“Leave the world a better place than when you came into it” – it’s one of the teachings that I tried to instill in my step kids when they were growing up. Life is about more than simply existing; we can be more. One of the ways that I have tried to model that behavior for them is by giving back to my community through volunteering.
For the last 4 years, I have served in various positions on the Northern California chapter of the Association of Change Management Professionals (ACMP NorCal). Honestly, it’s been a lot of hard work. Every year we coordinate our annual symposium where we bring new ideas about change to our community. I’m very excited for the speakers and topics at this year’s event, plus the ability to hold both a virtual and in-person event. Another major annual event is our election to vote in new Board members. Elections are critical for every volunteer organization to refresh itself on a regular basis to bring in new energy and ideas.
While it’s been hard work, it’s also been tremendously gratifying. I’ve worked with some amazing Board members who have given their time and energy to help advance the discipline of change management. I’ve also had some incredible experiences that that were more fulfilling that I could have ever imagined. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and find a group that you can volunteer with in your community, whether personal or professional. It’s an experience that you will grow from and never forget.