Second, we launched the ARP’s membership campaign, Improving Lives Together, which highlights the rheumatology interprofessional team at work, caring for patients and improving lives together. In March 2019, ARP leaders visited College members at Low Country Rheumatology and Articularis Healthcare practices in Summerville, S.C. To view the campaign video, visit the ARP’s new web landing page at www.rheumatology.org/Rheumatology-Professionals.
We will continue to highlight all of the educational opportunities that are available to rheumatology professionals. Similarly, we will continue to remind our members of education, research and training funding available through the Rheumatology Research Foundation (https://www.rheumresearch.org).
TR: When and how should interested individuals get involved in volunteering for the ARP—or for Foundation positions requiring ARP membership?
Dr. Breland: The ARP membership data indicate that members recognize and appreciate the value of our professional organization when they contribute and are engaged in some way as volunteers. For someone who joins, as I did, as a graduate student and for new members, there are opportunities to participate on standing committees or special projects, to be a moderator of a session at the annual meeting, or to review educational and research proposals. There are many opportunities to get involved as a volunteer with the ARP and the Foundation.
TR: What about those who are interested but have little time to spare or to commit?
Dr. Breland: Special projects allow someone who has limited time but an interest in being a volunteer to share their expertise and talents. For example, the ARP Membership and Nominations Committee is calling all College members active on social media to link your social media accounts with the members of the ARP Social Media Ambassador Program.
Members seeking one or several short-term, low-commitment volunteer activities should consider engaging as an ARP special projects volunteer to help advance rheumatology initiatives related to advocacy, clinical practice, collaboration, diversity and inclusion, education, innovation, marketing, networking, publicity, research, technology or writing.
Visit https://www.rheumatology.org/Get-Involved/Volunteer/Special-Projects for more information about volunteering for the ARP’s special projects.
TR: What else would you like to say to readers of the magazine?
Dr. Breland: The ARP Membership and Nominations Committee takes seriously our charge to ensure the election and appointment of diverse and qualified leaders and members to volunteer positions. I’d like members to know the ARP and this committee are focused and intentional with one voice as we strive for a membership and a cadre of happily engaged volunteers who represent diversity of experience, race, affiliation, geography, discipline, culture, gender, perspectives, ethnicity, skills, generation, etc.
