Changes in Connecticut

We are re-posting Dorothy’s President’s Letter, recently featured in the Connecticut Connection, to better ensure that all members learn about the changes in store for CTAMFT.

_________________________________________________

Dear Members,

We all understand that change is inevitable and even though change has always been a part of life it seems that change is happening faster than ever before. Being able to adapt and respond effectively in a constantly changing world has become a necessary skill. How we respond to change is a funny thing. When we initiate change we may view it as stimulating and full of opportunities. When change is imposed on us, our experience is likely to be quite different.

“The Drama of Opposites” written by Charlette Mikulka, a presenter at our upcoming 2013 Annual Conference, helps to illustrate this point in family life. The changes and “growth” of our professional association also demonstrates this to us as a group. So what types of changes are we referring to now you may be asking yourself?

A significant change that has been determined by the Board to be important in adapting to the changing times, as well as being fiscally responsible, is the elimination of future printings of the newsletter. Communication platforms have shifted so significantly over the last two years and we believe that we can reach our members most efficiently and effectively in an electronic format. Even Newsweek magazine has recently announced that they will publish their final print edition December 31st, as they go completely digital in 2013. We have already been publishing a Monthly E-News and our plans include enhancement of this communications vehicle as we move ahead.

Another change that is underway is the offering of a new marketing/advertising program that provides an opportunity for members and other organizations promoting workshops and trainings to gain inclusion on our website and reach members via email with a Listserv package. This is in part due to diminishing income from individuals seeking MFT CEUs for workshops, a change that has been occurring over time due to many providers choosing to offer just NASW CEUs, which meet the requirements for MFTs as well. This new program will go into effect as of January 1st, 2013, and will include the limiting of Listserv postings that are advertising directly to members for workshops and trainings to those that have either contributed via applying for MFT CEUs or have taken advantage of the new marketing/advertising program.

A final note on change has to do with our 2013 Annual Conference on April 25-26. Following a year of engaging our neighboring divisions in discussion about collaborating for growth opportunities, the Rhode Island division has elected to join us in hosting an expanded conference offering. Our upcoming conference will encompass two days and feature multiple popular presenters including: Dr. Kenneth Hardy, Dr. Eliana Gil and Charlette Mukulka. There will be new social and networking opportunities along with special offers from the Mystic Marriott to enhance your visit and encourage overnight stays. We will also offer multiple ticketing options to accommodate various needs. Further details and registration will be available soon.

On a closing note, I would like to remind members that one way to accept change more readily is to be a part of it and understand all that goes into the decisions that are being made on behalf of the organization. We are actively recruiting at this time for committee involvement and hope that you will consider getting involved. Some of our more active committees include: Membership, Annual Conference, Professional Development, Ethics, the Student Committee and the Legislative Task Force. For further information please email us at manager@ctamft.org.

-Best Regards, Dorothy Timmermann, LMFT