Dear Colleagues:
You are receiving this e-mail because you have been a member of IPALA, either directly through application or through the participation in the Leadership Academy run by IPALA. We are implementing some significant changes in the organization and operation of IPALA that follows a retreat held by the executive on February 17th 2026 in Johannesburg. The IPALA brand is increasingly recognized, with significant engagement of pediatricians in strengthening leadership in academics including areas of education, research and workforce/health systems performance. Through programs such as the Leadership Academy and online conferences IPALA is seen as a high-value organization that fills an important gap in the global pediatric community. Our role is outlined in our updated Value Statement, while our recent activities and achievements are highlighted in our latest quarterly newsletter. Links to both documents are also attached to the end of this email.
Steps Going Forward:
1. Bylaws: The draft bylaws have been revised to better reflect the governance and operation of IPALA and can be viewed here. These are to be approved at the Annual General Meeting.
2. Membership: As you will see in the bylaws we have simplified membership to focus on individual engagement and have removed institutional members. We recognize that some individuals have joined IPALA to enroll in the Leadership Academy while others have joined independent of their participation in a specific program. We have not requested membership dues for 2026 but will send out renewal billing following the AGM. If you wish to remain a member then dues can be paid through the website (click here) and will cover the remaining period of 2026 and the full calendar year of 2027. The dues structure for individual members has not changed and is listed below. Those individuals who have enrolled in the 2026 Leadership Academy will also have continued membership through the calendar year of 2027 and will be asked to complete a membership application if they wish to continue as a member.
3. Election of Officers and Members at Large: The following positions on the Executive are established through election by the membership of IPALA: President, Secretary, Treasurer, and two members at large. As we introduce new bylaws the current President and Secretary are stepping down from these positions and formed a “nominating committee” to bring forward a new slate of candidates. A slate of candidates will be presented to the membership at the annual general meeting for your endorsement
4. Annual General Meeting: The agenda for the online Annual General Meeting may be viewed here.
Meeting time: August 20th, 2026 @ 08:00–09:00 SAST (South Africa) | 08:00 CEST | 07:00 BST | 02:00 EDT | 23:00 PDT (Wed 19 Aug) | 16:00 AEST | 14:00 AWST.
Please look out for the upcoming email with the online meeting link to join the AGM!
As we achieve this transition, I want to encourage your active engagement and ideas in IPALA as we build this important organization for the benefit of all children and youth globally.
Sincerely,
Kevin Forsyth