This Vignette's "From the Chair" message is from Patti Steen, our NPAworldwide Secretary / Treasurer. Patti has served various roles as a volunteer at NPA worldwide for over a decade. We're pleased to have her announce a new initiative rolling out next month, with more to come!
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I am very excited to share the news about a webinar coming in October that focuses on volunteering in NPAworldwide. Volunteers are vital to the success of our network. We rely on them to support and mentor other members, share their experience to enhance processes and programs and to provide governance and strategic planning for the future of the network. Volunteers have the opportunity to make a true difference in the lives of other members!
My volunteer story started shortly after joining NPAworldwide in 2009. I had recently started my company and was coming from a large regional firm where I was the Vice President accountable for strategic development of large accounts. As a sole proprietor, I personally and professionally still needed the opportunity to engage with other business owners, have job opportunities to work on at all times and a way to use my leadership and strategic focus to make a difference. By the end of 2010 I started volunteering and have never stopped. Everything I needed and wanted out of NPAworldwide has come back to me 100 times over through the opportunities I have been given as a volunteer.
Following are some of the benefits from volunteering:
- Leadership Opportunities
- Networking with a purpose
- Enhancing your skills
- Recognition
- Providing a sense of purpose
The webinar will help potential volunteers more fully understand the volunteer positions available while making informed choices about the time commitments and fit for a position. If you are looking to dip your toe in the water but don’t have a lot of time available our new “Micro Volunteer” positions could be a great option. If you are like me and want to fully engage in helping other members be successful, then we have a variety of options for you as well.
The webinar is being held as follows to ensure all members across the world can join in to learn more about volunteering.
Is it time to expand your horizons? Register for the webinar and find out if volunteering is for you.
Patti Steen, Leadership Development Program Chair