Jackie Lacey AIFD, CFD, AAF, PFCI – National President
2020 has passed into history but has still not left our minds. As we begin to move froward with the hope of progression and a return to some normalcy, many find this time to be a bit foggy and uncertain. Trying to regain the routines we had in place, the comfortable feeling of knowing what to do next, seems to come a little slower and with a bit of apprehension. We are caught in the desire to move forward, caution due to where we still are and the uncertainty of where will be and when. As challenging as it still is, we must continue to strive to move on.
As an elected board of directors, we are charged with providing direction for the association on behalf of the members. This not only means assisting present operations but in planning for the future as well. This can mean looking beyond where we are and assisting with where we want to be for the future. Growth and advancement is a goal that can only be achieved with proper planning and participation by many as we are not structured for this to be accomplished by a few. It is time to move ahead with the necessary steps to correct some of the challenges we have faced and will face, to continue to grow.
With the cancellation of National Symposium for the second year – the association is faced with the need to connect with our membership in alternative ways in order to stay relevant and show a value for membership. This is not only true for our current members but also for potential new members. Those of us that are current members remember all too well how we prepped and prepared for the goal of becoming an AIFD® member. Months and years in the planning. That has been a challenge for those currently with that same goal, as the opportunities to participate in the PFDE, which is an important part of that process, have been limited with the cancellations of two national symposia. The Membership Committee and board of directors has taken this into consideration and is currently investigating possibilities to address this. Thank you Louisa Lam AIFD, Damon Samuel AIFD, Ken Senter AIFD, and Loann Burke AIFD, for leading this for the membership.
In order to connect with the current members and provide education to replace what is normally provided during symposium, we continue to look for an opportunity to offer virtual experiences through capture of educational presentations. Again, this will help everyone see some of the benefits of AIFD® membership and provide us an opportunity to connect even if it is not the preferred method of being in person. Thank you Sandy Schroeck AIFD and 2020/21 Symposium team for your continued help and leadership to explore this.
We continue to look for ways to support our members and offer value for their membership with the Education Committee outreach. Thank you Polly Berginc AIFD, Ken Senter AIFD, Bill McKinley AIFD, Sandy Schroeck AIFD, and the other members for launching the competition, and the post-education that will be continuing after. I am confident this group will continue to move forward with other ways to build the video education library and continue our commitment to education.
While this may seem a simple task, plan a program, record it or present it live on social media, AIFD® has set a high standard for education in the way we present programs during symposium. We must keep that same standard in everything we do, including virtual presentations, as it is part of core Membership Oath, “Members of the Institute will support and promote the development of programs and procedures to stimulate the advancement of creative floral design and professionalism”.
Planning, budgeting, and producing one or more virtual programs is literally starting to plan a new event from the ground up. These have to be developed, proposed to various committees to include finance approval, and approved by the board of directors, and must be planned with all the current and future safety guidelines in mind. Then,executed according to that plan with every effort to be a good fiduciary as we have been elected to do. We are putting every effort into being able to make this happen in a safe and sound way. It simply cannot happen quickly. Our association is like a cruise ship, it cannot turn on a dime, it must swing thoughtfully and safely into a new direction.
As I look back on all that has taken place over the last several months since taking on a second term as national president, I cannot help but look ahead at all that still needs to be done. I ask every member to consider volunteering for a committee. Offer to get involved to help. Look for a committee that will allow you to put your strength to work, provide your expertise, knowledge or just support. Ask another member that you feel might be able to help. Many hands make light work. We are strong but, together we are stronger! “WE” are AIFD® and that means each of us doing what we can, when we can, and to the best of our abilities makes us a better association, and a better industry for all.
