Dear Members,

For my February column, as the 2020 CAMFT Board of Directors ballots are being prepared to mail to voting members, I’d like to talk about the L word: leadership. Becoming a leader in CAMFT is a great way to contribute to the profession as well as develop your own skills.

I think of leadership as an aspect of Erikson’s model of development, as part of generativity vs. stagnation. Becoming a leader is about generating a clear vision that will make a difference for CAMFT and for the profession.

Here are just a few ways that volunteer leaders shape CAMFT’s efforts:

• Ethics Committee members revised the CAMFT Code of Ethics, a huge and important responsibility for the profession, as the BBS requires LMFTs and AMFTs to follow the CAMFT Ethics Code.
• Bylaws Committee members identified the proposed bylaws changes that will go out for member vote this month.
• The CEPA Committee serves as peer reviewers who approve continuing education (CE) providers, an important part of the lifelong learning and licensing requirements for LMFTs.
• The Honors Committee selects winners for scholarships, grants, and awards for the Educational Foundation.
• The Legislative Committee helps select and support CAMFT’s positions on important legislative issues.

Want to add your voice and expertise? There are a number of ways for you to get involved with CAMFT as a leader:

• Run for the CAMFT Board of Directors. Applications are typically due in October. Feel free to talk to current Board members about their experiences.
• Apply to join a CAMFT Committee. Applications are typically due in April. Committees generally require less of a time commitment while still providing leadership opportunities with CAMFT.
• Get involved with your local chapter. Chapters are always looking for volunteers for events and people willing to step up to serve on the Board. Deadlines vary—please check your local chapter to see their timeline.

CAMFT is grateful for each of our volunteers. We couldn’t do what we do without your help. I’d like to personally extend a big “thank you” to all of the members who volunteer with CAMFT! We are grateful for your service! 

I encourage each of you to consider becoming a CAMFT leader by volunteering. And please vote in the current election to select CAMFT’s next group of leaders.

Regards,

Nabil El-Ghoroury, Ph.D., CAE
Executive Director
nel-ghoroury@camft.org | Twitter: @drnabil