Hello 2021!
I’m sure most of you are glad to welcome 2021 as an opportunity to move forward with hope and optimism. 2020 was a challenging year and many of those challenges remain, at least for a while longer. Despite those challenges, we coached ourselves through it and provided a very positive year for ICF North Texas.
We moved to virtual production of our monthly meetings, programs, webinars, and workshops, starting in March. Rather than scale back our programming, we moved forward with the expectation that we, as a recognized Chapter of Excellence, could continue to help our members and our chapter grow.
While we hope to get back to in-person events later this year, we have learned from the experience:
- Many of you found virtual meetings much easier to attend.
- We were able to go outside of our geographic area to find more of the quality speakers we are accustomed to.
- With some creativity and persistence, we were able to stay connected.
- We discovered and identified new strengths within our board and membership that made our success possible.
- ICF Global was right there with us, providing support and assistance.
As we move forward, 2021 is a year of opportunity. Our partnerships with ICF Global, the Southeast Region of ICF, strategic alliances with ATD and the North Texas Food Bank, and our fabulous Board of Directors and volunteers, position us for another exceptional year.
In 2021, you can expect 11 monthly programs, 12 webinars, and 5 workshops, including CEUs to meet your credentialing requirements.
Programming doesn’t just happen, so I want to thank our board for the expertise and support that makes programming much easier. Our talented virtual assistants always seem to have the answers and make things work. Thanks also to our past-president Kristin Robertson and our current president Kathleen Klaviter for their leadership, wisdom, and encouragement. And special thanks to you, the members of ICF North Texas. Your feedback and support are vital to our success.
As Programs Director, I also want to thank the programs team. Tyra Bremer, Ken Jenkins, Lisa Ong, Cherie Silas, and Diane Whiting work hard to bring you the best programming possible. We are all committed to listening to your feedback and searching out the best speakers possible. Truly, 2021 is a year of hope and optimism.
Here we come 2021!