Angela King’s Farewell Column as ANCOR President

ANCOR’s Board President, Signing Off

This is my last LINKS article as President of ANCOR, and what a journey it has been! 

When I became the ANCOR Board President in 2016, I never imagined the civil upheaval we would experience or our need to reenergize our advocacy efforts at the national level. Truly, the last two years have been a pivotal time in our country as we examine the basic functions of Medicaid, the rights of people with disabilities to live in communities, and the future of our workforce—issues we considered settled years ago. 

I stated in our recent Board meeting, “it’s time to find a hill to die on” as we engage in political discussions and advocacy. We cannot wait on heroes to emerge to rescue us from the rhetoric of hate and division. We must speak up loudly and often to remind—not only our elected representatives, but our friends and family members—that all people have the right to participate fully in our communities and to have choices in their daily lives. We must defend the vulnerable and demand social justice, because if we don’t, then who will? 

Our voice is magnified by joining together with likeminded colleagues in ANCOR. Together we will continue to make a difference!

ANCOR extends its deepest gratitude to Angela for her service to the association during her two years as President, and is so grateful that she will continue serving on the Board as Immediate Past President. Thank you, Angela!

Angela King is CEO of Volunteers of America Texas and ANCOR’s Board President (until September 30, when her term ends). She can be reached at [email protected].