Throughout my career as a chemist it has been a privilege to serve my professional society of choice – the American Chemical Society. To be considered for the office of president is truly a distinct honor. By way of further introduction, I would like to share some of my thoughts, and ask your support in making the ACS the most influential professional society in the world.
I believe in this organization and its vision. “Improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry,” is a powerful statement. It provides direction, focus, and hope. The membership of this great organization positively influences the lives of people around the world, on a daily basis. By collaborating with like-minded professional societies, industry and academia, we help to guarantee our future. The Society’s Strategic Plan recognizes the members as our most vital asset. Further, it demands progress, seeks to educate, and guarantees our position as the world’s leading provider of chemical information. If elected president of the ACS, I will focus on three primary areas that I believe are essential to our success: Global Outreach of the ACS, Literacy for future workforce and communities and Diversity in our professions.
Global Outreach:
The chemical enterprise has changed; how we do business today bears little resemblance to even a few short years ago. Agility, integrity and acceptance of new cultures, markets, and ideas are critical to successful endeavors. The ability to rapidly adapt to the needs of our customers, members and partners is essential – no matter where they are in the world. The American Chemical Society must look beyond our home soil and actively engage in collaborations, partnerships, and friendships to fully realize our vision. We must prove, through our actions, and not simply our words, that chemistry brings about positive change for everyone, everywhere. Our integrity and appreciation for diversity will differentiate us from the competition. I pledge to proactively find relevant partnerships, collaborators, and friends that will further the mission of this Society. Together, we will make the Society stronger.
Literacy:
As educators and scientists, I believe it is our responsibility to help our communities better understands the transforming powers of chemistry and related subjects. Our global economy demands:
We need to mobilize our membership to reach out into our communities, near or far, to provide positive experiences in science, to stimulate imaginations, to offer opportunities to explore and to recognize those who “experiment” with science. We must lead and facilitate if we are to shift some of the entrenched paradigms. For example, we must encourage movement beyond:
If elected, I pledge to keep Education and Science Literacy at the forefront of our thinking. Further, I pledge to seek more support for the members (volunteers) who participate in public outreach, mentoring, education, and other community-based activities. After all, what greater transformation can we affect than to engage a young mind toward science? Together, we will find opportunities to provide relevant experiences for our communities around the world.
Diversity:
Tolerance and acceptance of all points of view, from all cultures, from anyplace on this planet, will make us all stronger. Diversity, in all of its many forms, helps to ensure open and complete deliberation, which is critical to our work as we build relationships in places that are new to us. I pledge to enrich and support programming that acknowledges the power of diversity and demonstrates its effectiveness. Further, I pledge to keep an open mind, hear all voices and practice extreme tolerance and acceptance as the Society continues to refine its Strategic Plan. Together, we will make the ACS stronger.
Thank you for your consideration as you prepare yourself for this important decision. In closing, I would like to encourage each of you renew your commitment to the Society, its governance, and its direction. The entire membership has a stake in making the ACS Vision a reality - to benefit everyone, everywhere.
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