I love the ACOFP Congress of Delegates so much. It is held the day before the Annual Conference and Scientific Convention every year. It takes months of planning and comes and goes in a matter of hours, just like Christmas morning.
The Congress of Delegates is ACOFP's deliberative legislative body, made up of delegations from each affiliate or state society. This assembly plays a pivotal role in shaping the direction of the organization through its decision-making processes. They deliberate on critical issues, set policies, and chart the course for the future of osteopathic family medicine, as well as electing new officers to the ACOFP Board of Governors.
Representing their state or region as a delegate can be one of the first leadership roles those new to ACOFP engage in. Students and residents also get involved, writing resolutions for consideration or standing to be introduced as one of the Congress rituals.
Waking up to the day of Congress, everything is prepared. All the lists have been checked and double checked. There’s an anxious anticipation in the air. Just like our family traditions, the ebb and flow of the day follows the same format every year. At home for Christmas, we open gifts in the same order. At Congress, we have the business of the day run in order. There is a well thought out structure to the day, so it flows seamlessly.
The day of ACOFP Congress of Delegates is my proudest day to be a DO every year. Using the language of Robert’s Rules of Order and medical terminology, there is the creation of a biosphere which contains people who have more in common than not. Each person at the COD has applied to an osteopathic medical school, completed the curriculum, and sworn the Oath. There are few places on Earth where a roomful of people has such a common experience.
During the business of the day, there resounds a respectful discourse to disagree and move forward. The quiet hush of the room is special while the scripted standing and sitting and thinking and praying together is completed. With joy, the member recites an osteopathic pledge and Pledge of Allegiance.
It took me a few sessions at ACOFP Congress of Delegates to really appreciate the wonders of the day. Just like Christmas, when the child becomes the parent, you have a better understanding of the Work to pull off a few hours of an event. Now, I can appreciate each Resolution for its intent, each ACOFP staff member for their contribution (thanks, Annie!), and see how the ACOFP Congress of Delegates sets the tone for the year ahead.
