| I am privileged to serve as your
president for this year.
I would like to begin "my year" with John
F. Kennedy's words: "One person can make a difference
and every person must try." That being said my
recurring theme will be to connect with one another.
I attended the ADHA Annual Session in June for the
unveiling of the new branding campaign. Focus groups
were created to determine why our membership is stagnant.
Surprisingly, although money is constantly thought
to be the reason for not joining, the focus groups revealed
the true reason. There was no perceived value for these
non-members. With the research gained from the campaign,
ADHA is more committed than ever to make a connection
with all dental hygienists
ADHA "new" brand is built around YOU.
Empowering YOU
Supporting YOU
Developing YOU.
I would like to invite and challenge each one of you
to reach out to our colleagues, members and nonmembers.
Invite them to a meeting. Pick them up; drop them off;
meet with them; and share a table with them. Let's work
on "each-one reach one." At each meeting I
will ask those who invited a colleague to stand up and
be recognized, you will get applause and a special gift!
Speaking of gifts, I am foregoing my President's pin.
The money earmarked for my pin will be donated to students.
My goal is to help pay for the meals when students come
to our general dinner meetings. This year, three students
from each of our three schools (nine students total)
will be able to attend for the cost of $3.00. Their
meal will be included in that fee. I am also committed
to finding corporate sponsorship to meet this goal.
We need to change from exclusive to inclusive. With
the internet we are more connected than ever. The distribution
of information is much easier now and I look forward
to sharing more of it.
To facilitate this connection, each RDH in our area
will get regular emails about what is happening on the
local, state and national level. The key to membership
is connecting hygienists with how their association
works for them. I'm sure of it. So when you get a call
from a member extending their hand, take it. You won't
be sorry!
As hygienists, we are all connected with a special
bond. We are dedicated, supportive and committed to
our personal & professional success. If you are
already a member, we thank you for your commitment.
If you are not yet a member, I would personally like
to extent my hand, with the promise that I and this
association are committed to your professional success.
Linda Belaus, CDA, RDH |
