Welcome to the first ILASFAA “blog” message. As President, I plan to do at least a monthly update of what is going on in ILASFAA. The important thing right now is to volunteer to serve on a committee. The chairs are starting to form the committees – and this is the time to get your ideas heard by volunteering to serve.

The Executive Board Retreat was last week at Starved Rock State Park. We spent 1 ½ days planning the 2012-13 year. This is definitely a year for change. What a smart, exciting group of people with fresh, new ideas. The theme for this year is “Carnival of Change – Let the Good Times Roll!”  In keeping with the theme – we took a trolley to The Cajun Connection in Utica, IL. (We had to mix a little fun with our hard work.) Chef Ron is from Louisiana and the food was authentic Cajun. Chef Ron threw beads and let us into the kitchen to see a raw alligator tail!  Great evening!! 

ILASFAA has many changes in store for the year.  In October there will be a Legislative Workshop in Springfield and a tour of the Capitol.  We will learn how Federal and State laws are passed and how financial aid programs are funded.  Time will be spent learning how to communicate with our legislators.  By the end of the day, everyone will know how to become better advocates for our students.

Another change is moving the Reality Store to the fall. We are planning to tie the Reality Store with the Fall Workshop at a Chicago location. The Diversity and Training and Professional Development Committees are selecting a site, along with the help of the Chicago Regional Coordinator.  I’m impressed with these energetic professionals and their dedication to diversity and this project. PLEASE volunteer and join this fulfilling community service project. (Start saving your College logo pens, pencils, t-shirts, etc so we can give the students some “swag”.)

Other committees are planning their meetings for the next few months.  Get onboard!   It’s going to be a “Carnival of Change – Let the Good Times Roll!”

Joanna Dye
2012-2013 ILASFAA President