Dear NAPO members,
As I sit here writing this message to you, I’m full of bittersweet emotions. It’s April 2, 2020, and we were supposed to be in Orlando kicking off NAPO2020. Although we aren’t able to connect in person as we planned, please know that I am connecting with you in spirit.
In addition to seeing my NAPO peeps, one aspect of Conference that I, as your President, was looking forward to was being able to recognize and thank all the NAPO volunteer leaders who have worked so hard to provide value to our association and our members.
April 19-25, 2020 is National Volunteer Week, an annual celebration observed in many countries, to promote and show appreciation for volunteerism and volunteering. For NAPO, it’s an opportunity to thank all the hundreds of volunteers who work collaboratively to provide valuable services that otherwise would not exist without them.
NAPO has over 600 volunteers on the national and chapter levels. Some serve on the national board, others serve on national committees; some serve on their chapter board, while others serve on a chapter’s committees; and some serve on a special task force, volunteer for a micro opportunity, or serve in an advisory capacity. They are veterans and newbies; they are millennials and seniors.
As I reflect on my own volunteer experiences, I remember many years ago when I was a chapter president, a fellow chapter president shared with me a quote from an unknown author. “Lead with vision so that others may follow; follow with faith so that others may lead.” Throughout my varied leadership roles and experiences, that quote has stuck with me and is a part of who I am. Both those who have mentored me and those I have mentored have taught me how to be a better leader.
NAPO volunteers are exceptional, and I hope that all of you will join me April 19-25 in celebrating and thanking our volunteers for every minute and hour that they spend making NAPO a unique and special association, one that provides value to our members. Although the door to NAPO2020 has closed, there will still be lots of opportunities for you to be part of that celebration, so keep your eyes open, as together, we acknowledge and appreciate all of our volunteers!
Please stay healthy and safe.
Warm regards,
Susie Hayman, NAPO President
Thanks, Maria! Take care!
So nicely written as always. Thanks to you and all the National and Chapter volunteers. I’m grateful to all who give of their time, talents and wisdom.
Thanks so much, Janine!
Thank you for writing this, Susie. There are so many people, starting from the top with you and down and across the whole hierarchy of NAPO that keep us informed and prepared. Missing what would have been my 19th consecutive conference has been personally sad, but am hoping that people use this “opportunity” to realize how much they want to attend next year. And like Maria, I’m really eager to hear where NAPO2021 will be! Today is when we’d all have been flying home (or already home), and we’re looking forward to, well, having something toward which to look forward!
Thanks, Julie. Hope you are doing well. I certainly missed that special dance!
Thank you, Susie, we are all so sad to be missing out on conference but I hope more people will attend next year to make up for missing this year. I can’t wait to hear where our next conference will be.