Creative and resilient. Two words that describe you, the PATH Intl. members and credentialed professionals during the pandemic. Pre-pandemic, I had the privilege of traveling all over the country meeting individuals and touring centers involved in equine-assisted services. (I am grateful to have recently been vaccinated, so can’t wait to return to in-person events in the future!) During my travels, I was often struck by the incredible passion and commitment demonstrated by everyone I met. So, it was no surprise to see that passion and commitment lead to resilience and creativity – two critical abilities needed to successfully navigate the impacts of COVID-19.
These two words describing members and credentialed professionals began to really resonate with me as I prepared “Center Sustainability and Navigating the New Normal,” a presentation for regional conferences. In preparation, I reached out to 14 different centers from across the country of varying sizes and age and asked them two questions – “How had programming and fundraising changed during the pandemic” and “What changes did they expect to continue post pandemic.” Their responses provided great insight into the importance of being creative in delivering services and fundraising as well as the importance of being resilient and maintaining good self-care. Everyone became more comfortable with technology. The majority recognized technology opens doors for them that apply beyond the pandemic in terms of programming for people who aren’t able to come into the stable or when the weather is bad, as well as public relations opportunities to introduce a horse and the program to groups via FaceTime or Zoom, making new connections and gathering new supporters for the center. Most also reported their intention to continue some of the virtual fundraising options they had developed because they realized they were able to reach new people and use fewer resources to produce the event. People loved the online auction option, which most likely means an in-person event might still have an online component.
I was also really impressed with the creative ways centers fulfilled their mission through virtual lessons, tele-health and drive-through open houses to name a few. Always keeping the mission focus, centers found they could safely video an instructor in the barn with a horse, teaching participants horse anatomy, breeds and colors. Others devised a way to have a physical therapist in their home office, a client at their home and an instructor in the barn all on Zoom for a creative physical therapy session.
I have also enjoyed seeing all the networking opportunities offered by the PATH Intl. region leadership teams. Volunteering as a region rep or a member of a region leadership team, has always been a commitment of time and effort. However, during the pandemic, the demands on the region leadership teams increased exponentially as members reached out for help and asked for ways to be connected during this time of in-person disconnect. The PATH Intl. region leadership teams stepped up, and supported by a PATH Intl. Zoom account, began hosting regular opportunities for members to connect. Please thank your region rep, state chair, communications chair or treasurer for giving so much of their time to support membership. (Nominations are currently open for region representatives of odd-numbered regions. You can submit a nomination by June 15.)
Finally, if you haven’t already signed up for one or more of the groups on PATH Intl. Member Connection, I encourage you to do so. Many people aren’t excited by the prospect of receiving one more email. However, Member Connection is so much more than a place to post and receive messages. There is a library where you can find a multitude of resources to help you do your job. Unlike Facebook, where the posts are constant and it’s easy to miss important information or discussion, Member Connection gives you the opportunity to receive one email a week or a day that lists the topics being discussed, providing you an easy way to only read what interests you, without missing anything. It’s also a members-only benefit, so it’s just meaningful EAS-specific content. I can confidently say it’s easy to use – because it’s easy for me, who has often been technologically challenged.
Creative and Resilient. Two words to hang your hat on. I am so proud to be a part of a community that stays focused on mission and service delivery despite restrictions and constant guideline changes.
As we navigate the “new normal,” I am going to take the suggestion of a friend and colleague – make it the “new better.”
Please stay safe and take care.
