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A Love Letter to Ohio Advocates
I have the unenviable task to share that I will be stepping away from AOF this summer for a challenging new step in my career. I've been given permission to write a Hallmark-worthy farewell to this community that I have had the privilege of working alongside these recent years. What an amazing group of passionate, devoted, resilient, smart people who spend their careers trying to make life for Ohioans better, one step at a time.
In this work, sometimes progress is measured in inches, or just in the ability to maintain past progress. Sometimes that progress is unraveled and you have to start over. And when it does come, success is almost always years in the making. But even on the hardest days, this community of advocates shows up for each other and keeps working towards a vision of all that Ohio can be and achieve.
From our research, AOF is a kind of unicorn in the advocacy world. We couldn't find another state with a currently-operating statewide coalition, let alone one that has existed for 15 years, that broadly touches on almost every aspect of health and human services.
Of course, then, it won't be surprising that this has been the most unique and challenging role of my career. I have met so many incredible people and been welcomed as a de facto member of so many organizations at their events and team outings. I've connected with AOF members over professional wins and losses, and personal wins and losses.
Collaboration is a muscle that takes time and practice to build, and AOF members are the strongest people I know. I think Ohio is lucky to have so many expert advocates protecting health and human services. And I've been incredibly lucky to have been so fully shaped by my experience at AOF.
How can you not be romantic about a job like this? Which is why this is a love letter, to all of you reading this, for being part of this journey for me. Thank you. Even on the hardest days in this work, please remember that you are not alone!
This of course means we are now seeking applicants to manage AOF! Please help spread the word and the job description below with anyone interested. This is a special community and I can't wait to meet the next Coalition Manager.
Sarah Hudacek, Outgoing AOF Coalition Manager
Update from AOF's Co-Chairs
This is an important time in Ohio advocacy for so many reasons. There is incredible work happening across the health and human services sector in Ohio, and AOF offers a place for us to share our work, advocate together, and support each other. In a time when the work is changing faster than ever, we all need a community to sustain us. AOF is a unique endeavor that brings together organizations committed to protecting Ohio's most vulnerable populations and providing a place for those voices to unite.
We offer our sincere thanks to Sarah Hudacek, for tirelessly supporting the coalition in every way possible during her tenure and fostering a culture of sharing, resilience and solidarity. She has been a fearless leader for advocates and we wish her all the best in her next steps.
As Sarah passes the baton, we are energized and excited about the future of this coalition. We look forward to welcoming a new Coalition Manager this summer and continuing the work.
We encourage anyone interested to apply by May 13th, especially candidates from underrepresented communities. Come join the work to build Ohio's future.
Charlotte Rudolph, UHCAN-Ohio & Danielle DeLeon Spires, Ohio Poverty Law Center