Get Involved with Your Local Chapter
By Michelle Moccia
“Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.”
–Helen Keller
This lovely quote sums up the wonder of our Chapter Leadership Committee.
The “Sweet 18” GAPNA chapter leaders continue to display their advocacy for older adult well-being by giving back to the community through collecting socks and warm blankets, engaging with residents at their facilities, encouraging family, friends, and colleagues to join them in their annual Alzheimer’s walks, and so much more.
They also show their commitment to each other, their members, and students by hosting conferences and quarterly meetings, producing podcasts, and celebrating their members-only educational evening along with dinner and a gift of gratitude.
From left to right, Diem Linh Tran, Southern California Chapter, and Michelle Moccia, Chapter Leadership Committee Chair.
Leaders participate in a monthly “Chapter Leadership” meeting that hosts lively conversations brainstorming innovative ways to help or promote each other’s initiatives and celebrating successes.
Leaders also receive a National Update from the current National Board President Jennifer Kim, National Board President-Elect Ann Marie Kriebel-Gasparro, and Member Engagement Coordinator Meghan Cash at the National Office. Guests may include chairs of SIGs and committees, foundation representatives, and national leaders.
Aparna Gupta, National Director-at-Large and immediate past President of Liberty chapter, Cash, and a core group of leaders volunteered to transform the conference brochure created by the Great Lakes chapter in 2010 into a comprehensive toolkit.
The goal of this toolkit is to guide current and future chapter leaders. It will contain complete guidelines on organizing a chapter conference and sample materials and template letters used in previous chapter events. The toolkit should be finalized and available by the end of 2022.
At the Annual Conference this year, many chapter leaders participated in the inaugural GAPNA Gallery. Information about our chapters was showcased on the frame provided for the event. It was a great evening to display and learn from all the SIGs and committees and allow our members to find the right place to volunteer.
We would love to see more members get involved at a local level. If you’re unsure where your local chapter is or are interested in starting a chapter near you, reach out to the National Office! The Chapter Leadership Committee is always here to help because We Are Your People.
Best,
Joan Michelle Moccia, DNP, ANP-BC, GS-C
Chapter Leadership Committee Chair
mocciamichelle@gmail.com
Chapter Leadership Committee poster from GAPNA Gallery
