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This is an exciting time for Ayurveda in the West. Perhaps you’ve never thought of accreditation as exciting? If not, hear me out. Accreditation is a critical step on the journey toward recognition and licensure for Ayurveda in the US. NAMAC has taken on this task, and the process is already well underway. In the next few years, we expect to see Ayurveda assume its rightful place among the other healing arts and sciences in the West. An important step in this process is assuring the public and the US government that peer-reviewed Ayurvedic education measures up as a modern, professional medical training. In September 2018, I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the newly launched National Ayurvedic Medical Accreditation Council. Almost five years later, I’m beginning my second full term as a hands-on working president, with a highly engaged Board of Directors, and NAMAC is a thriving accrediting body, serving Ayurvedic schools, students, and the community at large. We are very fortunate indeed to have an amazing Executive Director in Lisa Cavallaro, Psy.D. If you don't know Lisa, I recommend you get in touch. We also have a very strong Board of Directors, which we are looking forward to strengthening even further. NAMAC is an independent, diverse organization with a mandate to represent the interests of all stakeholders in the Ayurvedic community. We currently have directors and advisory council members from a number of stakeholder groups, and we are actively seeking new members to further expand our diversity. We’re also in the process of changing our name. You’ve probably noticed that NAMAC looks and sounds a lot like NAMA. The similarity often causes people to conflate the two organizations. We are separate organizations, and it is important that we publicly show our independence as an accrediting body. We expect a name change will help clear up any confusion. Look for an announcement coming soon. We’ve come a long way in just under 5 years. We see some bumps in the road ahead, and there are likely some unseen hazards, too. But accreditation is a critical step toward legitimacy and licensure for Ayurveda that failure is not an option. Between our Executive Director, Board of Directors, and our new Advisory Council, we’ve got a very strong team and our success as the accrediting body for Ayurveda in the US is no longer in question. In fact, we already have a number of programs in candidacy for accreditation, and there are new programs applying all the time. It’s been a good ride so far. Stressful at times, but mostly instructive and surprisingly rewarding. Would you like to help?
There are a number of ways you can put your shoulder to the wheel. 1. Money: It’s an old story: We have some, but we need some more. We’re playing for big stakes: U.S. Department of Education approval. We have to cross every “t” and dot every “i.” It’s a long haul, and all those crosses and dots add up. And it’s expensive. Please make a donation today. 2. Directors: We are currently looking to expand our 7-member working Board of Directors to a 9-member team. We need a few more worker-bees in the hive. If you’re passionate about Ayurveda and Ayurvedic education, and you can spare 8-10 hours a month for the cause, please do get in touch. 3. Committee Members: We are currently seeking committee members to fill our Finance/Fundraising Committee, and subject matter experts for our Program Review Committee. 4. Recommend us to friends: Perhaps you have friends or colleagues who you think would be a good fit for one or more of these asks. A referral or two would be great. 5. Something Else: Think you can help in some other way? Please let us know. I look forward to continuing to serve you. Jim Jim Ventresca, D.O.M.
President, NAMAC
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