Before there was Orbit, there was Action. If you’ve been a member of this association for longer than two years, you knew that. But you may be surprised to see that name adorning this magazine again.
To celebrate our 60th year, we wanted to pay homage to our past, even as we move ahead, and so we are reclaiming the name of the magazine that for many years brought members news of their association’s efforts on behalf of people with spinal cord injury or disease (SCI/D).
The new Action will differ from Orbit in more than just name. It will have a new look and slightly different content. With this issue, we go full color from cover to cover, add pages to create more breathing room around the text, and change the overall look to make Action’s articles more inviting and reader friendly. We’re also adding a news section in the front of the magazine, for short items, breaking news, announcements of upcoming events and other quick takes.
In the back, we’re adding columns on subjects we hope you’ll find relevant to your life. This month, we present a column by Beth Livingston called Growing Pains, in which she relates the trials and tribulations of going through young adulthood with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tamar Sherman introduces her new column about working or looking for work with SCI. And we’re inaugurating our New and Newsworthy Product report. Other new columns will be introduced as the year progresses.
In the center section, each issue will feature articles on a different theme, beginning with our 60th Anniversary special this month. In upcoming months, Action will have special features on winter and summer sports, accessible homes, health and fitness, veterans issues, assistive technology, and much more.
Throughout the year, we will look back on this organization’s 60-year history so that our long-term members don’t forget and our newest members understand that this association has been at the forefront of the fight for the rights of Americans with disabilities from the very beginning. And to celebrate United Spinal’s incredible diversity, we’ll be shining spotlights on members in each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico. (If you or someone you know is a member from an unusual location, please let us know!)
These changes, we think, will make Action more inviting to members. Please let us know what you think! I encourage you to drop me a line via e-mail (action@unitedspinal.org) or regular mail (United Spinal Action, 75-20 Astoria Boulevard, Jackson Heights, NY 113701177). I look forward to hearing from you!
Chris Pierson
Managing Editor
