This
has been another very busy year at IMPACT Chicago, with new people
coming onboard, an anniversary and, as always, the dedicated group of
volunteers and graduates.
This year has been one of transition. Martha
Thompson, IMPACT Chicago’s Executive Director for over 20 years, stepped
down from that position October 1. She worked tirelessly for decades to build
the organization and bring it to prominence. Her transition from the
position was smooth. She has not left IMPACT, however, because she
continues to work with the instructor team and will bring her experience
and expertise to various new committees IMPACT is forming.
We were able to celebrate Martha at the 25th
Anniversary this October—25 years of bringing safety to women and
girls. What an accomplishment! All of you are the reason we could
celebrate, as we did, with muggings and seminars in the morning and
afternoon, lunch and a very moving Closing Circle, where Martha was at
the center...a symbol of her continuing role in IMPACT.
It has been a year of continued strength in our course offerings,
with Core Programs, Workshops, Advanced Courses and more. IMPACT
Chicago continues to look for ways to expand its work while keeping true
to the mission.
For that reason, also, the IMPACT Board will have a new look and feel
coming in 2013. The Executive Director position will be phased out, in
favor of a series of working groups that will report to the Board as a
whole. This structure better represents the organizational philosophy
of IMPACT, as we move towards the future. As Executive Director, Martha
brought unique skills to the table. As we continue, teams will work on
individual aspects of IMPACT’s mission in a spirit of collaboration.
Please know that IMPACT Chicago will continue to have a Board structured
to respect its non-profit status.
And as it is a year of transition, I, too, will be transitioning from
the Board of IMPACT. It has been a privilege to chair this Board for 5
years now. As the Board moves to a new structure, I know it will
continue to find innovative ways of making IMPACT even better than ever.
I know I’ll be “on the mat” cheering as I read, like you, about all
the great things IMPACT’s future holds.
I wish you a wonderful, safe New Year- filled with possibilities.
Chair, Board of Directors 2007-2012
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