Across ASPE’s 60+ local Chapters, we are entering an important season for our Society: Chapter elections. These elections are far more than a procedural activity— they represent the opportunity for members to step forward, lend their voice, and help guide the future of their local Chapter and, ultimately, our Society as a whole.
Every member of ASPE matters. Each Chapter relies on leaders who are willing to represent their fellow members, speak up on their behalf, and work together to strengthen our profession. Leadership within ASPE begins at the Chapter level, where ideas are shared, priorities are set, and initiatives take shape.
Strong leadership requires intentional thought and disciplined execution. Each of us must determine what matters most, prioritize our objectives, develop a plan, and execute on that plan. The process of leadership begins with a simple but powerful reflection:
- What is your voice?
- Who are you?
- What do you hope to accomplish?
When you can answer those questions clearly, you can begin to develop the roadmap that guides your leadership journey. Your voice becomes the instrument through which you contribute to the progress of your Chapter, your Region, and our Society.
In October, during our Business Meeting, delegate representatives from Chapters across the Society will come together to represent the voices of their members. These delegates are selected at the Chapter level and serve an important role in shaping the direction of ASPE. Their participation ensures that the perspectives of our Chapters are heard and that our Society continues to reflect the needs and priorities of its membership.
The strength of ASPE has always been rooted in its Chapters. Local leadership, local engagement, and local service are what allow our Society to thrive. Every technical meeting, mentoring opportunity, and networking event is made possible by members who chose to step forward and serve.
If you have not yet participated in Chapter leadership, I challenge you to get involved. Serving your Chapter is an incredibly rewarding experience and one that I would recommend to anyone who is part of our Society. Getting involved in committees, leadership roles, and Chapter activities is often the first step in developing into the leader you aspire to be.
Beyond the Chapter level, ASPE also provides opportunities to grow your leadership voice through our regional structure. Each year—typically during the first weekend in June—our five ASPE Regions host regional meetings led by their respective Region Directors, who represent their Regions on the ASPE Board of Directors.
These regional meetings are outstanding opportunities to connect with members from neighboring Chapters, share ideas, and gain valuable leadership experience. I encourage each of you to make it a personal goal to attend one of these regional meetings. It is an excellent place to learn, contribute, and strengthen your leadership voice within our Society.
Our Society thrives because members choose to participate, contribute, and lead. Each of us has a voice. The question is simple: Who will step forward and use their voice to make a difference?
I hope many of you will answer that call.
Thank you for your continued dedication to ASPE and for the many ways you contribute to our shared mission.
As always, I am enclosing Volume 10 of the ASPE Education crossword puzzle. Luther Thevenin, CPD, is one of our many talented contributors to the ASPE Education Committee, and he has put together some great puzzles for our ASPE community, so take some time and complete the crossword puzzle. The answers will be posted in my next column.
