Dear SLN Members and Supporters,
Happy New Year! I am honored to assume the role of Board Chair this year, after everything the Sibling Leadership Network has done for me. The SLN played a big role during a major transition in my life. In 2018, I relocated from New York to Tennessee for work, leaving my brother Steve behind. Steve has a developmental disability and lives with my parents in the Bronx, NY. The Tennessee chapter was there to share tears and laughter with me when I processed my feelings of moving away from my brother. Steve and I have always shared a special bond, one which the SLN reminded me often about. Since then, I’ve moved further west to Las Vegas, NV but increased my involvement with the SLN, inspired by my love and dedication to Steve, who now spends months at a time with me in the desert.
As I reflect on the year, it amazes me not only what we accomplished together but how we accomplished it. We’ve seen the benefits of stronger connections, spontaneous exchange of ideas, shared some tears and even some laughter! As an organization, we continue to learn and adjust as we shape the future of the Sibling Leadership Network together. I appreciate your continued agility and am inspired by your commitment to the people and communities we serve.
As 2022 has come to an end, I would like to thank everyone that donated to our holiday appeal. With all your support, we raised over $12,500! These funds will help us continue to further our mission of providing siblings with the support and tools needed to advocate with our brothers and sisters. Please note that you are still welcome to donate to the SLN.
I am excited about 2023. It is a year that holds lots of exciting transitions. First, we would like to thank Katie Arnold for her role as the SLN’s Executive Director. She has been an exceptional leader and has grown the organization through her vision, expertise, and dedication. We wish her well in her new role! We are actively seeking a new Executive Director and look forward to sharing information about the new ED when we have made a decision. As the search occurs, Amy Halm is serving as Interim Director.
On the Board, we have several leadership role changes. Shawnnita Buckner concludes her time as Board Chair and will be transitioning to the Outgoing Chair. I would like to thank Shawnnita for her leadership this past year, and I look forward to continuing to work with and learn from her this coming year. We welcome Theodore Tomeny, who has been elected as Secretary. Thank you to our departing Secretary, Stephanie Lanham and departing Outgoing Chair, Kelsey Sullivan.
I hope that you will engage with the SLN. The following options are great ways to get involved if you have not already.
- Signup for SLN News. It is free and you will receive important information for siblings.
- Help support the development of a state chapter if you live 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, Instagram, LinkedIn, and on Twitter.
- Donate or increase your financial contribution to your chapter and/or the SLN’s national organization.
Additionally, I would challenge each of you to invite a sibling you know from your community, who is not aware of the SLN, to become involved with our network. They say there is strength in numbers, and we all could use a little
extra strength right now. None of this is possible without your support, thank you for being a part of the Sibling Leadership Network!
I wish you and your families a very happy and healthy New Year!
Happy New Year,
Linda
