I have been asked frequently, “How can I become more involved with the Academy?” It is a testament to our membership that so many Fellows want to become involved. Although more than two hundred Fellows are appointed to various committees within the Academy’s volunteer structure, there are many more individuals interested in volunteering than there are positions available. This is the proverbial “double-edged sword”! While we don’t have assignments for everyone that wants to volunteer, I would like to thank all those who have expressed interest and all those that currently serve. Committee assignments run concurrently with the two-year term of the Board of Directors. The current term will end this year in San Francisco and there will be a call for volunteers for the next term in the near future; please keep an eye out for further information and let us know at that time if you want to volunteer.
In the mean time, there is one committee that always needs our collective help, and that is the Academy’s Membership Committee. Members are the life blood and reason for existence for any organization. Please help the Academy by encouraging a colleague, committed to lifelong learning, to become a Fellow. Also, if you feel you have a creative idea that would help the Membership Committee recruit more members, please email Melissa Bailey, Membership Committee Chair. I’m sure she would be grateful to hear from you. Another way for you to become more involved in the Academy is through our Sections. If this interests you, attend the Section business meetings at the annual meeting and let the Section leadership know that you are interested. Our Sections publish newsletters and more information is available about each of them on the Academy’s web site.
Your enthusiasm and support of Academy programs is vital, and I encourage you to try to become involved. Your Academy experience will be enriched if you do, and your contribution will make the Academy’s programs better for all of us. Let’s make the Academy stronger than ever!
