DECEMBER 2022 E-NEWSLETTER

Dear Members,

December ushers in a time to reflect on 2022 while setting new goals for 2023. As I reflect, I can honestly say it has been good year for CAMFT! We’ve had several accomplishments and achieved a few historic milestones.

Let’s first take a look at the accomplishments achieved under our 2019 – 2024 strategic plan. There were three key outcomes outlined in that plan:

• Advocacy:  CAMFT led advocacy efforts for the passage of SB 801. The updated MFT Scope of Practice better articulates what the modern MFT does on a daily basis and the various therapeutic services MFTs provide. This update allows for a better understanding of the wide breadth of MFT scope and service by stakeholders and decision makers influencing services and careers in the mental health industry. Other key legislative wins include SB 966, which codifies a pandemic waiver to allow associate MFTs to work in FQHC’s and RHC’s, and AB 1758, which allows remote supervision of pre-licensees to include videoconferencing. 

• DEI & Social Policy:  CAMFT increased its involvement in social policy through the lens of diversity and inclusivity. Since the adoption of the strategic plan, we’ve published seven (7) social policy statements, as well as eight (8) press release public statements. This month, CAMFT published our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement. Work is underway to be a more inclusive organization, with representation on par with the communities we serve and the capacity to reach more and do more. 

• Chapter Engagement:  CAMFT deployed resources to support chapters with business training to assist with recruitment, development, and member engagement with our chapters. As a result of these efforts, we’ve seen a 54% reduction in chapter leadership vacancies, utilization of CAMFT DEI consultations for 7 chapters, and the deployment of numerous other chapter resources. 

The leadership efforts of volunteers at both the committee and board level have culminated in the success of our 2019-2024 plan. The achievement of many key outcomes earlier than anticipated provided an opportunity to identify our roadmap for the next 2 years, and with that our 2023-2024 strategic plan was born. CAMFT’s Board of Directors adopted the new 2023-24 Strategic Plan on December 3^rd.  The new plan is rooted in DEI and focuses on advocacy, increasing membership value, and enhancing the organizations’ understanding of technology within the profession. Key metrics have been identified to accomplish by December 2024.  I am excited to invite you all to a member webinar on January 12^th at 10 am, where I will provide a strategic plan overview and address member questions. 

We are rounding out the year 35,000 members strong, a noteworthy milestone that speaks to the power of a united organization. CAMFT will continue to find new and innovative ways to support the needs of each individual member. 

With so many accomplishments reached, and many more within reach, CAMFT’s future looks bright! Thank you for the work you do to brighten the lives of so many. 

I wish you a healthy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

With care,

Joy Alafia, MBA, CAE
Executive Director