It’s time to take stock
The pandemic has impacted my body, among other things. For the first time in two years, I went to a yoga class last week and discovered just how inflexible my body had become during the pandemic. I used to feel like my sun salutations flowed (fairly) well. I was a little clunky when my 6’4” frame went down for an upward-facing dog; still, I appreciated the flexibility yoga had given me into my mid 50’s.
In March 2020, the pandemic shut down yoga classes at the YMCA, so went my practice and my flexibility. As I return to the yoga mat, my awareness rises, I’m finding grace for myself, and I’m taking note of what my body has to say. Occasionally, something happens that makes us realize it’s time to take stock.
The pandemic changed life as we knew it. We feel that personally, in our institutions, and in ACPE. The ACPE Board is taking stock and looking ahead to where we’re going.
Association Self-Study: The board solicited several proposals from independent researchers to survey ACPE’s membership. We want to examine the efficacy of our certification and accreditation processes, resources for psychotherapists/counselors, best practices and leadership models for CoPs, and member engagement and well-being. The board expects the researcher will help us frame the questions we need to gather the information required to shape our future. The self-study is an unprecedented and significant undertaking for ACPE, so the board seeks expertise on the design and implementation of the study.
Strategic Plan: In 2017, the board developed our current strategic plan. That plan progressed and maintained its validity; however, we live in a drastically different world today. Our membership doubled and grew more diverse. Our institutions continue to grapple with changes in the healthcare sector and the challenges of the pandemic. Our understanding of health and healing evolved. We must initiate a strategic planning process again. As with the survey, the board is thoughtfully vetting proposals for a planning process.
Strategic Partners: Finally, the board continues to engage APC’s leadership in understanding the end of the merger process. APC will continue to be a vital strategic partner. We remain committed to hosting our joint conference to advance our shared passion for integrating anti-bias practices into the fabric of our work. I hope you will join us virtually May 9-12, 2022, for Freedom, Wonder, and Liberation: Anti-Boas Practices of Spiritual Care & Education. Early Bird Registration is open.
ACPE remains committed to developing the voice of the spiritual care discipline as expressed in chaplains, psychotherapists, and educators across the country and around the world. As we take stock and look to the future, we hold steadfast to joining various strategic partners in deepening that work.
Rev. Shawn Mai, ACPE Certified Educator at Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. He may be contacted at shawn.mai@parknicollet.com