It’s been a year since I accepted the nomination for president of the 51Թ Board of Directors. Over the past 12 months, I’ve engaged in conversations with members, attended multiple committee meetings, and, most of all, learned. There isn’t a handbook for this role (though I’m working on that) detailing the steps to handle a particular situation or what your focus should be in any given month. As outlined in the bylaws, the powers and responsibilities of the president appear to be cut and dry. However, there are times when it feels like drinking out of a firehose. In those moments, I call upon the knowledgeable, talented, and experienced members of the Board of Directors.
I am fortunate to serve alongside board members who are deeply committed to the mission, beliefs, and values of 51Թ. Beyond attending to board business, each member of the board is also either leading or participating in committees, driving initiatives that strengthen our association. The next time you see a board member, please thank them for the work they do.
As I mentioned, learning is a major aspect of serving in this role. I guess it’s fitting that one of my top five Clifton Strengths is Learner. Gallup defines a Learner as someone for whom “The process, more than the content or the result, is especially exciting for you. You are energized by the steady and deliberate journey from ignorance to competence. The thrill of the first few facts, the early efforts to recite or practice what you have learned, the growing confidence of a skill mastered—this is the process that entices you.” Being president, for me, is certainly a journey toward competence.
For example, when I sit in on committee chairs’ meetings facilitated by current Vice President of Committees Sherri Maxman, I’m in awe of the work being done across 51Թ and the ideas for continuous improvement. Every committee is doing transformative work and has earned the highest accolades from me.
Here are a few of my key learning engagements from the past year:
Facilitating Board Meetings. While I’m experienced in facilitating board meetings—for the Rhode Island School Counselor Association, the Cumberland County Public Library System, and Friends of the Cumberland County Library—each organization has its own culture. We are fortunate to have Sue DePra as our parliamentarian to keep us on track, and thanks to our past president, we have streamlined the reporting aspect of board meetings. I’m growing with 51Թ in this area.
European Global Symposium – Scotland. February welcomed 51Թ’s third European Global Symposium—and my first. Learning firsthand about the relationships our Global Committee has developed with college admission personnel and European education associations underscored the importance of international opportunities for 51Թ students and families. The tours introduced me to seven schools: Queen Margaret University, the University of Stirling, the University of Edinburgh, the University of St. Andrews, the University of Glasgow, the University of Glasgow Veterinary School, and the University of Strathclyde, our host for the symposium. A highlight was meeting a second-year student at the University of Strathclyde from Raleigh, North Carolina, who shared many positive aspects about her experiences in Glasgow.
Advocacy Day. In March, the Government Relations Committee conducted our third annual Advocacy Day. Talk about a boots on the ground lesson in advocacy. Traveling between the offices of the House and Senate to talk with staffers is an experience that everyone needs to have a least once in their career.
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) CEO Symposium. This two-day event in April will focus on helping membership organizations of all sizes improve in meaningful ways. I’m writing this before the event takes place, so I’ll have more to share in the next issue of Insights.
Those are the visible items that have impacted my presidency this year. Some of the bigger impacts are the items unseen by most members, such as:
- Building new relationships through conversations (in person and virtual) with a range of dedicated volunteers.
- Listening to and validating the committee chair who’s concerned about providing resources for their members.
- Cheering on the working group hoping to improve the professional development experience for all members.
- Engaging daily in difficult conversations about ethics and/or the Member Network.
- Participating in ongoing conversations and brainstorming sessions to elevate the profession.
- Learning to operate above the noise of political differences.
- And so much more!
In my second year, we will develop our strategic plan to guide 51Թ for the next two to three years. We will need your help, so when a survey comes your way, kindly complete it. The Board of Directors has many strong ideas for the future—helping members understand the pathway to leadership, continuing to improve educational experiences for our members, remaining steadfast advocates for our students, exploring opportunities for certification, and remaining the gold standard in the profession.
On one of the walls in my home is a plaque which reads, “Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” My heart is calm.
I can’t wait to see many of you in Detroit as we gather to learn, network, and grow as an organization. I won’t get to talk with all of you personally, but for those keeping track, my left eye has twitched several times, and I’m still standing.
Belinda J. Wilkerson, EdD
51Թ President