Dear ISSTD Community,
January often brings a natural slowing, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. Many traditions describe winter as a season for consolidation rather than expansion, a time when growth happens quietly beneath the surface before becoming visible later on. Not everything that looks still is inactive, and not everything that is developing announces itself right away.
Of course, seasons do not look the same everywhere. Some members are moving through very different climates right now, both literally and professionally. Here in Chicago, this time of year often carries a similar psychological rhythm, a sense of gathering, reflecting, and preparing for what will unfold in the months ahead.
That rhythm feels fitting as the Society begins a year that includes both continuity and new directions. Over the coming months, we will begin strategic planning for 2027 through 2029, a process that invites attention not only to what might be built next, but also to what has already taken root and deserves to be strengthened. Growth often comes from deepening practices that are already meaningful and learning from one another and from organizations doing thoughtful work in related spaces.
As we move steadily into 2026, I am especially focused on how we continue to advance our IDEA commitments in ways that are practical, visible, and embedded in how we operate day to day. This includes supporting initiatives that broaden access to training and community, strengthening pathways for members to move into volunteer and leadership roles, and paying attention to where structural barriers still exist. Inclusion and access are also about whether people feel able to participate, ask questions, and offer ideas while work is still taking shape. I hope my leadership this year helps support an environment where members feel welcome to share what has helped them feel connected to ISSTD, what has supported their learning, and what they would like to see more of as the Society evolves.
My own path within ISSTD developed through service and participation over time, shaped by relationships and by learning how the organization functions from the inside. That experience continues to influence how I think about leadership and sustainability. Strong organizations are built when people can move from interest to involvement in ways that feel realistic and supported, and when leadership remains connected to the experiences of its members.
As we move through this year, I invite you to engage with the Society in ways that fit where you are right now and to share your perspectives as we shape what comes next. That may look similar to your involvement in years past, or it may deepen in new directions. Either way, your voice and experience are part of how ISSTD continues to grow with intention and care.
Members are welcome to share thoughts or questions with me at president@isst-d.org. While I may not always be able to respond at length, I do read these messages and value hearing from you. I will also be at the Annual Conference in Portland and hope to connect with many of you there.
Sincerely,
Abigail