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Embracing Belonging

By Janice Crampton posted 08-24-2023 12:59 PM

  

As we embark on a new year of membership with the Association of Independent School Admission Professionals (AISAP), I am thrilled to welcome each of you to the exciting journey ahead. The theme of “Belonging” is one that I hope will guide us and resonate deeply within our community: At AISAP, our mission is to empower and educate professionals in the admission and enrollment field and foster an environment where every individual feels a strong sense of belonging. With that in mind, I want to dive into why we strongly emphasize this aspect and how it shapes our daily, weekly, and monthly engagements.

Every Day: Nurturing a Culture of Inclusivity

Belonging begins with the daily interactions we have within our community. Each day, we strive to create an atmosphere that embraces diversity, fosters open conversations, and values the unique perspectives of every member. We recognize that admission and enrollment professionals come from various backgrounds, experiences, and schools. This very diversity enriches our discussions and drives us to think beyond the conventional. Encouraging respectful dialogue and celebrating our differences creates a safe space where everyone knows they are heard and valued.

Every Week: Learning and Growth

Education is at the heart of AISAP's mission. Every week, we provide continuous learning and growth opportunities that empower admission professionals to excel in your roles. But it's more than just knowledge sharing. It's about offering learning experiences that are inclusive and relatable, addressing the challenges and opportunities that our community faces. By understanding the needs of our members and tailoring our programs to address those needs, we ensure that everyone feels a sense of belonging in their educational journey.

Every Month: Building Connections

The admission and enrollment profession can sometimes feel isolating, especially when navigating the ever-evolving landscape of education. That's why we focus monthly on building connections that transcend geographical boundaries. We create spaces for meaningful interactions, from virtual meetups and webinars to networking events and conferences. These connections remind us that we are part of a larger community that shares our goals and challenges. By coming together, we expand our professional networks and reaffirm our sense of belonging to a collective mission.

I invite you all to reflect on what “belonging” means to you and how it influences your journey in the admission and enrollment profession. Our commitment to engagement, education, and inclusivity stems from the belief that when each member has a true sense of belonging, our community as a whole becomes stronger, more innovative, and more impactful. Please actively participate in the events, discussions, and initiatives planned for the upcoming year. Your unique voice and perspective are essential in shaping the future of AISAP.

Thank you for being part of this vibrant community. Here's to a year of growth, connection, and an unwavering sense of belonging.


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Janice Crampton
Executive Director and CEO
AISAP

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09-07-2023 09:37 AM

Yes! Not to be overlooked! Cultivating a sense of belonging is critical to our success as leaders, employees, and partners with students and parents. An entire arm of our school's last strategic plan fell under the header of "Belonging" and was a guiding force in our constant assessment of whether or not our decisions and actions were creating that sense of being known, of having an anchor, of belonging to the community.