If you’re like most people at associations, the association management profession has given you a lot. Now it’s time to give a lot back. To find out if you have the time, experience and expertise to be an Association Forum volunteer, check out our frequently asked questions:
What Makes an Effective Association Forum Volunteer?
Volunteers should have:
- Knowledge relevant to the committee or working group's purpose.
- A dedication to furthering the Association Forum's mission.
- A desire to develop personal leadership expertise.
- A willingness to learn from others.
- A positive attitude and high degree of flexibility.
- A passion for innovation and new ideas.
- A commitment to volunteer-staff partnership.
What Does the Association Forum Expect from its Volunteers?
Volunteers must:
- Be an Association Forum member.
- Commit to participating actively in all scheduled meetings.
- Attend and promote events related to their group's purpose.
- Notify staff when they are unable to attend.
- Act as an ambassador for the Association Forum in the association community.
- Sign a conflict of interest statement and disclose any conflicts openly at the outset of meetings.
- Evaluate their experience at the end of their term, and expect to be evaluated by their committee or working group chair.
What’s the Time Commitment?
- Committees are year-round groups with ongoing responsibilities. An estimate of meetings per year is listed for each standing committee. Committee meetings will be held virtually until it is safe to meet in-person per the State of Illinois COVID-19 guidelines.
- Working groups often have program-specific roles and thus typically do not meet year-round. These groups will meet one to two times maximum over a two- to three-month period. The goal is quick, efficient, effective use of volunteer time.