Yes we are at the end of 2020 and what a year it has been. Yes, challenging times but VLGMA local government professionals have prevailed and more than survived…moved forward in support of our communities! This month I am taking a break from the monthly focus on specific Code of Ethic Tenets but only to celebrate you and your commitment the core values of our profession. This is consistent with the VLGMA framework of V= leading with our Vision, Values. As members of ICMA and VLGMA we dedicate ourselves to the “faithful stewardship of the public trust and embrace a shared ideal of management excellence” and “to achieve equity and social justice, to affirm human dignity, and to improve the quality of life for individuals and community” (Declaration of Ideals, 1980s). These ideals are embedded in VLGMA’s Vision as well as our Purpose.
Vision
Supporting local government managers building great communities through inclusion, innovation and leadership.
Purpose
The primary goal of the association is to strengthen the quality of local government through
professional management. The association seeks to promote professional management in a
variety of ways including training, networking, and resource sharing.
It is edifying that we can build up our community and not down by our words and actions (Silver Boxes- The Gift of Encouragement, Florence Littauer, page ix).
I continued to be impressed and appreciative of the various ways VLMGA members are answering the need for quality public service. I am also grateful to not be alone on this journey and appreciative the encouragement I have received along the way. I hope in my small way, in serving VLGMA this year, I pass on this encouragement to others.
A little word in kindness spoken,
A motion or a tear,
Has often healed the heart that’s broken,
And made a friend sincere.
Then deem it not an idle think
A pleasant word to speak;
The face you wear__ the thoughts you bring__
The heart you may heal or break.
From “A Little Word” by Daniel Clement Colesworthy as shared in the book Silver Boxes- The Gift of Encouragement, Florence Littauer (page 109)
So together we end 2020 and start a Joyous 2021 New Year with equity and stewardship of the public’s trust. This message is sampling of language diversity, via online translations, to get us focused to putting words into action.
2021 Joyous New Year!
¡Feliz Año Nuevo! năm mới vui vẻ سنة جديدة سعيدة
Joyeuse nouvelle année Vreugdevolle Nuwe Jaar Χαρούμενη Πρωτοχρονιά
Joyous Neujahr 歡樂嘅新 年खुशी का नया साल Capodanno gioioso
שנה שמחה 喜びの新年 Joyous Bliain Nua 즐거운 새해 Koa Tau Hōu
Radosny Nowy Rok Веселый Новый год سال نو شاد Mpya wa furaha
Ulihelisdi Atse Udetiyvsgv Baa Hózhǫ́ǫgo Nee Nínáadoohąh
From 2020 New Year to …..
Welcome to our newest VLGMA members: Alec Brebner, Executive Director, Crater PDC; Milas Smith, Associate Director of Public Works, City of Fredericksburg and Timothy Wyatt, Deputy Director of Information Technology, County of York
Stay safe, healthy and remain strong, Cindy
