Have you recently received details of the upcoming GANZ AGM? If not, please see below letter from Leanne O’Shea.

Dear Colleague

As we approach the GANZ AGM, I realise we are in a familiar place… vacancies on Council with not yet enough nominations to fill the gaps. Previously the AGM has occurred within the context of conference, so there has been an opportunity to speak with people, encouraging and cajoling them to step forward. Not so this time. Because the Hui/Gathering happened in May, we find ourselves in the unenviable position of having to conduct the AGM and the election of a new Council apart from the structure of a conference.

But if GANZ is to continue, we do need people willing to support the work of GANZ and the ongoing development of Gestalt in Australia and New Zealand to join the Council.

While we have received nomination for several positions on Council, three of the critical Executive positions will be vacant – the Secretary, the Treasurer and the President.

When I joined Council two years ago, it was with the intention of supporting a relatively new Council (in terms of experience) and the ongoing development of Gestalt training. Having previously held this role, I had no plan to become President. However, circumstances meant that within a very short space of time, I needed to step into this role. While I have been willing to continue to support GANZ in this way, it is not something that I want to continue and importantly, I think it is time for others to step into this and other key leadership roles. Therefore, I will not seek nomination for this position. However, it is a crucial role, and needs someone who has a vision for our Gestalt community. Some experience, particularly of GANZ is also important.

My invitation to you, as a community, is to consider taking up one of the Executive roles, or one of the other vacant positions. I’m confident that those who are planning to continue and the new people who have nominated, bring both a passion and commitment to the work of GANZ. But we/they are short on people with experience in GANZ, and at this point, the training centres are not as well represented as I think they need to be. So please do consider what you might be able to offer.

To that end, Council has been looking at ways to better support Council members to do their work. At present we are exploring the option of administrative support to lessen the time burden that several roles carry. We are also exploring the possibility of utilising some external support to assist the council to think about how they might more effectively work together given the various constraints of time and location. I say this, appreciating that joining Council is a commitment that requires some time and energy, but to make clear that we are thinking about ways to better support people in this work.

Just back from the EAGT Conference in Budapest, which was sold out at 800 participants, I feel both encouraged and inspired. Gestalt is truly alive and well, with people continuing to do interesting and important work, organizationally, clinically and in the area of research. And we have our own 2021 Conference to organize…

I would be saddened to see our GANZ Community falter because of a lack of support. But the reality is that without a functional Council, this will be what happens. So please do consider stepping forward and joining the GANZ Council.

If you would like further information or would like to discuss what might be possible, please feel free to call or email on ganz.membership@gmail.com

Wishing you all the best
Leanne

More information:
Brief description of Council roles
Nomination form

AGM details:

RSVP: I will attend the AGM in person

RSVP: I will attend the AGM online

RSVP: No, I will not be attending the AGM

Copyright © 2019 GANZ, All rights reserved.