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Hello, friends. If we were sitting together right now, I’d probably ask, how are you doing? And maybe, how are you really doing? Because this season in early childhood feels heavy, confusing, and sometimes a little bit lonely. That’s why my February message is about staying connected.
When I think about our theme, Uniting our Purpose: Lifting our Voices, I don’t envision standing behind a podium with a microphone in some huge auditorium. I picture conversations like this, early childhood professionals coming to the table together, even when the conversations are hard.
Being part of AECA isn’t just about a conference. It’s about belonging. It’s about knowing you’re carrying this work forward and you’re not alone. When you renew your membership or join us for the very first time, you’re helping move advocacy forward. You’re keeping our voices present at tables where big decisions are being made. You’re saying our work matters and so do the people doing it.
The best ideas in AECA don’t come from formal meetings. They come from stories from the field. They come from you. Local affiliates and committees are where that happens. Those are smaller tables, easier conversations, and real opportunities to shape the work in ways that are passionate to you. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to care.
February also brings us an opportunity to honor Black educators and leaders during Black History Month. We’ll be sharing spotlights and stories on our social media throughout the month.
Before we finish our tea, I want to invite you to do one or more of the following things. Join AECA or renew your membership. Join your local affiliate or join a committee that you’re passionate about. And finally, ask a colleague to join us at the table. Your voice matters at AECA, and we’re better because you’re a part of us. Thank you for pulling up a chair with me.
Julie Yarberry
President of AECA
Connect with me at president@arkansasearlychildhood.org
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