About
Community Networks
Bringing Together Non-Clinical Groups
The Academy recognizes the value that special interest
groups (SIGs) can provide in terms of community and collaboration. Under the
approved Council model structure, current SIGs that are not clinically focused
will become virtual, self-sufficient Community Networks.
A concern of the AAPM&R Board of Governors has been and
remains how to facilitate the Academy’s responsibility for the aspect of
membership that is social, or at least non-clinical. The answer came from its
inspection of the SIG structure.
Community Networks
To encourage and maintain networking among non-clinical SIGs, these groups will
become “Community Networks.” Community Networks will be Academy-wide, across
Councils, but will be virtual groups, utilizing electronic networking almost
entirely. The Academy will continue to provide the electronic connections for
these groups to interact like the current listserves, and expand virtual
networking opportunities in the future. Community Networks will not be required
to convene business meetings; however, they will have space to meet during the
Annual Assembly if desired.
Community Networks will allow valuable interaction among physiatrists. They will
help to build the sense of community in ways that the Councils cannot. While the
Academy will not eschew its fundamental role as a professional organization,
neither can it ignore the significant contributions and uniting influence of the
social interactions among non-clinical interest groups. The infrastructure of
Community Networks will encourage that level of stability.
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