As we enter the Christmas season and reflect on the past year it is difficult to summarize all the reasons why 2021 was such a remarkable time. The persistence and severity of the pandemic, economic hardship and inflation, geopolitical tensions and conflict, catastrophic weather events. The list is long, and the toll on humanity is huge.
Yet in the midst of all these difficulties the Christmas season serves to pull our attention back to the good things in our lives. For work and community and loved ones. The joy and dignity of simply being alive. For the endless opportunity we all have to serve those around us, not matter our surroundings or the situation we face.
The last 2 years have brought many feelings of loss. In particular, this past year was supposed to be the year of WOW’s great celebration of 100 years! We were supposed to have been together to celebrate and to conduct the business of our Congress. But for obvious reasons none of this was possible. And even now, with new variants causing further disruption, we may be far from a solution. We simply do not know when and how we will be together again.
In the midst of such hardships and uncertainty the purpose of message of WOW remains vital. Through community and collaboration, we find our way through these challenges. Our commitment to serving our members in all circumstances is a reflection of our respect for each and every worker. No matter what difficulties we face we will continue to focus on our values.
Our first 100 years was successful because of the strength and truth of our values. Our next 100 years will be successful for the same reason. In the midst of our current challenges let us anchor our hope in these things.
Thank you all for your ongoing support of WOW, and for your participation in our mission. I wish you all a calm and blessed Christmas and renewed energy for the year to come. I look forward to continuing to serve WOW as we enter 2022, and I remain very hopeful that we’ll be able to come together soon to celebrate our good work together.
Wayne Prins
President WOW
