In 1974, President Nixon established a week in April to recognize the importance of volunteering. National Volunteer Week is scheduled for April 23–29 this year. At the College, we like to acknowledge and thank our volunteers year round. The mission of the College cannot be achieved without the time, effort, talent and dedication of our volunteer leaders and committee members. So thank you!
We are currently recruiting the next class of stellar ACR volunteers. For 2017, we are looking for about 60 people to fill openings on the standing committees and the Board of Directors for the ACR, as well as the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Now you can help shape the exciting future of rheumatology.
My Story
My initiation as an ACR volunteer was with an opportunity in 1988 to serve on a program committee for the Central Region Annual Meeting.
In 1994, I was nominated by Arthur Weaver, MD, MACR, to serve on the ACR’s Planning and Organizational Review Committee. This volunteer opportunity exposed me to the full range of activities and services that the ACR provides to its members. It also introduced me to the ACR’s process of strategic planning and the importance of this effort.
In the late 1990s, I served on the Committee on Rheumatologic Care Network. The experience of volunteering for the ACR was so positive that I wanted to keep coming back for more.
In 2006, Stanley Cohen, MD, MACR, nominated me to serve on the Committee on Government Affairs. He was aware of my interest in advocacy and the political process of our country. I later chaired the Committee on Government Affairs and subsequently served on the ACR Board of Directors.
Like many volunteer leaders, I did go through periods of not being selected to serve despite nomination; you cannot get discouraged or take it personally. Each year, many qualified members apply for volunteer positions, but not everyone can be selected each time. One should not lose heart.
The Committee on Nominations and Appointments does a thorough job and looks at varied factors in selecting volunteers for a given year. The committee tries to ensure that each committee has representation from various membership constituencies, including practice, academics, health professionals and researchers. The committee also uses demographic and geographic considerations to determine committee makeup.
Although my passion has been government affairs, the College needs a diverse set of volunteers with interests and expertise in a variety of areas, such as communications and marketing, ethics, education, research and practice. Within an area of interest, a quality candidate becomes familiar with the College’s programs and services, has the opportunity to demonstrate an ability to work in group settings and approach work with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. Essentially, we need someone like you on every committee!
Benefits of Service
Volunteering for the College embodies many joys and benefits. It truly is worth it. One meets incredibly bright, talented and wonderful colleagues from various segments of the membership. We have so much to learn from each other. There is excellent comradery and goodwill among the volunteers and the very talented ACR staff. Everyone is working toward the common goal of Advancing Rheumatology! I have made lasting friendships with people I would not have met had I not volunteered for the College.
