Policy & Practice | Winter 2023

president’s memo By Tracy Wareing Evans

Humans Helping Humans: A Bright Future for Human Services F or 13 years now, this space in Policy & Practice has been a conduit to you—leaders across the United States who are committed to advancing

the well-being of people through the human services sector. As I write this final column, I’m reflecting with awe and humility at my time at APHSA. It’s been an incredible journey and one that has taken me all over the nation— to nearly 100 communities in 41 states, and the opportunity to meet thousands of remarkable people. Every day of the journey I have been reminded of the deep courage and tenacity it takes to lead in this space given the many headwinds facing our communities and our sector. I am continuously inspired by the sheer fortitude of leaders who choose to always lean in, advancing the mission with grace and courage no matter how tough their challenges.

My inspiration to write a book about human services stems in large part from the opportunity to contribute to Policy & Practice over the years with more than 75 columns and articles appearing on these pages. It’s been a place for me to share insights from amazing leaders, tell the story of our collective work, and dream big about what we can accomplish together.

If you know me, you’ve likely heard me say that we need our human serving systems to work for people, not for people to have to work the system . And, as Layla Zaidane, CEO of the Future Caucus, noted on a recent podcast episode of Our Dream Deferred : “Our systems were built by people. And, so, to change a system, you have to [first] believe in people.” I believe in each of you—as leaders who are part of an evolving human services system, bound together by what you collectively aspire for people and communities, and strengthened by the many perspectives and vantage points each of you brings to the table. I encourage you to continue to dream big and leave you with some words I hope will inspire your continued lead ership and action in advancing the future of human services [see Tracy’s Vision , page 36].

Human Services that are Human Centered and Community Driven

Embedded with a Workforce Culture of Safety, Well-Being, and Belonging

Our Desired State for Human Services n Led by people with lived experience n Driven by a fierce commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging

Aligned with Other Systems to Foster Thriving Communities

See President’s Memo on page 36

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Winter 2023 Policy & Practice