How is it that a 2-lb box of cookies makes you gain 5 lbs?

Many of us have asked that very question as we step on the scale for the first time in the New Year.  And it is at this point that we start thinking about the resolutions that we made for the year.

Like you, SOFT also makes resolutions each New Year.  We introduce a new Board of Directors, propose a new budget, renew our committees, and decide what it is that we want to accomplish in the coming 12 months.

The many successes of last year are quite motivating for this year’s Board.  Under the direction of Past-President Sarah Kerrigan, SOFT continued to take big strides towards improving our business practices.  One of the most important steps undertaken last year was the initiation of handbooks that provide simple, clear instructions to the committee chairs and members.  It may seem quite simple, but these handbooks help ensure continuity as committees change.  Of course, we all know the importance of ethics in our day-to-day work, so it is fitting that the first handbook developed was for the Ethics Committee.  This handbook is now available to the members of that committee.

These handbooks follow the actions of previous Boards who also made it their “resolution” to get things in order for SOFT.  So, as with any resolution, if it is working, you should stick with it.  And that is one of the things that your 2012 SOFT Board of Directors will do in the coming year – continue to improve our organizational practices.

One of the first tasks in the New Year for the incoming President is to renew committee chair assignments and assist the chair in establishing their committees for the year.  I am happy to report that as of this writing, all committee chairs and members are set for 2012; however, some committees can still use more help.

This leads me to the second resolution for the year – encourage volunteerism in SOFT.  Volunteers are not paid.  This is not because they are worthless, but instead because they are priceless!  Volunteers allow SOFT to successfully operate!  So we need more volunteers.  Volunteers to work on committees.  Volunteers to assist with our annual meetings.  So, why not take this opportunity to look at the SOFT committees and contact the chair or me if you would like to give something back to SOFT by volunteering.  Our committees, in particular, will need additional help in the coming year, because most will be asked to produce their committee handbook to complete what was started in 2011.

Or perhaps you would like less of a commitment and are willing to serve by assisting at the annual meeting in Boston.  This year’s meeting host, Michael Wagner, and his organizing committee will need many volunteers for stuffing meeting bags, assisting with registration, and even keeping an eye on the silent auction table.  You see, it is quite simple to give a little back to an organization like SOFT that does so much for its membership!

And speaking of the annual meeting, I hope this will serve as a reminder of how special this year’s meeting is going to be when we get the chance to celebrate the July 4^th holiday in Boston with our SOFT family.  As with all SOFT meetings, the Boston meeting promises to be full of great workshops, remarkable scientific presentations and posters, fabulous networking opportunities, and wonderful interactions with our gracious exhibitors.  Plus, given the extra-special nature of this year’s meeting, the organizing committee is encouraging you to have your family join you for the holiday week.  Be sure to visit the link above for the latest information about this year’s annual SOFT meeting.

Our final resolution in 2012 will be to ensure that all SOFT members are aware of and have the opportunity to participate in the activities of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX).  SWGTOX has been tasked to establish standards of practice for our field, so all SOFT members will be encouraged throughout the year to review SWGTOX documents and provide comments, as requested.

These are New Year’s resolutions that I know that your 2012 Board of Directors will keep!  As far as the 5-lb gain from the 2 lbs of cookies….it continues to be one of life’s many mysteries!

Marc A. LeBeau, PhD, DABFT
SOFT President
January 2012

• NHTSA has recently prepared a helpful document with links to their Drugged Driving reports, see it here

• Learn more about ForensicTalk.ca, a new forum for Forensic Science practioners by clicking here.

• Join the ongoing Forensic Toxicology discussion at LinkedIn.      

• The Forensic Toxicology Council has released a new document on "What is Forensic Toxicology".