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Invest in Yourself Through Yankee Chapter Leadership

It’s time for us to begin identifying Yankee IABC chapter leaders for the 2008-09 board year, which starts July 1.

One of the realities of a volunteer organization like IABC is that we’re always looking for leaders. Sometimes current leaders aren’t able or interested in continuing the following year. Other times, volunteers take on opportunities and then unexpected developments prevent them from fulfilling their commitment.

In a busy world like ours, why should you think about using some of your time to help lead your chapter? Here’s a start:

You’re paying more than $200 each year for IABC dues, and it’s difficult to get full value for that expense if you’re not involved beyond checking Web sites, reading the magazine and attending an occasional event.
The only way volunteer organizations thrive–and even survive–is with the help of the members. It takes time and effort to plan programs, manage membership, reach out to college students (our future) and just pay the bills.

Perhaps most importantly, taking a leadership position in IABC is an investment in yourself – your enrichment and your development. IABC leadership can give you a chance to learn new skills and try ideas without a paycheck (or performance review!) hanging over your head. It can broaden your view of the profession because of what you learn from other leaders. And you can make new friends.

So now I’m asking you to think about being a leader in this chapter. You probably have several reasons to say “no.” Let’s see …

“I don’t have time.” That’s certainly true in some cases, and we do ask board members to participate in a monthly meeting and to attend as many chapter events as possible. But if we can expand our pool of leaders, we can keep commitments focused and limit the amount of time that’s required.
“I don’t have any board experience.” No experience is required. That’s one of the great things about IABC – you can start anytime, in any role.
“I don’t have any background in what you’d be asking me to do.” You may not have direct experience, but others do, and you can learn from them.
“I’m involved in my industry.” Sometimes it’s true that industry involvement is expected from your employer. If you have a choice, however, my opinion is that it’s more valuable – and important – to be involved in your profession.

Do you think communicators don’t have enough influence in organizations? The only way to change that is to strengthen the profession–by being involved. Do you think our profession is underappreciated by the media? Get involved and change that. Do you think students come into communication positions without the right qualifications? Work with a local university to change the curriculum and students’ expectations.

I could go on, but I think you get the point. We need you, and I think you need IABC. The only way to really benefit is to really get involved. We’ve already heard from a few people who are interested in taking a board position next year for the first time, and that’s a great development! We need more of you. Contact Dave Seifert or Casey Hauch, the chair of our Nominating Committee. We’ll welcome you in.