I became involved in the Board of Directors about 3 years ago: First as Member-At-Large, then as President Elect and Program Planner and now as President. My first experience with NECHA, however, was in 2007 when I was awarded the Affiliate New Professional Award. It was a humbling experience as I had only transitioned into college health 2 years prior and had not built a strong network of peers. Yet, here my colleagues were acknowledging my contributions. Nominating a colleague for an award is incredibly easy, and one small way of Giving Thanks for service, leadership and innovative programs. In summary, these awards recognize the talents and accomplishments of our peers. The call for National Award Nominations, including the Affiliate New Professional Award, is now open and I strongly encourage you to nominate a peer. Nominations are due January 9th, 2017. Additionally, NECHA hosts a regional award process each year.
My involvement in NECHA is also one small way I Give Back to the community that “raised me”. While it is an honor to serve our community, the ability to work so closely with colleagues from across the region and across disciplines is incredibly rewarding. As you think about your sense of purpose in the New Year, I encourage you to consider the many ways you can Give Back to NECHA.
- First, you can apply to serve on the planning committee for our Combined Meeting in Burlington. Committee members assist the Track Leaders (the captains for each discipline) in reviewing proposals and building the programs and presentations for the conference. Typically the committee meets once in person late February, and connects over the phone with their track leader 3-5 times over the year. We have a limited number of vacancies. If interested, please contact Lauri Gallimore, President-Elect and 2017 Program Planner. (link email address)
- Second, you can submit a program proposal for the conference. Presentations are typically 75-90 minutes in length. This is a great way for you to showcase your expertise or an innovative project you or your institution is working on. We’d be glad to consult with you should you have an idea that needs fleshing out. Our Call for Proposals will be out in January!
- Third, though a larger commitment, you can also run for a position on the Board of Directors. Our elections take place in the Fall and we anticipate openings for positions like Member-At Large, Secretary and Treasurer. The Board meets in person three times a year and hosts conference calls as needed.
- Lastly, you can volunteer at our annual conference. We are always looking for presiders (people who introduce speakers and keep time) as well as hospitality volunteers who help with check in and general inquiries.
Bottom line, there are many ways to get involved and we’d love to have you!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me about any of these opportunities or other ideas you have about Giving Thanks and Giving Back to our college health colleagues.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and new year!
Most sincerely,
Jessica Greher Traue
President, New England College Health Association
Director, Wellness and Prevention
Bentley University
781.891.2947
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