By Sarah Conning, LCSW, OSW-C, APHSW-C

As the AOSW Board of Directors met in early October to engage in a strategic planning process, we heard from one another about the ways that AOSW has shaped our paths and provided a professional home to us. We heard about transformational experiences at the AOSW conference, friendships and networks that have sustained us over years, a shared commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the value of having a platform for collaboration and learning that continues to evolve to changing needs.

We know these experiences are shared by many of our members. A brief recent member survey elicited reflections that repeatedly highlight the value of community:

• “Connecting with peers and mentors helps me do my work better and grow professionally.”
• “I appreciate the connection to the larger oncology social work community.”
• “I believe community teaches people to be better, and with this organization I have the opportunity to be better for my patients.”

These ways of experiencing the value of AOSW membership will inform our strategic plan for the coming years. In the closing months of 2022, the Board is at work setting our strategic priorities and objectives. We are focused on building a diverse membership, connecting with students and social workers new to oncology, strengthening organizational partnerships, and building our research and advocacy agendas. Stay tuned for more details on these priorities in the new year!

Stitched through all of these priorities is the value of community. Thus the tagline of our current member outreach initiative: “Be part of our community.” Be sure to watch some of our short member testimonials on this theme, or perhaps you’d like to offer one yourself!  Email Patricia Sullivan at AOSW headquarters to learn more about submitting a video testimonial.

2022 has been a year of transition and opportunity in our association. We saw a surge of first-time participants at our in-person conference in Raleigh, as well as new folks coming into committees and volunteer roles. At the same time, though, we’ve been affected as all groups have by the stress of change over the past two-plus years.

As we close out 2022, I want to ask each AOSW member, from the newest to the oldest, to think about how you can contribute right now to our community. Joining a committee, engaging in discussion on SWON, submitting your abstract for Conference 2023 are all wonderful ways of participating in and building the community. But let me add two other ideas:

• First, invite a colleague to join AOSW. Perhaps like me you’ve seen big staff changes in your work setting over the past couple of years; I can’t think of a better time to enrich our association with new perspectives and share the benefits of professional community with more people.
• And second, consider a year-end donation to support our scholarship or general funds. I will be making a gift with gratitude for what the AOSW community has meant to me; please join me.