April Presidents Message

Hello MiALA members,
 
I am writing this from my patio enjoying an early April sunny day. I hope that you are all adjusting to our new situation, staying in place, as well as one can. I’ve been reading articles on the importance of routine and self-care during these times. The article that has stuck with me is an advice article from The Chronicle of Higher Education by Aisha S. Ahmad from March 27th. Here is a link to that article. I ask that you read it, as advice given, and take from it what you can during this time. https://www.chronicle.com/article/Why-You-Should-Ignore-All-That/248366/?fbclid=IwAR2IZ00-HmLHOspM-gtzmV7zyu_FygTI9eOcHLuWTLmCY2SntMc7HNLB_Qs
 
I want to let you all know that our annual conference has been postponed until May 2021 with the same location, venues, and presenters, excluding our keynote, that will change. The Board of Trustees came to this decision yesterday during our meeting. We felt that for those presenting or giving poster discussions this will allow you more time to work on your projects, time that is not full of distraction and unknowns as it is now. Those who received scholarships to attend, they will still be honored for next year’s conference. More details will be coming.
 
The board also recognizes the importance of meeting with our colleagues and will be hosting a virtual, annual meeting sometime in May. During the meeting our keynote speaker has agreed to give her presentation online, we are still working on those details and the meeting date will be shared soon. Additionally, we will share what has been happening with MiALA in 2020. You will hear from Trustees, Committee Chairs, and others about all of our accomplishments for the year, and there have been many. Following the reports will be an important Q&A for our members. We hope you join us for a time to reflect on our organizations progress and ask questions of the Board of Trustees or Committee Chairs.
 
Thank you all for your continued work for MiALA. I am happy to see some activity from our IGs, it’s important to keep meeting and sharing your ideas. If you want to you can contact me at president@miala.org I am available for you during this time.
 
Stay safe and I am looking forward to our annual meeting coming soon.
 
Beth Martin, MiALA President