Any time the season changes, watching things change around me causes me to reflect on what's changing in me. Since our conference in Annapolis this September, I've often thought about Angie bringing up the concept of a comeback from a setback. This year has been a good year for me as an individual - and I can also recognize it's not always going to be like this.
This year, loved ones in my life have experienced job loss, loss of life, loss of love, and many other tragedies. I know I've had my fair share of setbacks, as we all have. I'd definitely consider myself in a season of "comeback", and in the spirit of that, I want to pass on the contagiousness of hope.
The Executive Board met last week and discussed a lot of opportunities in the coming year for MAAWLE!
MAAWLE Updates
Jessica Cheney Scholarship
In planning toward a new year, we have plenty of important opportunities coming up. First and foremost, we have a scholarship opportunity for the Jessica Cheney Academic Scholarship:
There will be two opportunities per calendar year for the scholarship at $1,000 each. The deadlines are January 1st and June 1st of each calendar year. Previous scholarship winners can reapply for future opportunities by completing the application process in full.
Eligibility: The applicant must be a current member of MAAWLE and in good standing for two consecutive years. Additionally, the member must not be on any disciplinary probation and/or sanctions within their own agency.
NAWLEE Conference Scholarship
NAWLEE's Annual Conference is going to be in Las Vegas, NV in 2024! Apply (between now and December 13th, 2023) to be considered for a registration scholarship here:
Scholarship winners will be notified by December 15th, 2023 so they can make travel arrangements.
For more information on the conference, please look here:
Upcoming Training
We have some incredible conference hosts coming our way:
2024 - Harrisonburg, VA
2025 - Hershey, PA
2026 - Baltimore County, MD
2027 - SEPTA/Philadelphia, PA
But let's not get ahead of ourselves! Let's focus on our friends in Harrisonburg, VA. These ladies are working SO HARD to make sure this conference is great for each and every one of you - that training days and networking events have all the attention to detail they deserve! Register NOW before rates go up in the new year:
An agenda will be coming soon for those of you who need that for your department training request - or just want to get a sneak peek!
In Closing...
Some years, I've been grateful to have single digits in my checking account. I've been grateful to be scraping by on the verge of bankruptcy. This year, my gratitude is a little different than that, but I always find ways to intentionally channel that gratitude. If you're in a more fortunate place, find a way to show grace to someone less fortunate - whether that's something as simple as holding a door, or more direct like donating time, money, or resources. If you're in a position where times are tough and it feels hard to focus on gratitude because you're busy surviving - I encourage you to reach out to someone - one of us, someone in MAAWLE, a friend, a member of your faith community, or a family member. I know there are plenty of us who want to listen and help in any way we can.
Beyond that, I will simply close by saying that on behalf of the MAAWLE Executive Board - we are grateful for your dedication to your professions, who you are as individuals, and to this organization of ours. Have a happy and safe holiday!
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