What Will the New Year Bring?
By We’ve all heard the expression “out with the old and in with the new,” but this year we may really mean it. Luckily for us, a new year brings new ideas, new hopes, and, of course, courage to overcome all the new (and old) challenges.
Early in 2020, I never would have imagined serving as Chair of the Paralegal Division during a pandemic and navigating the difficulties of not meeting our members face to face, but here we are. A challenge isn’t always a hardship. Sometimes a challenge is an opportunity for progress.
First, whether you are a returning member or a new member, I would like to say thank you for being a part of the Paralegal Division. As one of the largest sections/divisions within the NCBA, the Paralegal Division is fortunate to provide countless opportunities for education, service and leadership to our members. In September and October, we hosted a special Happy Hour series to reach out and connect with our members through this difficult time. I personally enjoyed seeing all the new faces and chatting about a wide variety of topics. The Division also hosted a complimentary virtual chef-led cooking class that was a lot of fun. I cannot give the members of the Paralegal Division enough praise for all of their hard work and dedication to ensure our Division is successful. As we enter this new year, the Paralegal Division will continue to implement new incentives focusing on diversity and inclusion, wellness and self-care.
In a previous blog post, I mentioned the Paralegal Division Council voted to form a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to ensure that all Paralegal Division members have equal opportunities throughout the Paralegal Division, our profession and in our community. This year, the Division will be working to develop this new committee and create a new inclusive strategic plan. I would like to take this time to thank everyone who has reached out to me or Lauren Colvard, our Communities Manager, about their interest in the committee. I look forward to connecting with each of you later this month.
Another initiative the Paralegal Division is focusing on in the new year is wellness and self-care. Self-care is described as a conscious act one takes in order to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health. I know we are all learning the importance of resting and doing what we can to take breaks from a consistently stressful connected environment, but it is easier said than done considering the increase in virtual meetings being conducted. The Paralegal Division recognizes the importance of wellness and self-care. In recognition of January as Mental Wellness Month, on January 12, 2021, the Paralegal Division will be hosting a virtual yoga class with participation costs complimentary of the Division. Please check your email or go to the Paralegal Division website to register.
Lastly, while 2020 may not have been the year you hoped it would be, let’s work to ensure 2021 is full of growth, freedom and endless possibilities.
Happy New Year!