Election Season Is Upon Us

BY SHARON HOBBS, AVVA PRESIDENT

The National Board of Directors convened in Silver Spring in October, setting the stage for our 2024 National Leadership & Education Conference in Reno next summer. This gathering will be particularly momentous as we commemorate AVVA’s 25th anniversary.

As we usher in January, we are on the cusp of the AVVA state and chapter elections, a pivotal time that starts with the New Year and runs through June in even-numbered years. This election period, while straightforward, demands meticulous adherence to protocol.

In a landmark decision during our last Convention, delegates approved election by acclamation, underscoring the democratic ethos that guides us. By electing a Representative or President, you’re empowering your state and chapter with representation at the 2025 National AVVA Convention. Assistance is readily available for those who require it. Let’s make this Convention an unparalleled gathering by enlisting an unprecedented number of delegates.

Moreover, now is an opportune moment to scout for contenders for next year’s national awards. Do you know an outstanding individual deserving of national accolades? Perhaps a member who ceaselessly devotes themselves to the service of veterans or their community? I urge you to nominate these unsung heroes for the 2024 awards, be it Member of the Year, the Fellowship Award, or the coveted Cathy Keister Spirit of Excellence Award.

Winners will be announced at the AVVA Awards Luncheon in Reno. Additionally, VISTA volunteers will gain recognition for their invaluable service. Details about the nomination deadline and candidate criteria will be accessible on our website in January at www.avva.org

As we reflect on our journey, it’s evident that AVVA’s achievements are an evolving narrative, constantly adapting and broadening. We’re charting new territory with program developments, and we are receptive to insights from our members. Our trajectory won’t be a reiteration of yesteryear's.

In the words of John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” The canvas of AVVA’s future is vast, and it beckons each one of you to actively partake in shaping a vibrant legacy.

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