Welcome Everyone,

I am pleased to begin my Presidency.  I hope to be of service to everyone in this organization.   It is my fondest wish to realize the vision I articulated shortly after I was elected:

I want us to move forward as a strong and well-governed organization, one that is inclusive, open, and respectful of all members.  I commit to listen so that people feel heard and meaningful dialogue can take place.

Over the years, many of us have talked about AFTA as our “professional home.”  I want us to work together to make it a welcoming place for everyone, for all the different groups in AFTA, a home that is intellectually stimulating and a home where long-lasting relationships are developed and nurtured.

AFTA’s leadership group plays a vital role in ensuring that the organization is inclusive of the various constituencies that make AFTA such an exciting community.  I am so pleased that the recent election has created a governing body that is more representative of our membership than ever before.

Let’s continue to do what we do well.  As an organization, we are dedicated to the well being of families worldwide.  Our commitment to socially just innovative theory and clinical practice affirms this dedication.  The Annual Meeting presents what we do best, highlighting cutting-edge ideas as well as creating space for rich dialogue among members.  I am very excited about the 40th Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, June 21-24, 2018, which has as its major theme “Relational Activism.” This theme echoes the vision I have for AFTA.

I hope you all have read, or will read, the Strategic Plan.  It is a distillation of thinking of many people who care about AFTA’s mission and vision. I believe it provides guidance to ensure that new initiatives go forward, vitalizing AFTA now and for the future.

In future messages I will say more about our new office organization, our newer EC and Board members, about the 2018 Annual Meeting, and about the goals of the Strategic Plan.  I thank you for entrusting me with the task of leadership of our rich and diverse community.  I look forward to working with all of you.

See also: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTrrlcApV8I for a video that speaks to the message here.

Victoria C. Dickerson, Ph.D.

President, American Family Therapy Academy

SAVE THE DATE! 

JUNE 21-24, 2018