Leading the Way - August 2009
The Decision to Serve on a National Committee
Believe it or not, there was a time when I was only involved with my local chapter.
Then one day, a fellow chapter member (and mentor of mine) encouraged me to participate on a national committee. My first foray into national service was as a member of the @Law Committee, where I periodically proofread articles before publication. I agreed to serve in this capacity because it was a relatively small task to complete and I could contribute without being overwhelmed. What I discovered is that national committee work is actually made up of a lot of “small” duties, tasks, and responsibilities.
The following year I moved to the Membership Committee also as simply a committee member. Though the actual duties assigned to me were small and easy to accomplish, my committee participation increased as there were many issues discussed during the year. Participation in the Online Learning Center (then called the “chatroom”) was in its infancy, and I found myself entering the chatroom more and more as a means to connect with NALS officers and other NALS committee members. Moderators and attendees started to “recognize” me, and I began to make lots of friends all over the country.
Imagine my surprise when the following year the incoming president contacted me to chair the membership committee. I was astounded to find out that the recommendation was made by the current membership director and membership chair. Honestly, I was very, VERY hesitant, unsure if I could handle the duties and responsibilities connected with chairing a national committee. I had numerous conversations with the current chair to get the true “scoop” about serving, weighed the pros and cons, discussed the time commitment with my family and my boss, and eventually accepted the position. I had a blast!!! I discovered that chairing a national committee suited me well since I am a detailed-oriented, deadline-driven person by nature. I enjoyed serving as committee chair so much that I agreed to chair for a second year.
From that point on, whenever I was asked by an incoming president to work on or chair a committee, subcommittee or task force, I followed the same methodical procedure: I first asked the current chair what the duties entailed, then discussed the time commitment with my family and my bosses, and then made an informed decision – usually to accept the position.
The same procedure worked well when it was time for me to run for a board position. While it is true that on several occasions I was nominated for a board position but declined because it was not the right time to take on those duties and responsibilities, I still contacted the appropriate person holding that board position and got the up-front information I needed to make that informed decision.
The important point to all of this is that if I had not investigated what was expected, weighed the pros and cons, then said, “YES” to serving on a national committee, I would not be where I am today in my NALS career.
As I start to prepare for my presidential year, I am searching for willing NALS members to serve on next year’s national committees. The Committee Preference Sheet is already available from current Regional Directors and will soon be available on the NALS website. I challenge YOU to Think Big! and consider serving with me as part of the 2010-11 Leadership Team. Together, it will be an awesome experience!
Patricia E. Infanti, PP, PLS2009-10 NALS President-Elect
infanti@ballardspahr.com