Welcome! On behalf of PSI’s Executive Board, President’s Advisory council and staff, we wish to thank each of you for your past and present support of our crucial mission. Our expanding and fantastic worldwide base of PSI volunteer coordinators and dedicated members provide constant inspiration!
As 2007 begins, the 110th Congress brings great hope that the advocacy momentum—to which each of you has greatly contributed may result in the passage of legislation which has been pending for several years. Presently, Congressman Bobby Rush has reintroduced The Melanie Stokes Act as H.R. 20 on January 4th, 2007. We also anticipate similar activity in the Senate generated by The MOTHER’s ACT, authored by U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (NJ) and Senator Richard Durbin (IL).
Now is the time for each of us to renew our advocacy efforts by calling and writing our local Congressman to request their support for these legislative initiatives. You may locate your local representative by clicking on this link. Also, please cut and paste this message and send it to other advocates, friends, family members, clinicians who may not be aware of these initiatives and ask them to join us in this effort. Your call/letter could make the difference. (Click here for a sample letter)
I am pleased to announce that Matthew Margo, Senior Vice-President of Program Practices at CBS Television network, has indicated the network’s intention of continuing to air the public service announcements on postpartum depression throughout the new year. While the intention is educational, prosocial and to encourage women/families to reach out for help, the continuing national media exposure will help to mainstream our cause, with the potential to influence additional key support.
The weekend of January 19th, 2007 marks the annual PSI board retreat. Each committee chair will be presenting reports on current activities including, feedback from our amazing worldwide network of coordinators, curriculum development for training, expansion of 800 number services, public relations/media, finances, communications/website, advocacy, fundraising, the development of strategic partnerships and of course, our annual 2007 conference. We welcome your feedback for keeping PSI as relevant and responsive a worldwide resource/network as possible. You may email individual board members with your suggestions/concerns by visiting our board member page and clicking on email.
The highlights of the board retreat will be shared with all of you both in the February President’s Corner message and our PSI’s quarterly newsletter.
PSI continues to experience expansion in membership, coordinator applications and requests for linkage/partnerships. While donations have shown modest increase, we will be seeking major funding in the upcoming year for expansion of programs and services. Did you know that PSI has only one paid staff member although our volunteer base numbers in the hundreds? And the dedicated diligence of this pivotal staff member in Santa Barbara makes her worth her weight in gold! This is an astounding fact among non-profits of our size, reach and accomplishments. Low administrative overhead means contributed dollars directly fund programs/services an important consideration for potential donors.
Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy New Year!
Susan