President's Message: Are you taking full advantage of your OBA community?

  • June 09, 2021
  • Charlene Theodore

We like to say at the OBA that there is “opportunity in community,” and we are dedicated to helping you leverage all that belonging to this diverse and dynamic, experienced and insightful, generous and compassionate community affords. This past year has inspired – well, let’s be honest, compelled – us to be even more creative in the ways we connect with members and channel camaraderie into constructive and engaging interaction.

With some great suggestions and outstanding support from members – not to mention dedicated partners and dazzling participants, speakers and teachers – the OBA has developed such an array of events to connect over shared interests outside the practice of law, we had to build an entire Community Hub to house them all.

We have brought members from across the province together, virtually and vitally, to talk about books and ‘meet’ accomplished authors, to master new mock-tails and explore wine-growing regions from the comfort of home; to pick up a paintbrush and get creative with family; to share ups and downs and indispensable advice around parenting and caregiving; and to hone impressive culinary skills while helping to feed community members in need. 

Those who have taken part have expressed great appreciation at having a chance to try something new, to take a break from work and home routine, and be entertained, educated and encouraged alongside lawyer friends – new and old – in stimulating, supportive, sometimes surprising activities.

The OBA community provides all kinds of professional advantages – business referrals from the best legal network, bar none; countless CPD programs to take your career to the next level; mentors, advisors and allies aplenty – but I believe the personal benefits to be gained from taking part in community-building initiatives are just as valuable. Or, at least, they are a key component of our mission to serve the ‘whole’ lawyer – to bring you the sense of balance and belonging you need to replenish, reconnect and renew your passion for legal practice.

This expansive OBA community, which comprises so many overlapping and  engaged communities, is energetic, empowering, fierce and fearless in standing up and speaking out for what matters – you need look no further than to our #StandingOnTheShouldersOfGiants profiles for evidence of that. We’re an inexhaustible resource that you can tap into at any time – for regular recharge or emergency boost.

If you have an idea for an OBA community-building event, email us at covid19@oba.org and let us do the legwork!