Katie Smith Sloan (Continued)
certainties. It suggests we join with
some perhaps unconventional partners
and thinkers to explore the “what ifs...”
This is the kind of thinking we need in
order to generate ideas that will result
in important policy directions, creation
of new models of service delivery,
new ways of connecting services and
supports and solutions for some of
the seemingly intractable issues we
are facing such as acute workforce
shortages. None of these ideas can take
shape without creative and divergent
thinking about solutions to create a
better future.
LeadingAge New York has long
embraced the importance of divergent
thinking. Your strategic priorities
include advocating for many of the
issues that I have raised today like
affordable housing, workforce and
payment reform. You are passionate
about quality and create tools for
your members to ensure that they can
provide a high quality experience for
residents, clients and their families.
And you are fiercely protective of the
older adults you serve and believe, like
we do, that we must dispel the myths
and negative stereotypes about aging.
Divergent thinking doesn’t come
naturally to most, but you are truly
role models for other organizations.
Your ability to adapt will ensure your
continued success as the aging services
field grows. I applaud you.
(Continued on page 25)
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