Greetings, AOSW members, and welcome to the end of 2019. I am delighted to review some information, provide updates and pose a challenge to you.

First things first—the role of Secretary-Treasurer. Often, as social workers, the last thing we want to think about is money. However, without a strong financial foundation AOSW would not be able to do all of the great things it does—CEU programs, conferences and conference scholarships, support the SIGs, advocate for patients and our profession, support research initiatives and provide some excellent member benefits. Simply put, the role of the secretary-treasurer is to ensure that AOSW continues to fulfill its organizational mission while maintaining its fiscal strength.

Where we stand. We anticipate finishing 2019 with positive revenue, following a similar positive cash flow in 2018. We have attained an operating reserve that will serve to insulate us from any unanticipated short-term financial stress. We continue to examine our member benefits, overall expenses and revenue, always seeking ways to add value and support our mission while controlling costs. We have maintained strong relationships with external partners who continue to provide financial support to help us in pursuit of our mission.

Some things to keep an eye on. AOSW is striving to offer added member value and benefits through services such as our newly launched mentor program and our upcoming website redesign. The mentor program has been created to support all oncology social workers, but may be especially valuable to those new to the field. And it is up and running so, if you are interested, contact our member services manager, Jordan Burghardt  (+1-847-686-2233) or sign up via your membership profile.

A website update has been approved by the Board and will enhance members’ ability to interact, engage, share resources and access information. The new and improved website is expected to be operational sometime around the middle of 2020. It is another example of how AOSW is investing in new technology to inform members and support its organizational mission.

Our greatest asset. I strongly believe that the greatest asset AOSW possesses is our human capital. YOU! US! We have a wealth of knowledge, skills, experiences and insights—it is impossible to put a monetary value on that. To that end I am calling on you to help us leverage our greatest asset—YOUR expertise—and help AOSW be more than what it is today. Help AOSW grow in pursuit of its organizational mission and, in so doing, grow as an oncology social worker yourself.

So…the challenge. I challenge you to set a professional “growth goal” that aligns with AOSW’s mission. A new and challenging goal for the next year that will lead to meaningful and valuable growth for you professionally, personally and for AOSW as a whole. What are you passionate about? How do you want to get better as an oncology social worker? How do you want to grow with AOSW? You can help AOSW to grow by developing a new CEU program, presenting an innovative approach to oncology social work at our annual conference, sharing expertise on a committee or SIG, supporting a research initiative or even getting involved with professional/legislative advocacy.

I would love to hear about your Growth Goal, how you plan to make it happen and if there is any way that any of us at AOSW can help you to achieve it. Remember, by not moving forward, you are falling behind. I look forward to another successful year ahead, some new challenges and GROWTH—financial, professional and organizational!