By Sarah Patterson, MSc, CCLS
Each fall, the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) Board of Directors gathers to pause, reflect, and continue shaping the direction of our organization and profession. The November 2025 in-person meeting was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect as leaders, review our progress, and thoughtfully consider the work still ahead.
Over two days of discussion, collaboration, and decision-making, board members focused on strengthening ACLP’s strategic priorities, supporting members, and ensuring the association's long-term sustainability. Grounded in ACLP’s inclusivity commitments, conversations were guided by respect, shared leadership, and the belief that diverse perspectives strengthen our collective impact.
Honoring Progress While Planning for the Future
A central theme of the November meeting was balance and recognizing the progress already made while intentionally planning for future growth. The board reviewed updates from numerous committees and reflected on how each initiative contributes to the broader mission of advancing child life practice.
Continuing to Advance Strategic Priorities
The board spent time reviewing progress on the current strategic plan and identifying key priorities for the coming year. These conversations focused on strengthening ACLP’s financial health, redeveloping the Emotional Safety Initiative, and rebuilding collaborative partnerships that support both program innovation and long-term sustainability.
Equally important was the recognition that meaningful communication with members must remain central to this work. Plans were discussed to better understand member needs through surveys, educational planning strategies, and post-conference feedback, ensuring that ACLP initiatives remain responsive and relevant.
Embedding Equity and Accountability Across the Organization
Discussions also highlighted the importance of integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion into measurable organizational practices. The board explored opportunities for committees to engage in anti-racist and anti-bias training, develop clear evaluation criteria for awards, and establish consistent DEI metrics across association activities.
Additionally, the board considered ways to strengthen volunteer recruitment processes and board nomination timelines to support accessibility, transparency, and member participation in leadership pathways.
Strengthening Financial Understanding and Volunteer Support
Updates from our new ACLP staff provided valuable insight into the association’s financial position and budget development process. These discussions reinforced the board’s responsibility to steward member resources thoughtfully while also investing in initiatives that support professional growth and organizational sustainability.
Board members also began exploring more consistent approaches to supporting volunteers who represent ACLP at meetings or events, recognizing the importance of equitable access to leadership opportunities.
The board also welcomed updates from the Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC), reinforcing the strong collaboration between ACLP governance and CLCC credentialing leadership.
Looking Ahead Together
As the board concluded its November meeting, there was a shared sense of momentum and responsibility. The conversations held and decisions made reflect ACLP’s continued commitment to thoughtful leadership, inclusive practices, and supporting the evolving needs of our profession.
We recognize that the strength of the ACLP lies in its members. Your voices, experiences, and dedication to children and families shape the work we do. We encourage you to stay engaged, share feedback, and participate in the many opportunities to contribute to the future of child life.
Together, we will continue building a profession that is responsive, innovative, and grounded in compassionate care. Our next in-person board meeting will occur just before the ACLP annual conference.