As the 2009 – 2010 President of NAMRC I can’t help but to reflect on the significance of our recent national Presidential election. While the media points out that President Obama is the nations first African-American President, his diverse background, his commitment to diversity, social justice and the inclusion of persons with disabilities marks a drastic change from politics as usual. Within President Obama’s first two weeks of office he has proposed an economic stimulus plan that includes $500 million dollars for Vocational Rehabilitation, he has passed a bill for pay equity based on gender and has reauthorized The Children’s Health Insurance Program. The climate in Washington has definitely changed. As Nina Simone sang it’s a new day and a new dawn.
Last year NAMRC Board of Directors met to develop a strategic plan, which is set for the next three years (2011). The strategic plan rests on three main goals, (a.) To enhance career development growth and professional advancement of students and rehabilitation professionals, (b.) To ensure visibility through membership outreach, targeted partnership, and coalition building, and to (c.) Promote multicultural competency and social justice in the rehabilitation profession. The NAMRC Board of Directors and I are busily working towards these goals. Our ongoing projects include (a.) The development of a scholarly journal focusing on education, training, and practice concerns for multicultural and diverse populations, and (b.) Developing and maintaining partnerships with organizations focused on diversity and rehabilitation such as the NCRE Council on Diversity and Equity and the Consortia of Administrators for Native American Rehabilitation (CANAR). As part of our membership goals, we are also working on the recruitment of members, broadening the diversity of our membership and enhancing our communication with the NAMRC members.
Similar to President Obama I believe that change is a group process; tides cannot be changed by one individual or one small subset of the organization. We need the help of the NAMRC membership to reach our goals. Each member has unique talents that we encourage you to use in the service of the organization. I encourage you to become involved, attend the conference, volunteer for a committee, develop or get in involved with your state NAMRC chapter, invite a friend, colleague or family member to join our ranks. I believe that to truly make a difference we need to build a strong coalition. Together we not only can enhance the NAMRC organization but we can enhance rehabilitation services and continue to move our mission forward.
Throughout the next two years it is also our intention to enhance the NAMRC website. Thank you for visiting and please continue to check back on our progress. We currently have information on the organization mission, history and bylaws.
Additionally you will find information on upcoming training opportunities, related resources, and past newsletters. If you have any questions, concerns, updates relevant to the NAMRC membership, or if you want to become involved in service to the organization feel free to contact me, or any of the NAMRC Board Members. Thank you again for your support.
Sincerely,
Stacia L. Robertson, Ph.D., CRC
Assistant Professor
Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
