The end of the term served for any position often brings about a reflection of the time served. As I look back on the past two years, I do so have an appreciation for where I am, who I have the opportunity to work with and what things have been accomplished. It has been such an honor to serve as a leader for the WAMFT and to bring your voices, concerns and hopes alive in this organization. I have enjoyed these past four years (President-Elect and President) in supporting WAMFT’s growth, helping shape legislation, growing our reputation with lawmakers throughout the state and supporting volunteers and board members to grow in their leadership skills.
This year, however, like many of the years we have experienced in the previous 3 years, has been one for our history books. It seems like every time we turn around, there are more historic events, more issues to solve and of course, there is never enough time. While this is overwhelming, I am thankful for the friends, families and communities that we are connected to; for sure they have kept us going by offering a reprieve from problems. This was especially important for me during and after the US election this year. I found myself oscillating in between multiple emotions and worries for over two months, mainly attempting to figure out what was happening for me and what the next steps needed to be. I also found that I wanted and needed to make a statement about the election and its impact on our work as MFTs in state, but our parent organization did not make theirs first and I wanted to be non-reactionary.
I’ve learned many lessons in my time of leadership with WAMFT but one sticks out as pertinent at the moment. WE ARE CHANGE AGENTS. Change can come quickly, but often, it takes time. We know as systemic therapists that in order for things to shift we need to change the environment within that context and we ourselves need to change. In this very moment, the ways we have traditionally engaged in critical conversations as a community about our communities does not send ripples and shockwaves through our systems as they once did. We have become all too accustomed to the dehumanization of our bodies and minds while also living with a state of apathy. While this description might not fit for everyone, it most certainly is true for a majority of folx. It is clear that many people are hurting and long for things to be different.We, as change agents, must figure out how to help bridge the divides in our societies. Each of you does wonderful work with the people that you provide support to and no doubt see the complexity of issues surrounding people’s thoughts on their values, worries, concerns, economic wellness, autonomy and future. No longer can we partition what is happening in our communities from the anxieties that our clients present in our offices with. Family Therapists are change agents who have revolutionized the world before and we can do it again. I am looking forward to seeing where Dr. Billie Tyler and Claudia Johnson usher our organization to. I am certain their skill, warmth, direction, intelligence and competence will support our work as change agents.
Anthony Pennant, PhD
WAMFT President
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