John Booker
Attending the American Society on Aging (ASA) and the National Council on Aging’s joint “Aging in America” conference this past week in Chicago reminded me why the Direct Care Alliance is so important to every direct care worker in this country. It was also clear to me and so many others that the Direct Care Alliance has come so far in just one year.
As a member of ASA’s New Ventures in Leadership (NVL) Class of 2010, my perspective as a direct care worker; as a founding member of the Direct Care Alliance; and a graduate of the Voices Institute gave me an advantage and a different perspective than the thousands of other attendees.
Discussions about the work of the DCA over this past year could be heard in the hallways and convention rooms throughout the conference. In special sessions, attendees marveled at some of the Voices Institute graduates and the work they are producing. I was personally acknowledged as a VI grad by my peers in the ASA’s NVL program, which was designed for emerging minority leaders in the field of aging. It was an honor to represent direct care workers and the Voices Institute in such a distinguished way.
By the time the conference came to a close, the conversations had became louder about the work of the Direct Care Alliance. In this spirit, I acknowledged the DCA and its Executive Director, Leonila Vega, during a private session attended by major funders from around the country.
What a difference a year makes. The Direct Care Alliance has made some incredible strides, and these advances wouldn’t be possible without the support of workers, consumers and allies. DCA is leading a movement, and this year promises to be even better. With the emergence of the DCA as a force for change, I – along with so many other Voices Institute graduates – pledge to keep the spirit of this movement alive.
John,
Than you for these lovely and inspiring words. I enjoy working with you soo much. I look forward to our next project together. It is great to hear and see how far you and the many direct care workers from all over the country have accomplished with the Direct Care Alliance. Keep it up!
John i couldn’t agree with you more. This is the start of something big. The more workers we can get to stand up and tell their story the better and faster we will move. Congrats DCA.
John, You are so right. It is inspiring to hear about the great strides the DCA is making and thanks for your leadership.
John, you couldn’t be more right. I have been on the DCA Board for quite some time now. The powerful changes the DCA has made since we got our 501c3 and hired the Executive Director Leonila Vega, has been amazing. We are involved in multiple states, the Voices Institute, working with public policy in D.C. and last but not least we have a former dcw as Chair and a direct care worker as Vice Chair. The DCA is an excellent model of multiple constituents coming together and trusting to have 2 direct care workers in lead positions on the Board. To say how great it feels to have these wonderful people surrounding us, encouraging our leadership skills and trusting that we are intelligent is an understatement. I just want to thank the rest of the DCA Board and Leonila for doing a job well done.
Jennifer Craigue- Board Chair of the DCA Board of Directors
Thank you John to fighting every single day for the Direct Care Worker.