School is back in session and I have no idea where summer break went! I might have just experienced the fastest summer of my entire life. In the craziness of it all I managed to enjoy some quality time with many of you at the office or out in the community. I look forward to even more of those opportunities come Fall as we attend the Volunteer monthly meetings together and experience training alongside each other in the chapter office.
Heather and I recently attended our annual All- Staff conference in Chattanooga. The participants included ALL of the staff (hence the name) from the entire state from all programs and services (Executive Directors, Disaster Program Managers, Volunteer Services team members, Services to the Armed Forces representatives, etc.). It was an OUTSTANDING time of learning and growing in our respective roles in the organization. We were also given the unique opportunity to hear program overviews and updates from several Red Cross departments, including Disaster Cycle Services, Communications and Marketing, and Business Operations. I definitely walked away with an even greater appreciation for the responsibilities and service from the other “arms” of our organization.
Oftentimes while we are serving in our own respective local chapters we can easily forget the enormity of the Red Cross national presence and foot print. Conferences such as this one provide a stark reminder of just how widespread our influence in the Tennessee Region really is (as well as in our Division and nationally). To witness the staff representatives of so many chapters coming together for fellowship and to learn our craft better together is truly encouraging to me. I came back to our local Chapter with a renewed sense of purpose and obligation to each of our 14 counties. Let’s roll up our sleeves and continue to get to work for the sake of those impacted by disaster in our communities!
Take care and see you soon.
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