2016 has been a long year. The highs were high, but the lows (it seems) were pretty low. Over the next few weeks, we hope you take some time to unwind, practice some radical self-care, and set your intentions for 2017.

Not sure how? We're here to help.

In the coming weeks, we will be hosting a goal-setting workshop for members, where we'll provide tools, guidance, and support to make 2017 your best year yet. Keep your eyes peeled for the date/time/location! With the help of a strong events committee, we are also revamping our professional development programming and will be offering more frequent and impactful trainings in 2017.

In the meantime, here are a few resources so you can get started on your own goal-setting:

• New Year's Resolutions (mindtools.com) -- Common mistakes and rules for keeping them
• Helping Students Set New Year Goals (teachhub.com) -- To build high, one must start with a strong foundation
• The Science of Setting Goals (ideas.ted.com) -- A well-defined problem is already half-solved, right?
• The Most Effective Goal-Setting Plan You'll Ever Find (Plus Template Worksheet) (technori.com) -- Feeling spreadsheet-y? This worksheet is for you.
• How to Design a New Year's Resolution That Lasts -- Feeling more flow-chart-y? Try this method first.

To inspire you, here are two of our board members and what they're looking forward to in 2017:

Richard Reyes, Events Committee Chair
PLUS ME Project, Founder & Executive Director

"I will seek out and secure at least 10 new PLUS ME Project partnerships from school districts or non-profits to grow our work, read one professional development book per month in 2017, and support new qualified board member recruitment for both PLUS ME and YNPN LA."

Brian Rosenbaum, YNPN LA Board Secretary
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Regional Community Engagement Manager

"I will earn my Certification in Volunteer Administration as part of my professional development, empower my volunteers at work to take more strategic action in their communities by building deeper and more meaningful relationships with them, and research and implement tactics for creating more substantive dialogue among members on YNPN LA's social media platforms."