Dear SLN Members and Supporters,
I first want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy new year! I am thrilled to be moving into the role of Chair of the Board for the SLN. As a sibling of an older sister with Williams Syndrome, I have been so thankful to find this wonderful organization. I discovered the Sibling Leadership Network just over two years ago, and have been so grateful to find a supportive, helpful and wonderful group of siblings. In the coming year, I hope to be able to share the mission of the SLN with new siblings in hopes of continuing to grow our community.
This is going to be an exciting year! We are entering our 12th year and are so happy to be hosting our 8th conference in St. Paul, MN. Our theme will be Here. Together. We are looking forward to welcoming siblings to participate in our conference to be held June 22 & 23, 2019 and making sure that siblings’ voices are heard. This is our first year opening a call for papers, and we are working hard to make sure that we have a new and diverse set of speakers that will encourage us with innovative ideas.
We are also pleased to welcome new leadership and are thankful for our leaders who have served us, and who are now transitioning out of their positions. Sandra Tucker will be moving from the Treasurer role into the Vice-Chair role and we are excited to welcome her. While doing so, we are also thankful for Sara Hansen’s dedication over the past two years as Vice-Chair, Chair, and now as Outgoing Chair. We are also excited to have Jessica Buettner as Secretary. Lastly, I want to note how thankful we are for all of Don Meyer’s work as he enters retirement. He has been vital in the sibling community and we are so grateful for all of his contributions.
As we begin a new year, I want to encourage you to join us, or to increase your involvement with the SLN. I have included opportunities below.
- Join one of our wonderful committees.
- Participate in local grassroots movements on issues that are integral to sibship.
- Become a member or take on a leadership role within your state chapter.
- Help support development of a state chapter if you reside in one of the areas which hasn’t yet created a chapter.
- Connect with us and share your thoughts via our Facebook Page, Facebook Group, and on Twitter.
- Donate or increase your financial contribution to your chapter and/or the SLN’s national organization.
Thank you for your interest and support in the SLN. We rely on your involvement and support to ensure we remain a diverse, strong and growing community. I sincerely hope to see you at our Conference this summer and, in the meantime, I hope that you will get involved with the SLN in some way.
Best wishes,
Lindsey Polansky
SLN Chair