Spirit of community - President's Page - American Society for Training and Development - Brief Article

T+D, May, 2002

"Spirit is like the wind, in that we can't see it but can see its effects, which are profound."

Jimmy Carter

This column marks the beginning of a new and very exciting opportunity. I will have the chance to speak with you from the pages of T D. Each month, I plan to share how ASTD is leading the profession through times of change and promise. I hope that you will regard this as an invitation to communicate with us as well.

Members tell me every day what a great time it is to be in this profession. They sense that a positive shift is underway. Understandably, the economy, world events, technology, and changing demographics affect us all in the work we do and how we live. You have told us that your needs are shifting too, and that you not only look to ASTD for leadership, but you also look to us for community. To articulate this shift, ASTD recently released a Manifesto for Learning and Performance Professionals. This declaration sets forth how ASTD views and embraces the changes that are occurring, how we will continue to lead and inspire, and why members join ASTD. The Manifesto has been published in T D and is available on the ASTD Website.

Members come to ASTD for insightful and impartial knowledge and research as they continue on the path to developing their human and professional potential. They look to ASTD for inspiration and for ways to prove their value, working within a network of individuals striving to do the same. Yes, the sense of community and spirit is becoming the very nucleus of ASTD. Connecting members to information and to each other is one of our most important roles. And the best place to realize our community spirit is at the annual International Conference and Exposition, where everyone comes together to share information and best practices. This event is an opportunity to rejuvenate your mind, career, and spirit, and I am thrilled that so many members from around the world will be joining us in New Orleans for the ASTD 2002 International Conference and EXPO.

Even with recent challenges and tragedies, the ASTD community continues to thrive and grow. Please continue to share your knowledge, be proactive in our global community, and help us further our efforts to shape the future of the learning enterprise. Thank you for building what has become the core of ASTD's spirit and community.

Tina Sung

ASTD President and CEO