This is one of those moments. |
Group Photo: the LGVMA Strategic Planners |
So what do you do to prepare for a Strategic Planning meeting? You do some research! I honestly didn’t know much about the history of the LGVMA before the meeting. Everything I knew was based on the brief history on the LGVMA website and what Ken (Dr. Gorczya) told us about the LGVMA at last year’s Broad Spectrum meeting. Some of our resources included the LGVMA NAVMEC Report from 2011 regarding LGBT acceptance and safety in the veterinary profession. We also read the Special Edition of Good News! (the LGVMA newsletter) that focused on the personal stories of veterinarians integral to the creation of the LGVMA. If you’re interested in reading any of these resources we can send them your way! Reading all of these resources made me so grateful to be a part of the community and even more grateful for all the hard work that has been done already.
Liam layin' it out. |
All attendees and some student/LGVMA leaders filled out a survey asking about our views on the current LGVMA and where we would like to see the organization go. After the survey closed everyone attending the meeting was able to read all responses (which were anonymous) to each question. I reviewed these on my 3 plane trips from Ithaca to Las Vegas.
Dr. Apryl Steele and Table 2, hard at work. |
I arrived at the Red Rock Casino and Resort (which was about 10 times larger than I had imagined) just in time for our first meeting to start. As you can imagine, as with most things that involve discussion, we didn’t stick to the schedule exactly, but we started, ended, and took breaks as indicated. From breakfast until around 5pm we were together, getting to know each other personally and professionally outside of meeting discussions.
Nikki presenting the fruits of our labor |
Discussing organizational structure |
Cruisin' in a convertible with LGVMA President Dr. Sandy Hazanow |
Sin City! |
Las Vegas: Where you never know if it's day or night |
Amanda with the wizard of all street performers! |
After a majority of the hard work was done, some of us also took a trip into the desert on Sunday afternoon (Red Rock Canyon Park) to go on an “easy” hike. The views were beautiful and totally worth it. It was nice to spend the afternoon outside in the sunshine. We were lucky to have excellent weather while we were there. It was chilly for certain people who go to vet school in the southern USA, but it was heavenly compared to Ithaca in February.
Student leaders at Red Rock Canyon Park. Hiking in business casual and flip flops, NBD. |
Taking a lunch break at Red Rock Canyon Park |
All in a weekend's work |