Important Updates from the Pracademics Section
Dear Pracademics Members and Interested Parties,
As we reflect on the vibrant community of pracademics within ARNOVA, I’d like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by each member. However, it has come to our attention that the pracademics section has been gradually having lower and lower volunteer participation. As a result, we are moving to close the section this year. I do not want to alarm anyone or make any worries, organizations as well know all go through changes, and the same is for sections. And it is time the Pracademic Section consider different outlets and avenues.
The pracademics section has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between academia and practice, offering a platform for collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange. While the section has faced many challenges over the last year, the spirit of pracademics can still thrive within ARNOVA. Rather than confining pracademics to a single section, we would like to encourage integration into all aspects of ARNOVA and particularly through Common Interest Groups and Sections. After all, practitioners exist in every sector, and their perspectives are essential to advancing our collective understanding of the nonprofit and voluntary sector.
To keep pracademics in ARNOVA alive, we are seeking volunteers to help integrate and invigorate the spirit of practitioner+researcher and explore new ideas through the work of other sections and common interest groups. As someone who has served in a leadership capacity for four years, I understand the importance of fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. We need new voices, new concepts, and new lenses to invigorate our community and ensure its continued relevance. To be blunt, I am hoping that many of those who have expressed interest in the Pracademics section but did not have the bandwidth to run a section could take their interest and become a member of another Section or Common Interest Group and bring that practitioner perspective to those already happening conversations.
Our past experiences have shown the value of pracademic involvement in presentations, colloquiums, and conference interactions. Moving forward, we envision a model where pracademics are included in all the ARNOVA sections and CIGs.
As we navigate this transition, let us remember that the spirit of pracademics remains strong within ARNOVA. Despite the upcoming closure of the section, there are countless opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. Together, we can keep the essence of pracademics alive and thriving.
Sincerely,
Daisha M. Merritt, Pracademics Leadership Slate