Note from the Associate Editorial Director: Don’t stay on the sidelines, volunteer today

by Melissa Varnavas

Believe it or not, I’m a wallflower. An introverted, stay-on-the-sidelines kind of gal. In elementary school, I’d literally sit with my back against the brick wall flipping the pages of a book in the sun while the other kids played tag, or basketball, or pickle, or some other game I was less than interested in playing. In high school, I hid in the school library. In college, I hid in my room.

ACDIS friends who’ve come to know me might question the veracity of those statements. I assure you, they’re true. Fun hats, colorful wigs, and Monday-Meet-Ups notwithstanding. It has been (was, and is) all of you that first fissured that shell of mine and later, over time, caused me to pick up its pieces and put them on a safe shelf for use in other endeavors.

At conferences, I saw hesitant but eager faces peering into session rooms sometimes confused, sometimes worried, trying to determine whether they were going to learn something, whether this was the right room, whether this was the right place for them. I’d step forward, offer a hand and maybe some small direction or instruction, and make a new friend. What I found was that even the smallest gesture, the briefest of kinds words, makes a huge difference.

Stepping forward isn’t always easy. It’s scary offering yourself up to others. That’s what kept my nose in a book by the school wall. I wasn’t sure others would appreciate what I had to share.

ACDIS is different. It’s a true community that values the experiences and expertise of all its members. Even the newest member of the CDI community has insight to share.

So, pluck that wallflower and put it in a vase, leave your high school library behind, and hold out a hand to your fellow CDI professionals. Volunteer to serve on one of ACDIS boards and committees.

There are three groups currently seeking new volunteers including the prestigious ACDIS Advisory Board. Each group requires three hours or less of effort each month, yet each will expand your personal and professional network, and yield back a wealth of knowledge.

You can find more information on the scope of work of each of our volunteer boards and committees, under the membership tab on the ACDIS website. 

The application period for new volunteers ends January 31. Click here to participate.

Editor’s note: Varnavas is the associate editorial director for ACDIS. Contact her at mvarnavas@acdis.org.