By Elana Brewer, MS, CCLS

“Change is the only constant in life.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, and in many ways, it reflects the moment we’re living in—both within healthcare and within our profession.

Across hospitals and health systems, child life specialists continue to adapt to evolving patient needs, new technologies, and shifting healthcare environments. Through it all, the work of child life professionals continues to make a profound difference for children and families. Every day, our members demonstrate creativity, resilience, and compassion in the face of challenges, and that commitment is something our entire profession can take pride in.

Like the field itself, ACLP continues to evolve. As the association grows and adapts to meet the needs of members and the profession, we regularly evaluate how our programs, resources, and structures can best support the child life community. Change can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but it also creates opportunities for fresh ideas, stronger systems, and broader participation from the professionals who make this field so impactful.

At ACLP, progress happens because of the engagement and leadership of volunteers.

ACLP committees and volunteer contributors drive the initiatives that move our profession forward—from expanding professional education and advancing research to strengthening member engagement and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Volunteers help develop resources, guide programs, and contribute to the strategic priorities that shape the association’s work.

That’s why I want to encourage you to consider answering this year’s call for volunteers.

ACLP is seeking passionate members who are interested in sharing their skills and expertise.  Any individual in the child life community who is an ACLP member can apply for up to two committees, as well as express interest in being a content contributor to publications, webinars, or other opportunities. The application includes demographic information along with questions designed to match your interests, knowledge, and experience with the right volunteer need.

Volunteering is more than a service opportunity. It’s a chance to connect with colleagues across the profession, contribute your perspective, and help shape the future direction of our practice. Every evolution and innovation in ACLP’s history has been the result of members bringing their ideas, experiences, and leadership to the table.

As we continue strengthening ACLP’s work and supporting our members, we’re focusing on several practical steps to ensure we’re moving forward in a way that reflects the needs of the community.

• Listening actively: You recently received an invitation to complete a survey about your experience with ACLP. I encourage you to take five minutes to complete it! We are soliciting feedback to understand where pain points are most acute and where improvements will matter most. Listening is critical to building solutions that actually address member needs.
  
• Prioritizing quick wins and long-term fixes: We’re working to identify changes that can be implemented quickly to reduce daily friction, such as streamlining the number of customer service email addresses, bringing on more service support staff, and enhancing Scout’s AI search functions, while also mapping out larger, structural improvements that will take more time but yield greater strategic benefit.
  
• Increasing transparency: We want you to know what changes are underway, why they’re needed, and what realistic timelines look like. We’re prioritizing clear communication to reduce anxiety and earn your trust.
  
• Engaging volunteers: Volunteers bring institutional knowledge and community credibility. We’re involving volunteer leaders in solution design so that changes are aligned with member priorities.

The future of ACLP and of our profession depends on the collective energy and engagement of the child life community. When members step forward to share their ideas and expertise, the association becomes stronger and better equipped to support Certified Child Life Specialists and the families we serve.

As your president, I’m grateful for the dedication you bring to your work every day. I encourage you to consider getting involved, sharing your perspective, and contributing your talents through volunteering. If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to me at president@childlife.org.