Now that we have become a Section, opportunities have opened up for Section members to become more involved in leadership roles both in the Section and within APHA.  At the time of this writing, the Section is seeking nominations for a chair-elect and secretary.  The chair-elect position will begin following an election to be held in March 2010. The chair-elect term will begin in March 2010 and last through the 2010 APHA Annual Meeting, when the chair-elect will begin to serve as Section chair from 2010-2012.  Following that, the Section is looking for a second chair-elect to step in during the fall of 2010.  Other important roles such as Section Governing Council Member and Section Councilor also need to be identified. In addition to considering service within the Section leadership, remember to vote in our elections; bring your voice into our Section work.

Considering service with the Section is a significant commitment, but one with many rewards and one in which there is real opportunity to make a difference.  If you think you might be the right person for one of our many “jobs,” reach out and let us know. Consider this important opportunity to help move the field ahead as we become a vital and stronger part of APHA and as recognition for the field continues to deepen in many ways.   As you work on the national level, no one wants to see local work suffer, but we need to borrow your strength and vision to help us grow even more than we already have at APHA.  Getting involved now will strengthen the bond between CHW leaders and their allies from your community with the Section, opening the door wider for your program to make a contribution to the Section and to improving public health and the CHW role in that process for many years to come.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, thoughts, or contact our current chair, Lisa Renee Holderby.

E. Lee Rosenthal: elrosenthal@utep.edu

Lisa Renee Holderby: lrholderby@communitycatalyst.org