Member Update: Important Updates for Members

Hello NYANP Members!

I hope you had a wonderful summer and that back to school has gone smoothly (for those of you with children). For those of you who don't already know, I have relocated to Long Island and truly enjoyed the summer here near the water and beaches. Ella is now in first grade, learning to read and having fun with friends. When asked about her favorite part of school...her response is resoundingly "recess!"

I would like welcome those of you who are new to NY! And send messages of appreciation to those of you who inspire patients and others everyday with your passion for healing and for naturopathic medicine. You are making a difference.

An outstanding story of making a difference is that of Dr. JoAnn Yanez. Dr. Yanez is finishing her term as an NYANP board member and chair of our legislative team. She has held a board position for over 5 years, and has held the responsibility of legislative chair for over 3 years. She was awarded NYANP Physician of the Year in 2008 and has undoubtedly made a remarkable contribution to the NYANP as an organization and to the licensure effort in NY. There is no question that the hours of dedicated service Dr. Yanez has provided, while unpaid, have not gone unnoticed and will leave an enormous lasting impact. She is especially acknowledged for convincing more than 30 legislators to sponsor the licensure bill. A million thank yous, JoAnn, on behalf of the NYANP and as your friend. You are amazing and we will miss you.

While this past legislative session has been relatively quiet in terms of licensing for naturopathic doctors...we do anticipate that this coming year, the second of a 2 year election cycle, will bring opportunities for the licensure bill to be brought before committees who can move the legislation forward. I would like you all to know that we are in planning mode in terms of our legislative strategy for the fall and next year. We are training a new leader for our legislative team, Dr. Jaquel Patterson. I welcome any and all of you who are motivated to participate in the licensure effort. Please do reach out and let me know your interest, whether it is to meet with your local legislator or to lead the development of a grassroots movement. Text me (or call) at 845.729.0582.

At the moment our primary focus is on our 5th annual conference, October 4th, in NYC. It is quite exciting to be presenting a schedule of 6 distinguished speakers, 6 CE credits (pharmacy credits too), a grand rounds session for doctors to share cases, exhibitors, healthy food and in a beautiful setting...all for the price of $75. I look forward to seeing you there! If you haven't registered, please do online at www.nyanp.org or by calling Jackie at 800.846.6778. If you have colleagues or friends who may be interested, please let them know about the conference. What better chance to raise awareness and build our community!

The NYANP Annual Membership Meeting will be held after the conference on October 4th at 5 pm at the same location as the conference. Location: MetaCenter, 214 W. 29th (btw 7th and 8th), 16th floor, New York, NY.

One of the updates you will hear about at the membership meeting is that board member, Dr. Jim Prego, is on the search for NDs in various regions of the state who would like to head up local ND get-togethers. Dr. Prego will be leading the Long Island group and is here to help you bring together the NDs in your area. Please contact Dr. Prego directly at 631.834.8542.

For those of you who would like to have dinner after the conference, please do join us for Dinner in NYC! starting at 6 pm October 4th. Location TBD.

Meanwhile this is also the time of year for both elections to the NYANP board and membership renewals.

You should have received a personal renewal notice by email. If not, please do contact Jackie at assistant@nyanp.org to make sure we have your current email address and to renew directly with Jackie. You may also renew online at www.nyanp.org under "Members" then "Join the NYANP." With your membership (professional members) you will receive continued presence in our NYANP online directory. Those of you who joined after January 2009, your membership will be due for renewal the first of the month that you joined last year. You will receive an invoice via email. From now on memberships will be based on the month that you join. We are also open to monthly payments; just call and talk to Jackie to arrange a personal payment plan. 800.846.6778.

We have a fantastic NEW membership benefit to offer you! As members of the NYANP, you will receive discounted rates to be listed in numerous, online natural health directories, as well as a discounted subscription to Natural Standard. New and renewed members, please watch for more information about how to sign up for these directories.

Elections to the NYANP board will be held online in October. Please watch for an email with the link to the online ballot, which will be due October 15th. If you are interested in running for a position on the board (there are 5 positions up for (re) election), please contact Jackie at assistant@nyanp.org or our NYANP secretary, Dr. Ed Murach at secretary@nyanp.org or 917.733.5939. Nominations are due by October 5, 2009 at midnight to either Jackie or Dr. Murach.

NYANP on FACEBOOK! Please join us for discussions and with your thoughts. We also have a group on Linked In. See you there!

I reach out in friendship and professionally as your colleague to say thank you for your interest, your support and your beaming light as a naturopathic doctor in New York. If I don't get to see you on October 4th, I do hope to talk with you soon.

Peace and gratitude,

Doni

PS: Summary listing of dates and events, as well as to-do list below.

Donielle Wilson, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

NYANP President and Executive Director

president@nyanp.org

www.nyanp.org

845.729.0582

Summary of events:

Today! Membership renewal due

Oct 4, 9 to 5, Annual Conference

Oct 4, 5 pm, Annual Membership Meeting

Oct 4, 6 pm, Dinner in NYC

Oct 5, Nominations to board due

Oct 15, Online ballot due

Things to do:

Join NYANP on Facebook and Linked In

Register for Annual Conference at www.nyanp.org

Renew Membership at www.nyanp.org

Attend conference, membership meeting and Dinner in NYC

Complete online election by Oct 15

Contact your legislators and offer your support

Watch for info on natural health directories to market your practice