By Sandy McQuillin, LMFT
I was innocently sitting in an East Bay CAMFT Board meeting about a year and a half ago, when the question of "who would take over the CEU Coordinator position arose?" Since I loved going to the presentations I thought "Why not me?" That's when my life became so interesting and chaotic.
First of all I had no idea what the position did, so I had some quick learning by attending a presentation with the outgoing coordinator. That was it! I did a fast learning of the paperwork, how to make coffee (I don't drink it so big problem for attendees) and how to line up great speakers. Then I was off and running to do the job.
Over this past year and half I've learned that the fun part is getting to know all the talented members in our chapter. One of the secret benefits is I have been able to gain so many CEU's. I have also enjoyed the advantage of learning from all these presentations and to be able it use this it in my work with clients. The knowledge and experience from all the wonderful talent we have in this Chapter is truly a benefit I see, from being involved.
Last October of 2011 our coordinator for the intimate Wednesday presentation in Orinda had to step aside and guess who said she would take it on for awhile? Yes I can't help myself and just stepped right up. I love this cozy comfortable group of seasoned, pre- and newly-licensed members that, meet on the first Wednesday of every month. What a great opportunity for this close knit group to support me and all the presenters.
But I am fast realizing that it is such a great big job I need some members to take advantage of having an involvement opportunity to help me. I love telling you how these first rate presentations work, so maybe some of you will see an opportunity for your involvement.
On the second Saturday of each month the presentations are two hours and one can receive two CEU's. The meeting starts at 9:30 for bagels, coffee, tea and an opportunity to mingle and get to know other members. The presenter starts at 10:00 and ends at 11:55 so that we can do a quick introduction and fill out the evaluations. These meetings are alternated between Epworth Methodist Church in Berkeley and St. Mark's Methodist Church in Orinda. There are no presentations in the months of July and December.
As mentioned above we have a presentation on the first Wednesday of the month worth one CEU and lasts one hour. This meeting starts at 10:00 for coffee, tea, bagels and mingling. The speaker starts at 10:30 and stops at 11:30. At this time we all introduce ourselves and pass out business cards or workshop information. After the evaluations are collected and certifications are passed out we finish at noon. We do not meet in AUGUST OR DECEMBER.
These are a great opportunities to really get to know other therapist in the area for consultation or referrals. I realized after attending the CAMFT leadership Conference last week-end how much I would like to have one meeting a month for the lower ( Hayward, Castro Valley, San Leandro, ) East Bay members. I am open for any suggestions on how to go about having presentations in that area. I will leave this involvement opportunity to all therapists who relish getting to know all our Chapter members.
