In mid-2024, our Past President Julia A. McAninch initiated the move to recognize IACP members for extraordinary and unselfish service to IACP. This birthed the Heart of Service Award, which would be given to up to 5 members annually. The chosen ones would be gifted with a heart-shaped crystal that would be inscribed with the words "The Heart of Service Award" and the recipient's name.

It is a simple but thoughtful idea to recognize the selfless contribution of someone who gives their time, energy and skills without expectation. We, in our organization, have been extremely fortunate to have many members through the years who fulfill these criteria.

The award does not only recognize effort; more importantly, it is recognition of the spirit behind their contribution. Behind every act of service is the very human quality of kindness, generosity, empathy, reliability, humility and willingness to support others. For some, what was seen and valued has been their reliability in being there at every important event of IACP; for others, it has been them quietly contributing to our members and making the organization better by sharing generously in their knowledge and showing up in committees. Sometimes, their contribution has been supporting others in their journey in Collaborative Practice, building practice groups, leading and sustaining them through the years. Other times, their contribution shows up in them fostering and mentoring the trainers of IACP. Many of our members often contribute quietly behind the scenes. The Heart of Service Award tells them that their contribution has been noticed and matters. We see you.

When the Board wholeheartedly approved the recognition through the Heart of Service Award, there was an element of aspiration as well: that this award would inspire others to model the behavior and culture we, as an organization, would want to encourage. The very name, Heart of Service Award, was chosen because of the values that drive volunteer service and that our member community is often led by their hearts to do Collaborative work and spread the movement.

This year, for the first time, we have the pleasure of recognizing and honoring the 2026 recipients at Forum in Vancouver. These deserving and inspiring recipients will be celebrated for always stepping forward, authentically helping and contributing even when there is no obligation to do so, save for their own internal compass, loyalty and affinity to IACP, and their spirit of giving. We hope you will join us in Vancouver to celebrate these exceptional members. Together, we can say: we saw the way you served. We saw the generosity behind it. And you have reminded all of us of the kind of community we want to be.