www.aafcs.org
Summer 2013
THE FACS CONNECTING PROFESSIONALS.TOUCHING LIVES.
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A S S O C I A T I O N
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family & Consumer Sciences
Embracing and Managing Change: A Brave, Bold Vision The theme of our 2013 AAFCS Annual Conference was embracing and managing change through family and consumPeggy Wild, CFCS, er sciences. The conference speakPresident ers and presenters guided us to gather resources and share strategies for thriving in times of change and transition. During the conference, a vision was introduced for change that focuses on developing a strong central voice and strengthening the partnerships of organizations within the family and consumer sciences community. It is a vision of collaborating more effectively and producing maximum positive impact for the field of family and consumer sciences. Why consider such a change at this time? AAFCS is well managed, financially sound, and uniquely positioned to provide leadership and support for family and consumer sciences professionals across all content areas and professional settings. Priorities such as national Family and Consumer Sciences Centers for Credentialing, Professional Development, and Research are being realized. Other priorities, such as advocacy for our field and those who study and work in it, are high on the wish list but challenged by factors such as declining membership
numbers and multiple organizations trying to meet similar goals. The vision is that a higher level of collaboration holds the key to family and consumer sciences thriving, not just surviving. How can our vision be achieved? Using “Academy of Family and Consumer Sciences” as the working title, this potential new organizational structure was reviewed and discussed multiple times by multiple groups during the Annual Conference: introduction and dialog at the Affiliate Presidents Unit, spirited discussion at the Open Forum, thoughtful examination by the Family and Consumer Sciences Alliance organization representatives, and additional clarification during the Senate and in my president’s inaugural address at the Pacesetter Dinner. Continuing to explore this new organizational structure means contemplating change; not always easy but often essential. John F. Kennedy reminded us that “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or pres-
ent are certain to miss the future.” Alan Cohen (Chicken Soup for the Soul) said it takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace change; but our real security is in movement and our real power is in change. Our vision is still just a possibility; it is not yet a plan. It will only happen, will only become a reality, as we build it together. The process will be transparent. The progress will be open and shared. That means your engagement and your input can help shape the details of our vision. Please feel free to share your questions, concerns, statements of support, and any other comments with me or other Board members, staff, or Affiliate leaders. Stay tuned for more information as together, we add fine strokes to the canvas for this vision. Meanwhile, Jana Stanfield’s song, “If I Were Brave,” inspires contemplating the possibilities and taking brave, bold action: http://tinyurl.com/3326el
Featured Items in this Issue FCS Professional Profile AAFCS 2014 Election Candidates FCSRJ Award Recipients Launches at Annual Conference Announcements Guide to Using the Public Policy Tool Kit
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