Elizabeth Meade, MD, FAAP
President, WCAAP
As each of us is acutely aware, 2020 has been a year that has challenged and disrupted every facet of our lives. It has been filled with uncertainty, division, and worry. It has also led to a collective re-examining of our actions and intentions – both as individuals and as the groups and communities we are each part of. I am hopeful that challenge can lead to change, and that innovation can come from struggle. I do know that our Washington chapter is strong and that we continue our daily work to advocate for and serve all the children, adolescents, and families of Washington state with more passion and drive than ever.
WCAAP has had a longstanding commitment to health equity. Health equity has always been a key driver of our advocacy, but in recent years we have recognized that we need to pursue equity in every facet of our work and to continuously evaluate those equity efforts. Today, we are making some changes so that our organizational language reflects this commitment, including our mission and vision as well as our bylaws.
As we evolve and learn, this fall we examined our vision, mission, and values statements. We asked the question “do our current versions truly represent who we are and what we do?”. We agreed that it was time for a refresh; to ensure the messages we convey internally and externally are reflective of the work that we do and the values we share. Working with an outside resource, we embarked on a robust process to collect input and feedback from WCAAP members, staff, and stakeholders. We had a spirited discussion at the Board retreat at the end of September, where our full Board provided more feedback and suggestions. Then, your Executive Committee reflected upon and revised these messages.
We are excited to share with you our revised vision, mission, values, and tagline. We feel that these better reflect our core values, our commitment to families, and the collaboration and partnership we hold at the center of our work. Please use these moving forward as you talk with legislators, elected officials, patients, families, colleagues, and the media.
Many thanks for your membership in WCAAP and your ongoing commitment to improve the health and well-being of all Washington’s children, adolescents, and families. As always, WCAAP leadership is honored to represent a group of pediatricians and pediatric health care providers that give so much to the patients and families they serve. We know this year has brought enormous strain and that each of us is giving more than ever, and perhaps more than is sustainable. Please find ways to care for yourselves and each other as well.
Vision
We promote health and wellness for all children, adolescents, and families and advance equitable, evidence-based, collaborative approaches to pediatric care.
Mission
We champion the health and well-being of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy, education, and partnership.
Tagline
Advocating for children, adolescents, families, and all who care for kids.
Core Values
- Equity
- Advocacy
- Collaboration