Happy New Year! As we kick off 2013 and I look forward to the start of my term as President –elect in two months I want to share my thoughts on the recent AUTM election.
The AUTM election created quite a buzz throughout the membership. It was the first time anyone had petitioned to be on the ballot, which kicked off lots of discussions all around the world. Many speculated as to why I petitioned, and wondered if the petition process was a good thing for AUTM.
My primary reason for petitioning was because I believe our profession is changing at an unprecedented rate. Past AUTM leaders have made great strides in getting AUTM recognized as the voice of practitioners, and much work remains to be done. AUTM can either lead the discussion, or adapt to what others decide for us. As many of you read in my petition statement, I have built a track record of creating consensus and collaborating to create positive outcomes. I am excited about the opportunity to do the same for AUTM and am very grateful to those who voted for me. I believed, and still do, that the time is right for me to give back to the association which has given me so much.
There is no doubt in my mind that the electoral process was very positive for AUTM. WE are all AUTM and WE have a responsibility to make AUTM be what we want it to be. The election for new board members is an example of AUTM’s ability to be agile. While there were policies in place for a petitioning candidate, the world had changed since they were written, and there were many new considerations. AUTM called on a number of seasoned AUTM members to help guide and oversee this new endeavor, demonstrating once again our ability to be agile. The membership embraced the change.
We need to build on the buzz and the energy this election created. It is my hope that members who have not been active in AUTM will have a renewed commitment to take a role in making AUTM an organization that is relevant to them. And, for those AUTM members who have always played an active role, it is my hope that you will continue to do so. Let us all strive to think outside the box as we build on the hard work that so many have done before us. We can either shape our future or accept the future that others create for us. AUTM is only as good as its members, and only if we work together can we ensure a bright future for our profession!
Jane M. Muir
University of Florida