PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome members and friends to PACDA’s inaugural newsletter. Thanks to a wonderful new volunteer Latara Jones, PACDA is able to bring you all sorts of interesting news and information.

Words can’t express how proud I am of PACDA’s enthusiastic and talented leadership team. PACDA volunteers have produced excellent programs that have drawn many dozens of career professionals from across Pennsylvania, as well as from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, West Virginia and beyond.

Safiya Edwards and Angela Cutchineal lead the program team, while Christopher Stancil has almost single-handedly created PACDA’s social media presence and he promotes our programs. Peter Ostrander, as Technology Committee Chair, sets up and supports PACDA’s educational webinars.

Under Debra Franke’s leadership, PACDA volunteers have created a website that has served as a model for multiple other organizations. Judy Panagakas and Debra are currently working on a website directory of career coaches (see separate article).

In collaboration with Craig Toedtman, Dave Novick led the process to create our first-ever membership survey, which continues to inform programming and other decisions. Thanks to Stephanie Welder, PACDA is now able to grant NCDA continuing education units as well as issue certificates for school counselors to request Act 48 credits. Tanya Sheldon and Beth Wilson have formed PACDA partnerships with other organizations so you can access a wider variety of programs with discounts or other benefits.

Rachel Minard and Debra Franke are PACDA’s recruitment and welcome team for individuals interested in contributing to PACDA. If only there were space to name the many other volunteers who make PACDA “where it’s at” for career professionals.

Is anyone still wondering why our new organization deserved to win the prestigious NCDA award for “Outstanding State Division”?

In the background of all these accomplishments lurks Covid-19 and its impact on how, where, and even whether we work. This poem can inspire us to see the light at the end of the covid tunnel:

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed. (Kitty O’Meara)

Kim Neubauer

President, PACA

UPCOMING PACDA EVENT

One Year Later: The Job Market and Economic Changes during COVID-19

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

12 - 2 PM

Webinar: Link sent after registration

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way that we work and live. One year later, we reflect on the changes over the past year, and what it means for the future of the world of work. Learn from our expert presenters about the impact of the pandemic on various populations, our economy, and the future of the job market.

MORE INFO AND REGISTER

The richness of a professional organization is in its opportunities to contribute, build skills, and expand your professional network. PACDA highly values its engaged volunteers. Debra Franke and Rachel Minard would be happy to explore your interests and match you with a best-fit committee role.

The priority areas where PACDA would like to add volunteers are communications, social media, sponsorships, partnerships, technology and a treasurer apprentice.

Go to our Get Involved page and click “Volunteer for a Committee” or email volunteer@thepacda.org.