Facilitate Magazine May 2020

Facing challenges and celebrating successes

Since COVID-19 changed all our lives several weeks ago, I have been proud of how my team has stayed in touch with our members in ways that are novel, practical, engaging, and above all agile as we all adapt to major changes.

I believe we must all do what we can to support one another in facing these challenges. Since the lockdown began, we’ve spent time listening to members and responding in ways we think will be helpful during the immediate period of emergency confinement and for the longer term.

Through our COVID-19 web page and webinar series ‘Navigating turbulent times’, we’re bringing fresh guidance and insight from expert guests addressing the key questions on your minds. If the numbers tuning in are anything to go by, there’s a healthy appetite for knowledge and sharing. That’s why we’ve moved our Academy online, too, as so many of us are using this at-home time to hone skills or learn new ones. Check your inbox or visit our website to get involved.

Like all things, this will pass. Until it does, we must not lose sight of the fantastic work that went on before the pandemic and continues under extraordinary circumstances; we want to celebrate outstanding work and showcase this profession’s importance. This is why we have extended the entry deadline for the IWFM Impact Awards 2020 to midday on 27 May.

I urge you to visit iwfmawards.org and submit your best work for our judges’ consideration. When the lockdown relaxes, what better way to celebrate than at the most prestigious event in our profession’s calendar?

Linda Hausmanis is CEO of the IWFM