AVVA's 13th National Convention: Looking Toward the Future

BY SHARON HOBBS, AVVA PRESIDENT

As August approaches, AVVA is very busy preparing for the 13th National Convention. Planning the business session, shipping product sales, continuing our fundraising efforts, and preparing for our awards luncheon are facets of producing a seamless meeting. It is a cooperative effort requiring the National Board’s full participation. We look forward to greeting you with the confidence that our plans have been successfully completed.

During the Convention, the delegates will be voting on proposed revisions of our bylaws and also will be electing national officers. Proposed bylaw changes and a listing of candidates with biographies are posted on the AVVA website. I ask delegates to do their homework and come prepared to discuss, amend, or reject the proposed changes.

Every year before and during the Convention, AVVA sponsors a fundraising endeavor called Project Friendship. The recipient is a 501(c)(3) charity selected from the area hosting the event. This year’s Project Friendship is Volunteers of America (VOA) in New Orleans. Please bring a donation to the Convention for this worthy cause.

The AVVA Awards Luncheon will be held on Wednesday, August 6. I hope you will join us at the luncheon for the announcement of our Member of the Year, VISTA volunteer winners, and Fellowship Awards.

As we begin the 2025-27 term, AVVA’s accomplishments are still a work in progress—ever-changing and ever-expanding. Our future successes will not be determined by, or based on, the past. 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.” AVVA’s future is in our hands; I invite you to be an active part of that future.

I want to thank the Officers, Board of Directors, the National Parliamentarian, our committees, and our VVA advisors for their commitment. They have worked tirelessly to be productive and successful. It has been a pleasure serving with them.

I look forward to seeing all of you in New Orleans.

2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010