Sixty years ago, on May 22, 1946, our founders held the first official meeting of this organization. They probably could not have imagined what would come of it, our great successes in advocating for wheelchair access, the tens of millions of dollars invested in research, the advances in technology, to name just a few. But there is one constant from then to now: the tradition of members, whether on staff or on our Board, helping others with spinal cord impairments lead full and independent lives. We thank them all and salute them-from our founders down to our present Board members-for their faithful service. And we urge all members to read the candidate’s statements you will be receiving for this month’s Board election and vote.
As our transition from a regional to a national organization continues, we saw that it was necessary to revise our mission statement to accurately reflect our strengths and our goals:
The mission of United Spinal Association is to provide expertise, create access to resources and strengthen hope, thereby enabling people with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) to fulfill their potential as active members of their communities.
Vision: United Spinal will be the recognized national center of excellence offering information, education, access to resources, policy consultation and expertise regarding SCI/D. United Spinal’s vision is realized through exceptional programs that include:
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• Benefit counseling services for veterans, non-veterans and their families;
• Developing and implementing mission consistent entrepreneurial and employment opportunities;
• Establishing and maintaining a national integrated Peer Support Network;
• Establishing and maintaining a national database of SCI/D resources;
• Educational programs for members and families;
• Technical assistance, accessibility consultation, advocacy and training for private, government and non-profit sectors;
• Award winning publications and websites;
• Designing and implementing mission consistent staff development program;
• Catalytic involvement in recreational and competitive athletic activities;
• Collaborative relationships with physicians, nurses, psychologists, social workers, rehabilitation counselors and other health care providers serving the SCI/D community; and
• Being an active voice on behalf of men, women and children with spinal cord injuries and disorders.
I welcome your input or comments on our newly adopted Mission/Vision statements. Please drop me a line at gkelly@unitedspinal.org or by snail mail, or give me a call. Happy spring!
Gerard M. Kelly
Executive Director
