In January, I started my three-year term as AOSW Communications Director, and I can honestly say it has been the start of amost-excellent adventure! As I continue to learn the ropes, it is without reservation that I can tell you that AOSW’s Board of Directors is truly focused on you, the members, the trends in oncology care and the role the oncology social worker plays in all realms. Also, the Board has shown itself to be deliberate in its value on integration and how each subsystem within the organization correlates with one another. I hope you are just as excited as I am to see the continued growth of AOSW!

I joined AOSW in 2013 as a graduate student getting an additional certificate in psychosocial oncology. Although social work is generational within my family, the field of oncology was a specific interest that I decided to pursue due to certain life experiences. I felt I would embark on the best of both worlds by having the clinical experience of understanding a cancer diagnosis and the therapeutic understanding of meeting families where they are in the process. After joining AOSW, I discovered a completely new world filled with peer-to-peer support, mentorship, expertise and connection with other oncology social work colleagues from all over the world. Then I was given the opportunity to present my first poster presentation at an AOSW annual conference. I was completely blown away by the quality and realism of the papers, lectures and workshops that were presented and the networking opportunities. It was clear that the peer-to-peer communication and connection extended far beyond SWON and all members truly felt proud to represent AOSW within their respected institutions. I returned to work with such confidence, excitement and eagerness to do more for the oncology social work field and AOSW.

As I continued to embark on opportunities within AOSW, I volunteered within SIG leadership, the social media platforms and as a Kudos column editor. All of these opportunities allowed me to communicate with the entire membership and leadership of AOSW, which showed me firsthand the mission and focus of AOSW through a different lens. I saw and felt that AOSW isn’t about hierarchy or “wits,” but is filled with individuals who are passionate, excited and attentive to the needs of oncology social workers internationally and the connection we share with one another.

Since joining AOSW’s Board of Directors, I have been diligent in observing the flow and seeing the value in our communication platforms—SWON, the AOSW Navigator, OSW NewsBrief and our social media platforms. I see the importance of these platforms. We rely on these forms of communication for support and to express how we value our work. My goal is to continue to assure that all platforms are user-friendly, accessible and strong for continued connection and peer support. I also strive to continue integration with my fellow Directors to grow new pathways for each respected area as needed.

And—I would love to hear your ideas, questions and thoughts about the communication efforts of AOSW. Let’s continue the great work!