The November issue of FaithConnect falls midstream in my time as EMO’s Acting President. Our board of directors has chosen a new President of EMO, who won’t arrive until Dec. 14. Thus, we find ourselves in that “already but not quite yet” phase—like kids eagerly awaiting presents to drop down the chimney! Our new President will be introduced within the next few days. Be on the lookout for the announcement in your inbox.
On Nov. 30, we will gather for our first in-person World AIDS Day event in three years – a free pancake breakfast at our own HIV Day Center. Also this month, our Northeast Emergency Food Program welcomes its new manager, Jon Makler—just in time to help a host of volunteers transition to post-pandemic operations and meet the critical holiday season of need.
Meanwhile, our Development team is preparing critical year-end appeals, and our Finance team is putting the finishing touches on next year’s $7 million budget targeting the needs of tens of thousands of clients. Our Public Policy and Creation Justice staff and volunteers are gearing up for the 2023 Oregon Legislative Session that begins on Jan. 17, Oregon Interfaith Earth Summit in February, and Interfaith Advocacy Day in May.
I especially want to highlight our amazing Board of Directors. These 21 dedicated and skilled volunteers meet year-round in board and committee meetings to provide EMO stellar oversight. On Nov. 16, they meet again to approve our 2023 budget and legislative priorities. Immediately after, Sean Langdon, our Chair-Elect who has led our Presidential Search Committee, leaves us for a new assignment in the Midwest. Hats off to Sean and all this great team who have delivered us this next chapter we’ve all been waiting for!
