JULY NEWSLETTER

Thank you for attending the AGM. I extend my gratitude to all volunteers, especially the 2023 Council, for their work today. Your presence fills me with joy and hope. I am humbled and grateful to all our awardees and those who have supported AFCA over the years. You all truly deserve our recognition.

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The pandemic has profoundly impacted all of us. Many have struggled with stress, isolation, and family health issues. Last summer, the Presidents' group met to deliberate on what actions could be taken and how they could provide assistance. Sadly, Vance and Cecil have departed, and some are dealing with family concerns. We are adapting to a new normal, and it is increasingly important to remember that you are not alone. We are here to offer support and encouragement.
 

AFCA-BC was founded primarily on collegial support and friendship. The founders envisioned AFCA-BC as an organization that shares knowledge, skills, and time to assist members in achieving a fulfilling accounting career. Our focus is not solely on reaching the top—though that is commendable when it occurs. Our emphasis is on being a supportive community for our members, as we have all navigated similar paths.

We fondly recall those who aided us during our transitions and recognize the need to return to our foundational purpose.

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1. The first step is to form a Council composed of both senior and junior members. We have achieved this for 2024.
    

2. The second step is to enhance our relationships as friends and family—to connect, discover, and encourage one another. We learn together.

   • Connecting more leads to growth and enrichment through the presence of familiar, supportive faces.

   • Through listening, we uncover a capacity for compassion and the discovery of gifts in our relationships.

   • Encouraging others empowers and affirms them.
      

3. To facilitate this, the third step is to reboot the way we operate.

   • We pivot to a participative approach where everyone plays a role. Our meetings aim to be creative, fun, and supportive of each other’s soft skills and talents. Collaboration and collective brainstorming are key.

   • With your help, we aim to create circles or groups for participation and engagement. This includes collaboration, learning, and sharing skills/knowledge.

   • The Council, focusing on three main events—AGM and Ethics CPD in the fall, Christmas in July, and Tax Clinic in the spring—is just one of these circles.

   • Through Café-AFCA, we can form circles of engagement for friendships, networking, mentoring, and discussing CPD topics such as technical matters, careers, office issues, social and mental health tips, hobbies, books, and PD learning insights. We will document these events for CPD purposes.

   • We also appoint special ambassadors. Rita de la Cruz has been pivotal for the tax clinic, and Mary Tecson will oversee the BC accreditation process.
      

Stay tuned for more news. Please call or email us your ideas and comments. We will respond.

Finally, let’s take pride in AFCA’s family values. Spouses are automatically auxiliary members according to our constitution. Our families contribute to our diversity, strength, and joy. Let’s nurture this and welcome their contributions. Together, we take intentional small steps to affirm our foundational purpose and values.