
As we enter the summer and I start the second half of my term as President, I’m resonating with the Elizabeth Andrews quote “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”
The magic of this organization is in the trust between the leadership team and volunteers that everyone’s time is respected, and that we are united in our passion for the vital work of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses and autonomous practice.
During the peak of the pandemic, some of the work of the organization shifted. We stopped our in-person gatherings, moving to online continuing education and increased email communication. Our leadership team (Kirk and Chris) lessened expectations for volunteers, i.e. our PMHNP colleagues, so we were able to take the time to attend to the changes in practice. Kirk and Chris also kept us updated on Nursing Commission changes and other state-level communications while keeping AAPPN organized.
Through it all, AAPPN Board and committee volunteers continued the vital work of protecting and enhancing the profession. Now that the landscape is shifting again, our committees need your help.
Most volunteer positions average out to 12 hours a year or less. We even have project-focused opportunities that would just take an hour or two over the course of a month or less. We need your spirit and energy that give diversity to this great organization.
Please connect with Chris Crosser, Kirk Roberts, or me to let us know what you would be interested in getting involved in or how much time you have (seriously, just an hour is a good enough reason to reach out). We look forward to hearing from you!