Why should we volunteer in ALA? And Other Helpful Information.
Sometimes we get involved with an organization because of a simple “ask.” Other times, we get involved because we were “voluntold” and accept a position on a committee. There are even a few who just jump in to volunteer without a clue of what they are getting into. Regardless of how the involvement started, most will agree it was one of the best decisions they made.
Growth doesn’t happen inside your comfort zone.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with the Association of Legal Administrators. There are short-term and long-term opportunities. These can be found on either a local or national level. The most common entry level position seems to be serving on a committee. Committees can range from Education to Newsletter to Nominating to Member Engagement to Special Events, and everything in between. There are Board of Directors for ALA as well as for each Chapter of the ALA, Committees at the Chapter level and national level. There are Conference planning committees. We even have a Foundation with opportunities to serve. It is seemingly endless. There is something of interest for the vast majority who want to get involved.
According to a recent social media post by the ALA, the top five favorite experiences of member volunteerism are:
- Learning from Others
- Creative Challenge
- Giving back to the ALA and the profession
- Feeling supported and supporting others
- Relationships & Friendships
Volunteering fills a need. We all have that innate desire to be needed, to make a contribution, to be part of something bigger than ourselves. Volunteering with the ALA enhances your leadership skills, enlarges your networking circles, sparks creativity, provides a sense of belonging, and friendships that can last a lifetime.
Generally speaking, most people attend the Chapter meetings and/or education sessions before becoming a committee member. From there it seems to be a natural and organic progression of leadership. Two of our Board members have previously served as President of the Houston Chapter before serving as Cyber President. Thank you, Ms. Manning & Ms. Ransleben!
As Firm Administrators, or any derivative thereof, we each have the heart of a servant. We continually ask, “How can I help?” or “What can I contribute to make something easier or better?” and “Who can I bring along?”
One step at a time, knowingly or unknowingly, we experience growth both personally and professionally through our volunteer roles within ALA. Whether its developing better time management skills, becoming more effective in your position, listening, public speaking, mentoring, developing friendships, or knowing when to ask for help, the benefits of volunteering far outweigh what we can contribute individually. But, lets not forget that we all have something special to share with the world…and we need each other. Volunteering within the ALA allows you to gain confidence in a safe space with a supportive group of colleagues as you inch your way outside that comfort zone.
We should strive to live life with few to no regrets as each choice and decision helps shape our mindsets. However, most of us wish we had gotten involved or asked for help sooner. Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. Recognizing that the earlier we had networked, developed friendships, attended education sessions, served on a committee… the load could have been shared and thus, much lighter. More importantly, earlier involvement could have allowed an even greater impact of you on the world.
There is a level of gratitude that comes with each experience in ALA and within our Chapters that would not exist without the willingness to step outside our comfort zones.
Unanimously, if we were to offer advice to new members…we want you to get involved. Jump in! You do not have to have all the answers, you’ll figure it out as you go. Attend annual conference and other conferences of interest. Attend Chapter Leadership Institute. Attend the educational opportunities offered through your Chapter as well as ALA. Make connections. Make connections. Make connections! You will not regret opening the doors to lifelong friendships, mentorships, and career opportunities!
ALA | Association of Legal Administrators
Association of Legal Administrators – (ALA) Cyber Chapter
Special thanks to:
Ms. Scott, initial role: Community Connections Chair for GLA Chapter
current role: Newsletter & Social Media Chair of Cyber Chapter
Ms. Ransleben, initial role: Newsletter Committee of the Houston Chapter
current role: President of the Cyber Chapter
Ms. Peoples, initial role: Treasurer of the Cyber Chapter
current role: Treasurer of the Cyber Chapter
Ms. Manning, initial role: Membership Committee of the Houston Chapter
current role: Webmaster of the Cyber Chapter & Outgoing President of FALA
Ms. Gandera, initial role: Secretary of the Cyber Chapter
current role: Vice President of the Cyber Chapter
for sharing a glimpse of your ALA journeys. Your level of commitment is awe-inspiring.
