Volunteering has two sides: Doing it ... and enticing others to do it. For those who have already volunteered in many roles, the next step is encouraging others to follow suit.
I am pleased to refer to my colleague Cindy Romaine's blog post at http://testingintelligence.wordpress.com/2009/04/06/a-new-era-of-service/ where she explains her reasons for running for elected office in the Special Libraries Association. The associated comments on her post support the volunteering spirit of "pay it forward".
Readers of my blog are familiar with my views on volunteering. For newer readers and for those who may be counseling new professionals, let me emphasize the "what's not to love" part:
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You will have someone to guide you - say, a previous committee chair or a unit leader. But if you don't for any reason - you have the freedom to move in new directions!
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You get to tackle typical or unforeseen projects. (Recent example of the latter: Too many signed up for an event - how can we accommodate the wait list in a second session - and what about the ones who can't make the second date?)
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You get to be in front of people who can put in a good word as references and of potential future employers.
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You get to strut your stuff comfortably until you are ready to take on a solo role. Serving on a committee before you take on chairing one is a good way to begin.
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You get to put your accomplishments on your resume.
Volunteering is a stellar opportunity to grow professionally and to gain visibility. Indeed, what is not to love?
