As Charles Dickens once wrote, “It was the best of times . . .†I suspect there are few people who would categorize the past couple of years with this description. Between what has happened in our professional experiences, in addition to our personal lives, this has been a difficult period. From the impact of COVID-19 and the racial injustices imposed on many people of color to the economic hardship that many of our colleagues and others have endured, this has been a time unlike anything most of us have lived through.
Of course, Dickens famously continued, “It was the worst of times . . .†But has it been? It definitely has not been easy, and for some people it has undoubtedly been the most difficult period in their lives. However, for the majority of us, I think the reality is that we fall somewhere in between. I know this is true for ACUHO-I. While the circumstances since March 2020 have been hard, resulting in holding only virtual events, a significant reduction in the budget, and the loss of some very valued professional staff, there are some bright spots.
Throughout our 70-year history, we have operated as an organization that values in-person interactions, complete with plenty of hugs, even when we meet people for the first time. As a result, our transition to virtual events has had its disappointments; however, it has also provided a significant increase in participation, with almost 3,000 people virtually attending the 2021 ACUHO-I Conference & Expo. That is more than double the number that has ever attended an in-person event. We also hosted dozens and dozens of webinars, roundtables, and other virtual opportunities to share up-to-date information and make connections around the globe. There is no question we need to continue to find ways to accommodate this level of engagement with our members post-COVID-19.
The beginning of 2021 also saw the release of the report from our Anti-Racism Task Force. While broad in its recommendations for changes, it provides a number of tangible steps that the Association can take to keep issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the forefront of our work. Some of these are currently in the works, including a revision of our DEI statement that will be shared by the end of the year. There have been resources, such as the article in this edition of the Talking Stick, that highlight the opportunities to be an ally for our LGBTQ students and colleagues. And there was our decision to relocate the 2022 conference from Florida to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in response to the state’s anti-trans legislation.
While this was not the year I envisioned when I agreed to run for the presidential track three years ago, I am still humbled and honored that I was entrusted with the responsibility to head up the Association that has been my professional home for 35 years.
As this is my final opportunity to share my vision for the organization, I would be remiss if I did not thank the 2021 ACUHO-I Executive Board for all of their efforts to steer the Association during a very unique time. While there are challenges still on the horizon, I am indebted to this group of professionals for making the decisions necessary to put us on a course toward success into the future. I know that the organization is in great hands with Pam Schreiber as president of the 2022 Executive Board, and I wish those continuing in their roles, as well as those about to join the Board, the best of luck as we collectively continue to navigate these uncharted waters.
Finally, we would be in a much different place than we are now if it wasn’t for the efforts of the home office staff and especially Mary DeNiro, the CEO, who provided the support to make the continual pivots necessary to serve our members. I am extremely grateful for their hard work and sacrifice in order for us to continue to be relevant for the profession and our residents.
While this was not the year I envisioned when I agreed to run for the presidential track three years ago, I am still humbled and honored that I was entrusted with the responsibility to head up the Association that has been my professional home for 35 years. I look forward to seeing the great things that are ahead for us, and I hope that all of you will continue on this journey with me.
— Peter Galloway, ACUHO-I President
Talking Stick magazine takes its name from the symbol of international friendship presented to ACUHO-I in 1973 by the Ohiat Band of the British Columbia Indian Nation. The talking stick, or speaker’s staff, is hand-carved, and the inscription explains, “It is a sign of authority carried when proclamations are to be made or a meeting of chiefs is in session. It is a token of common heritage both to Canadians and Americans.â€
