President’s Message | Brian Thomas Romo (2022-23)

Every generation grows and learns in worlds unlike the generations before them. We see these shifts defined by decades of cultural flashpoints that shake public consciousness. The last decade alone has been filled with tremendous grief, frustration, and uncertainty. However, we cannot forget that above all we are in a moment of incredible opportunity to shape the future for another generation.

Investing in an equable and environmentally sustainable future is powerful and effective, but we are running out of time. Our investments must meet the moment by ensuring the health and wellbeing of individuals, children, and families in every way that we can. This is done through ensuring everyone has a right to universal healthcare, housing, childcare, and a quality public education that goes beyond the standard K-12 system. It means communities in our region are developed with climate ready infrastructure in mind and that public safety is reimagined using a lens of compassion and rehabilitation.

We have been given the opportunity to rebuild our institutions with justice, equity, and opportunity at the center. The future of our youth and our region relies on the commitment that marginalized voices and the voices of those most vulnerable to systemic oppression are now the driving forces of public policy and administration. It is critical that we do better and be better in providing a future that works for everyone. We cannot wait for someone else to solve the future. We must act now and we must act together.