25 Years On: Revisiting “Wishes and Resolves for the New Year”

In this issue, Voices looks back to the dawn of a new millennium, when the late Susan J. Ellis shared her hopes for the future of our profession. In her January 2000 column, “Wishes and Resolves for the New Year,” Ellis challenged associations, networks and practitioners in Volunteer Engagement to act with courage and collaboration—to build stronger professional identity, amplify advocacy and embrace technology’s emerging potential for connection and learning.

A quarter-century later, we invite today’s Leaders of Volunteer Engagement to reflect: Which of Ellis’ wishes have come true, and which remain unfinished business? Have we truly moved from aspiration to action in professional development, collective advocacy and global collaboration? What progress do we celebrate—and what bold resolves will carry us into 2026 and beyond? This reflection continues the dialogue Ellis began, reminding us that professional evolution is both a legacy and a living promise.

Available November 14