A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
APDT Board needs member feedback as it restructures to meet the changing needs of the dog training industry
pring is around the corner ,
S which symbolizes renewal , change and hope . For board members , this is our time to listen , regroup and update our organization due to continuing shifts within our business and industry . Important decisions are being made that will affect the dog training industry , which is exciting and challenging . The dog training industry has reached an important paradigm shift with LIMA and legislation . As your Chair , it ’ s important our members understand why decisions are being made and which tools we are using to make these decisions .
Listening to Our Members Every decision the board makes is for our members and organization . This is not an easy task , but so rewarding when important projects move in the right direction . Our members decide what projects we should tackle and the ultimate outcome . We gather our members feedback through surveys , emails , our email group , and direct conversations . We want to hear from you and let you know that you ’ ve been heard .
During 2022 , we want to continue listening and updating our members with updated communication pieces . As I type , your board members are restructuring Chronicle of the Dog , SPEAK !, our marketing message on social media , member surveys , rethinking how we can best communicate and gather feedback to and from our members quickly and effectively and so much more .
Strategic Plan APDT ’ s strategic plan is important in so many ways . This is our tool to gather members ’ feedback and create goals . This tool / plan is the board members ’ play book that consists of yearly goals broken down into actionable items with timelines . These goals are revised yearly by our Strategic Plan Strike Force , discussed in detail during board meetings with staff , assigned as yearly goals for all committees and tasks forces , carefully measured , revised multiple times , and rolled out to our members . Our strategic plan is such an important tool , we want to share it with our members in this year ’ s COTD . Going forward , we will provide the most updated strategic plan in each COTD issue ( see page 7 ). Many of these goals take considerable time to develop and execute , so please be patient and provide feedback — we want to hear from you !
Legislation Well , this topic went off the rails quickly . Allow me to provide a bit of background . Two years ago , we carefully created a survey with the University of Kentucky to gather member feedback on dog training legislation . Wow , our members were strongly in favor of legislation ( 64 percent )! During the past two years , APDT worked on this passionate topic and then partnered with CCPDT to form the Alliance . A law firm , that specializes in this specific area , created the verbiage and we ’ ve been busy gathering member , non-member , and industry experts ’ feedback . Yes , the correct verbiage is critical and there ’ s another point that I want to discuss . Passing legislation is difficult and expensive on so many levels . Please be prepared for failed bills ; it does not mean we failed , it just means we need to revise , do more research , and then try again . As with dog training , we are doing the best we can to set this bill up for success . If it fails , it ’ s just information and we should continue trying .
We Want to Hear from You ! We cannot do any of this without our members , we just can ’ t . We need our members ’ support , feedback , wins , and boots on the ground in their states if / when legislation passes . If a survey is sent out , please fill it out . When we ask for committee / task force volunteers , please volunteer . Many hands make light work , and we need each and every one of you !
Fanna Easter fannae @ yahoo . com
6 Building Better Trainers Through Education