Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of VHMA Volunteer Happiness

By Scott Zimmerman posted 07-09-2024 17:47

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Most of us were born after President John F. Kennedy's famous speech, which called for people to step up and do more. His exact words were, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

Noble advice, especially when contemplated during the month we celebrate liberty and independence. So, it seems this would be a good time for you to contemplate this same question within a VHMA framework: What can YOU do for VHMA? I know it's a stretch, but I think the idea of supporting something bigger than yourself is one that we can use in each of our lives.

How might you do that within VHMA? Let me answer in one word: VOLUNTEER by doing something small or big!

Need some ideas? Here are some suggestions that foster leadership opportunities and create an engaged and thriving membership base. Let me start with the easy stuff and move up to the more extensive volunteer opportunities:

Serve as an ambassador in the VHMA MemberConnect community – utilize your knowledge and experience to help other managers who need advice. It may surprise you that you are not the only one dealing with “unique” staff or workplace issues.
Opt-in VHMA's Volunteer Pool and stay up-to-date with future volunteer opportunities. You will be alerted once a volunteer opportunity that matches your qualifications and interests arises! Opt-in today at https://www.vhma.org/member-connect/volunteer-opportunities.
Welcome newbies at the Annual Conference as a buddy! VHMA's “Racing Toward Success” Annual Conference in Charlotte, NC, September 5-7, provides many short-term volunteer opportunities that are a fun way to build your networking. Being a buddy to a first-time attendee is just one. Want to learn more, check out https://www.vhma.org/education/conferences/annual-meeting-2024.
Encourage the development of future veterinary practice managers by serving as a mentor! Mentoring pairs an experienced professional, serving as a role model, with a less experienced professional to provide guidance and advice. Mentoring is a vital part of career and leadership development! Learn more at https://www.vhma.org/resources/mentorprogram!
Set your sites on a VHMA or CVPM Board position. Dipping your feet into the volunteering pool and swimming your way toward committee work are great ways to orient yourself toward meaningful board leadership positions over time. Few things are more personally rewarding than supporting VHMA's mission as a member of its Board. Same too for the CVPM Board!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of VHMA; this is a fact. And you are never too young, never too old, never too inexperienced, and never too seasoned to volunteer.

Bottom line: We need you!

So, have your summer vacation, swim, BBQ, and celebrate July. But between all of that, reflect on ways that you can get more involved as a volunteer with the association that has done so much for you!

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