Title: Chair's Report January 2004
Author:
Section/SPIG: Health Administration
Issue Date:
 | |
| Jon Thompson |
Dear HAS Members:
The new year brings a need for reflection on the past and assessment of the future -– reflection on past accomplishments and opportunities for new directions and initiatives. The year also brings new leadership for HAS. I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve as your Chair for the next year and work with each of you to make our collective vision for the Section tangible and meaningful.
As we enter the new year, I would like to suggest that each of us think about our membership in HAS in terms of three “C's”: commitment, collaboration, and collective wisdom. Each of these concepts, I believe, has an important place in the lives of each of us individually in the Section as well as in the life of HAS as a whole.
Commitment
Each of us has become a member of the section for various reasons -- first and foremost to express and support our interest in furthering the health of the public. Think about ways to strengthen your commitment to and involvement in APHA and HAS by seeking leadership opportunities and getting involved in many of the section’s initiatives in policy development, program action, Annual Meeting, mentoring of students and new members, and other areas. Examine how your time as a volunteer can be maximized to further your contribution to the Section. Consider reaching out to new members and to potential members. Think about becoming involved in one of the HAS committees.
Collaboration
As one of the largest sections in APHA, HAS includes a diverse membership representing all avenues of public health and health administration that offers much opportunity for collaboration. Think of efforts you and HAS can undertake to communicate and collaborate with members of the section to share knowledge and skills, as well as ways to collaborate across sections of APHA -— one of APHA’s goals. Considering external relationships, identify ways for HAS to link more closely with educational programs, professional associations and community health organizations so that HAS can broaden its value and support, and be a necessary resource to others.
Collective wisdom
I am a big believer in the power of the group –- the sum is greater than the individual parts. Make your voice heard so that HAS can benefit from your insights and suggestions about policy, programmatic and organizational issues. No one of us has all the answers or best approaches and we certainly grow as individuals and as a section by being open to other perspectives.
This is your section. You and HAS will benefit from commitment, collaboration and collective wisdom. We look forward to a great 2004!
Jon M. Thompson, PhD
Chair, HAS