Perspectives  Dallas Chapter of ASTD Membership Newsletter  -  January 2008  << Table of Contents <<

President's Pen - Volunteering and You

 

by Carol Glynn

Happy New Year! A new year…an exciting time for vision, strategy, and goal setting. Your 2008 Leadership Team met on Saturday, December 1, 2007 to reflect on the past year and develop strategic goals for 2008. "Excited, energized and committed to our membership", describe the mood that day. Valuable discussion took place on the needs of our chapter and our members. A big thank you goes to Dallas HR for letting us borrow a conference room and our host Susan Frear.


Your talented team of volunteer leaders for 2008 is:


Officers: Board of Directors
Mike Schellen - VP Professional Development Carol Glynn - President
Susan Brookshire - VP Programs Kirk Dingman - President Elect
Susan Frear - VP Marketing Jeff Persiale - Director
Barb Ashbaugh - VP SIGS Deborah Avrin - Past President
Dee Dick - VP Communications Denise Reinke - Director
David Cohen - VP Member Services
OPEN - VP Technology
I am honored so many officers decided to return and continue contributing to our chapter's success. We have several talented new members already generating creative ideas and seeking ways to serve you. There are many exciting programs, projects and opportunities in the year ahead.

So, how can you get involved?

You might be asking yourself these questions: "What does a volunteer do", "Do I have time to volunteer?", "How will I benefit from volunteering?" Any Leadership Team member will be glad to answer your questions.

There are many benefits. For some it will be to develop a new skill, others value the camaraderie and teamwork and still others enjoy the feeling of accomplishment and making a difference. I was fortunate enough to sit with two members of our 2007 Best Place to Learn Committee at the volunteer recognition luncheon in December. Both had a valuable and positive experience, made new professional connections and were eager to volunteer again.

So what is your passion or interest?

  1. Do you want to learn more about the latest in website design? Do you know someone who has web skills to contribute. We need a VP of Technology and committee volunteers to help launch our new website. See Kirk Dingman for more details.
  2. Are you an aspiring author, or would you like to build your writing skills? Would you enjoy working on the Dallas Best Place to Learn Committee? See Dee Dick.
  3. Know some great speakers or have ideas for future programs? Contact Susan Brookshire.
  4. Would you like to help folks who are searching for a job in learning and performance? Mike Schellen would welcome your contribution.
  5. Have a passion for marketing or would like to learn more? Susan Frear has some great experience and a number of important volunteer opportunities for 2008.
  6. Want a easy, fun way to get involved at monthly meetings? Join David Cohen's team greeting members, orienting them and talking to guests about the benefits of membership.
  7. Looking to contribute to a special project? See Jeff Persaile about our August Southwest Learning Summit or our Training Basics workshop.
  8. Finally have a special interest, or want to create a contact group for a unique member segment? Why not volunteer to lead or co-lead a special interest group with Barb Ashbaugh.
Make one of your New Year's resolutions to volunteer with our chapter. Find out what the excitement is all about!

I look forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting. Next Month: The Dallas ASTD 2008 Balanced Scorecard goals