Dear NAPO Colleagues,

As I reflect on the incredible success of NAPO2021 and write my final message to you as your NAPO President, I think it’s only fitting that I take this opportunity to share some of my “State of NAPO” address from the annual meeting.

Two years ago, I stood before you in Fort Worth Texas and began my journey as NAPO President. At that time, I asked that you celebrate with me — the value of NAPO, the value of us AND the value we, as NAPO members, bring to others. You embraced that theme then, and you have continued to embrace it, especially over the past twelve months. 

Today, I want to celebrate you-the NAPO members. NAPO is all of us, not just the Board, or our HQ Team or our volunteers. Together through our connections, we create value for ourselves and see value in one another. 

What makes NAPO unique is what makes us strong. Our embracing of Foresight helps us be able to pivot and do what needs to be done. Members are helping members, our relationships are continuing to grow, and we are stronger when we rely on each other. We are connected and support one another in even more ways.

Take Point for example. I did some digging around, primarily in the Member Connect and Golden Circle communities. Did you know that there is at least one job referral post per day in those two communities? That doesn’t even include the referral requests going on among chapters or internally among colleagues. These requests are everything ranging from help on a job in a certain zip code or city; to help working with clients who have chronic disorganization or special needs; to help working with varied technology tools.

And, for every referral request, there are multiple responses. You all respond to each other when the ask shows up, offering your own services or suggesting the services of others. You should be proud of what you’re doing for one another. Daily, there are numerous discussion threads, where members are providing resources to each other, everything from products, to technology tools, to systems and processes, to starting, building and sustaining a business. How fortunate that you’ve created an “organizing and productivity” search engine that competes with the likes of Google and helps other members be successful.

And, then there are the Golden Circle “Toot Your Horn” and the Member Connect “Product Plug and Service Splash.” How thrilling is it to see all of your accomplishments and how exciting is to acknowledge them!

And, what about our Chapters! Having pivoted to a virtual model, you’ve opened your programs up to all members at little or no cost. The quality of these programs has been incredible and geared toward professionals on all levels. Congratulations to all of you who are active in 29 chapters and have kept this vital part of NAPO strong. 

Many of you have volunteered your time and resources as speakers for programs on the chapter and national level – everything from free member classes and webinars, to free social media live events. These are just more ways that you’ve continued to show your support for each other.

Throughout the past year, you have found more ways than ever to stay connected with each other, your families, your friends and your clients. With the click of a mouse and often without leaving home, you can be there for those who need you, probably more so than before. Think about all the weddings, graduations and memorial services you’ve been able to experience, because you could do so from your homes. 

And, think about all those clients to whom you are able to offer your services and guidance. Quickly you’ve adapted to new ways of working with your clients. Many of you are working virtually when it makes sense. Those of you who are working in-person, have established policies and protocols for doing so safely. You’ve made your profession work for you.

As much as we all like to travel and experience life face to face, there’s a place for easy and uncomplicated. How fitting that we, as professional organizers and productivity consultants, would find new ways to simplify our lives. We have a renewed sense of what is really important, what really matters. In doing so, we have re-affirmed the value of our relationships with family, friends, clients, and colleagues. 

Because of all of you, NAPO is here today and will continue to be here tomorrow. We are a strong association whose members represent the best of our ever-changing and growing profession and who are dedicated to helping people and organizations bring order and efficiency to their lives.

I want to thank you for giving me the incredible opportunity to serve as your NAPO President and lead this extraordinary association. Although these past two years have been different than I anticipated, the one constant has been knowing that we are all tightly connected through NAPO. As I’ve noted before, the more things change, the more they stay the same. We are still connecting with one another, learning from each other, and creating meaningful, intentional and lasting connections. As I move into the role of Past President, I want you to know that each of you and all of you have played a part of my unforgettable experience as your NAPO leader. I am grateful to call you my valued colleagues and friends.

Warm regards,

Susie Hayman