Dear GLR Community,
As you know, the GLR Strategic Planning process has brought about the planting, cultivation and care of many seeds of change within the region. The GLR Nominations and Elections Commission is happy to share that the slate for nominations of our GLR elected officers is officially open and will remain open through December 19th. Voting will take place in early February, with our new elected officers beginning their work at the conclusion of the 2025 GLR Conference.
The GLR Executive Committee is committed to practices that aim to increase diversity and equity in the nomination and election process, as well as the makeup of all GLR Leadership. Our new election processes are the result of careful consideration and collaborations, including discussion and approval from the executive committee and a vote by the membership. We hope that you will watch the Election Town hall meeting recording from earlier this week, review the presentation and remind yourself of the duties of our elected officers to learn about our NEW process and reflect on how YOU plan to engage in it.
We hope the community will consider and reflect upon the following as we begin this process:
- The commission encourages all AMTA professional, honorary life and retired Members living and working in the GLR to consider how their service can further the vision, mission and core values of the GLR. Each of us has SUPERHERO POWERS that can help to extend the GLR’s season of change. Which of our commission’s SUPERHERO POWERS do you have?
- The commission asks that all AMTA Members reflect on the skills, life experience, knowledge and personal characteristics of their music therapy community members. Who in YOUR network will YOU encourage to run for an elected office? Does someone you know need a reminder from you of the SUPERHERO qualities they have that qualify them for office?
- The commission hopes that all AMTA members will consider and share with their employer some of the benefits that THEY will experience with YOU in a GLR Leadership role. Remember, your service to the GLR can offer growth and development both in your workplace and in your personal life, too.
As mentioned, nominations will be accepted through the Self- Nominations Google Form. Candidates are asked to reflect on and answer questions that are general as well as specific to the position they are interested in. All self-nominations are due December 19th, by 11:59 PM CST.
Anonymized Slate of Nominees
Please note that as part of the new process approved by our membership, the GLR has adopted the use of an anonymized slate of nominees in elections. We understand that this is a relatively small profession and anonymity cannot be guaranteed. Before the candidate information is shared with the community, members of the Nominating Commission will review submissions and may contact the candidate for clarification. However, the commission will only make edits to candidate statements with direct conversation and consent.
As with the planting of any new item in a garden for the first time, we know that there could be apprehension, uncertainty, and curiosity about what lie ahead. We acknowledge that our process will not be perfect but are invested in learning and stretching together to reach our shared goal of continuing the GLR’s season of growth and change. Thank you in advance for YOUR robust involvement in our process. We’re confident that together, we will flourish with the combination of our rich roots AND the new seeds we’re planting. Moving forward in this process, feel free to reach out your Nominations and Elections Commission with any questions at Elections@glr-amta.org.
Warm regards,
GLR Nominations and Elections Commission
Edie Hardin, M.Ed., MT-BC
Hannah Hunziker, MT-BC
Laura Kuper, MT Intern
Mark Richins, MM, MT-BC
Melaine Pohlman, MT-BC, Chair
