Opportunity.

Davis, Bob

This is the second time I have written about opportunity with the focus this time on the opportunity for professional development through participation in the Southern District AAHPERD (SD) convention in Virginia Beach. It has been several years since the other 12 Southern District states have met in Virginia. The closest the SD convention came recently was when VAHPERD co-sponsored the 2002 historic joint Southern District/Eastern District convention in Baltimore, Maryland. Southern District last met in Virginia way back in the 20th Century (1990 in Norfolk). Since you will be reading this in late November or early December, I am sure you have figured out there was no 2005 VAHPERD convention. When the district convention is in a state, the state convention is cancelled and much of the state's business (except elections) is held during the district convention.

This is an opportunity for professional development for a minimal financial investment. Besides the reduced travel expenses, the nice thing about having the convention in Virginia is the reduced registration fee for dual VAHPERD/AAHPERD members plus VAHPERD members do not have to joint AAHPERD to attend. After attending this great event, however, I think most state members will want to be a part of the national organization.

The convention is an opportunity to gain knowledge from your colleagues from the 12 other SD states. Add to this the opportunity to meet in the new Virginia Beach convention facility and you have an unbeatable combination. If you have not seen this state of the art convention facility, you will be shocked. For those who can remember the old facility, there is no similarity except the location. We will be one of the first groups to use this center.