Greetings to ALL,

Welcome to the 2020-2021 VAEOP Year! My name is Caneldra A. Harrison, your new VAEOP President. This year’s theme is, “Renewing the Mindset & Value of VAEOP”!!! I chose this theme because COVID-19 has brought many challenges to our schools, economy, and our country. It has caused us to rethink the normal way we do things. For this reason we will not be able to have the same mindset as we had previously with our traditional ways of meeting or presenting professional development opportunities. In order to handle our new normal, we have to change our mindset. Romans 12:2 NKJV states, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Google defines mindset as “the established set of attitudes held by someone”. I am calling on all VAEOP members to transform their mindset and remember our “Mindset” is everything.

Do you value VAEOP? If so, why? Google defines value as “consider (someone or something) to be important or beneficial. Being an active member of VAEOP gives the impression that you “value” the organization. Because I stand on the shoulders of some great past presidents, I “value” their contribution which made the foundation of VAEOP strong. We the membership must promote the importance and benefits of VAEOP. With that being said, I challenge each affiliate to increase their state participation by 25%.

The purpose of this association is as follows:

to advance the educational interest of Virginia through efficient and professional services of the office professional;

• to cultivate a spirit of interest and cooperation among educational office professionals;

• to attain professional status for the association membership;

• to foster interest in the National Association of Educational Office Professionals (NAEOP).

Membership offers many opportunities for professional growth and works toward the increased recognition of its members as partners in educating the youth of Virginia. Membership benefits include:

• an annual fall meeting and a Spring Institute with workshops, which are planned for professional growth;

• an all-day in-service that is held in March of each year;

• a scholarship fund, which awards two scholarships annually to children or grandchildren of VAEOP members who attend institutions of higher learning;

• a handbook of association information for members;

• qualified speakers available to local associations to conduct in-service programs, install officers, etc.;

• an educational office professional and an educational administrator are chosen each year as the VAEOP Office Professional of the year and VAEOP Administrator of the Year, respectively. These persons are the VAEOP nominees for the NAEOP awards the following year;

• a state lapel pin and nametag are available for members.

As a VAEOP member, I will uphold the NAEOP theme (LEARN) to continue to create positive surroundings that will encourage each other and embrace our commitment to LEADERSHIP, EDUCATION, ACHIEVEMENT, RECOGNITION and NETWORKING in ensuring each other’s success. I value your input and look forward to a quality relationship with all office professionals. https://www.naeop.org/

Thank you,

Caneldra A. Harrison