Welcome 2022!
Several years ago my family and I were vacationing in south Florida. At the turn of the New Year, I could see 2 bridges, one at each end of island we were staying on. Watching the fireworks glow on the ocean and seemingly in tandem between the 2 bridges was spectacular. It was a moment that I can recall being fully present in, appreciating what was around me, and considering what was to come. The New Year brings a sense of renewal, resolve, optimism, and, for some, determination to do better or be better or to do something new. For our Society, 2022 brings a renewed sense of direction and anticipation of new projects. As I look around and consider the achievements and priorities for the Society, I am equally inspired and excited to see what the year will hold!
In September 2021, we held our annual strategic planning session. The "SPS," as it's often called, is an exciting meeting time, and your Society leadership (Board of Directors, several committee/task force chairs, and other thinking partners) is charged with thinking about the future with an eye on the present. There is always much to consider and much to talk about. This year's SPS was no different.
To prepare for SPS, your leadership team decided to first do a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis, and we asked multiple volunteer leaders, committees, and groups (such as the WOCNEP Program Directors) to participate. We read each analysis and appreciated the input obtained. The SWOT activity really helped us assess broad ideas. We also used an approach that integrated forward futurist thinking as a tool to drive goals and plans. Putting that in perspective, then, and in looking beyond this year or next year, we asked what is our imagined and preferred future for the Society? In 2020, the SPS birthed some ideas that were important and the needs were evident in terms of prioritization of really working to demonstrate the value of the WOC nurse and finding good and practical ways to improve communication with regions and affiliates. In 2021, each task force was asked to return ideas about approaches and explore the issues, and there was rich conversation based on their findings.
In past messages, you have heard me speak about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as a dedicated project as we move forward, and "DEI" was resoundingly supported by all in attendance at SPS. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not a stand-alone project; it is something we will work to integrate in what we currently do, what we will do in the future, and will influence how we do it as time goes on. One thing that is certain, some personal reflection, some education, and some communication will be the first steps in that journey. We thoughtfully examined some ideas such as cultural humility, and we are looking forward to unpacking the comments we heard and are also looking forward to learning more from our members about this and other topics. This work will help us develop short- and long-term plans in the context of implementation of this culture and philosophy as we continue to grow.
This background of our SPS brings me to something I am particularly excited to share. By the time you are reading this, I am hopeful that our "focus" groups are underway. My goal is to solicit feedback from at least 100 members about some things we do, some things we need to better, and some things we should stop doing. These groups will literally be made of randomly chosen members. If you are particularly interested in being a part of the conversation and have not been contacted to be part of the groups, please e-mail at mailto:[email protected] and in the subject line "focus group participant," because I would love to hear your input. I really want to finish the initial phase of focus groups by mid-February if possible. I would also like to do some "face-to-face" groups during WOCNext 2022 in Texas. It is very important to me to hear what you are thinking, and your input as a Society member is welcome at any time.
This is also the time of year when ballots are open for you to elect new officers, directors, and some committee members for the Society. I hope you will thoughtfully consider each candidate, reach out to them for questions, attend/watch the "meet the candidates" town hall meeting, and cast your vote. Voting is such an effective way to use your voice. Many large organizations have a very low percentage of voting members, and it is important that you take a few minutes to participate in the election by voting. These days we have such neat ways to connect, and these methods eliminate the distance though technology. I congratulate each slated candidate for throwing their hat in the ring and declaring their willingness to participate in this exciting Society!
Finally, I want to remind you that WOCNext 2022 is going to be a fantastic event with our colleagues from around the globe. Have you registered yet? Registration is open, and I personally urge you to make plans to be with us, in person, for this event. Seeing one another is a foundation on which our Society thrives, and we really need to reconnect in person. I hope to see you there!
So, here is to 2022 and all its hopes and promises! Whatever your goals are for 2022, I hope that you meet them and exceed them! As I gaze into the future from this New Year, I am enthralled at the vision for the Society that is vibrant and spectacular. Here's to us! Happy New Year!
Respectfully,
Dea J. Kent, DNP, RN, NP-C, CWOCN
President
Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society