A New Direction

Introduction

ACCORD has a proud history spanning back over a twenty-year period. Throughout that time, we have adapted to fit the changing needs of our members, while remaining true to certain core ideas and values. And now it is time to adapt again.

When asked, many members express their feeling of attachment to ACCORD. If our association is to become what we wish it to be, we must all convert those feelings of goodwill into positive collective action.

This document reflects a new direction for ACCORD, as envisioned by the association's board of directors. It has been developed with the assistance and input of many members, including those who organized, attended and sent their suggestions to our November 4, 2000 planning meeting. It has also been informed by the work of several action teams that were established at that meeting.

We are calling it a new direction, though it clearly builds on much that is valuable in the old. As you will see, the main changes in direction revolve around the following:

Increasing clarity about what we are (and are not)
A newly articulated vision building on the OASIS metaphor raised by members at our planning meeting
An organizational design that is more member-driven and participative
Increasing emphasis on building communities of practice
An active search for opportunities to link with other associations
A commitment to enhancing our use of technology in delivering value to members

All aboard for the new ACCORD!