Become an AWC National Board Member

Have you ever thought about volunteering for service on the AWC National Board of Directors? As I begin my second term on the board, I can tell you that it is a rewarding experience. I have had the privilege of serving during a time of change – new association management, new branding, and many other exciting changes that are keeping our organization fresh and relevant. I have proposed and implemented this new AWC blog, which has given a voice to our members. I have gotten to know some remarkable women from across the country and from different walks of life who share my passion for the communication industry, give me a fresh perspective on my job, and spark new ideas. My chapter has benefited from the closer relationship with the national organization and feels more connected. Serving as chair of the Marketing/Communication Committee has afforded me the chance to hone my social media skills and prepare myself to hit the ground running when my company decided to enter the social media arena. The two roles work hand in hand to the benefit of AWC, my company, and my personal skill set. AWC National Board service has been a win-win all around!

But enough about me, let’s see what other current board members have to say about their experiences and why you should consider board service.

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Mitzie Zerr

“Joining AWC so many years ago has been one of my best career decisions. The members have been so supportive and open to hearing and discussing a wide-variety of ideas and opinions. I have learned so much from the meeting presentations, webinars and personal relationships. I joined the national board to broaden my scope and cast a wider net for contacts and learning. I am grateful for the lifelong friendships I have made. If you are searching for an organization to learn and grow with your communications career, I highly recommend AWC.”

Pat Meads

If you are a chapter member, joining the national board is the best way to help your chapter. You are your chapter’s voice on the board. And conversely, you are National’s voice in your chapter. Your chapter will be stronger for your membership on the board.  It is the best way to help your chapter use and appreciate all that National does for the organization.

If you are an independent member, being on the board is an excellent way to stay involved and connected with AWC.  You represent other Independents who do not have a local chapter to share the camaraderie that comes with joining a chapter. As a national board member, you can always be mindful of what’s “in it” for the Independent.

If you are employed, your board membership will be a tremendous benefit to your career path. Imagine – a national board membership on your resume! You will experience a new level of leadership that you may not have the opportunity to practice in your “day job.”  And – what an asset you will be to the national board! You know best the most important activities and benefits the national board needs to provide for our membership. If you ever go through periods of feeling unappreciated in your day job, I can assure you that the national board will appreciate you – always!

Lastly, if you are retired – what an opportunity to still be able to contribute to your favorite organization!  Contribute your time, and keep your communication skills active and up-to-date. You can jump in and help out when your co-board members may not have as much day time as you do. You can take on projects that someone who is working every day just can’t get around to doing. And you get to serve with a group of committed, smart, strong women – the best energizer of all!

What’s in it for me? I am an independent member, and a retired member. I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend with the other board members – the working time, the social time. It keeps me on my toes – and reminds me that learning never stops.  I feel lucky and honored to have been elected to serve.”

Allison Buehner

The youngest-ever Director, I joined the National Board as a senior in college. I’d participated in AWC at the student and professional chapter levels, and wanted to contribute more to the organization. Working on such a high-functioning board has given me unparalleled communication experience in networking, branding, marketing, internal communications, and so much more. This is a powerful group of women I am humbled to learn from and grow alongside.

Kristin Van Nort

Being a part of the AWC National Board of Directors provides so many benefits – both personally and professionally. I think the most important is the opportunity to have a direct impact on the current initiatives and future direction of the organization. It is never lost on me that our membership has entrusted me along with the other nine women to lead our Association. From our most recent rebrand campaign to strategic goals; we have a front row seat to the present and future of AWC. Additionally, the friendship and mentorship among board members is invaluable. You can’t forget about the fun we have, too!

Kaley Daniel

I strongly believe members should jump at joining the national board because the opportunity to have a seat at the table encircled by powerful women of action is one that shouldn’t be missed. Even if one thinks the stars aren’t aligned just right (because when is there ever an absolute perfect time?), the chance to learn from new and seasoned members representing chapters across the nation is a wonderfully energizing experience. Not only will your contribution be appreciated and valued, but you will gain the most from the supercharge you’ll feel from a group of individuals who deeply care about our organization and are pushing to move it ever forward. And who wouldn’t want to be part of that legacy?!

Members of the national board not only get value from the advantage that the learning experience and networking provides, but your chapter gets value by having a voice at the table where decisions are made to lead our national organization. Your chapter’s experiences, lessons learned, and obstacles take the stage and have undivided attention from a front-row audience of our organization’s leaders. Not only are chapter voices heard, but in turn your chapter has a direct line of communication to discuss and learn about national initiatives.

Anita Parran

National Board service enhances servant leader skills and experience, an integral part of volunteerism. National Board members enhance their ability to problem solve,  work more effectively in team situations, and provoke challenges that propel the organization forward. I have served on a myriad of boards for a number of years and can transfer those experiences to the AWC board. Likewise, serving on the AWC board allows me to learn new skills, encounter new challenges and opportunities, and work in tandem with an array of various personalities which add to my behavioral repertoire.

Nominations and Service

A term on the National Board of Directors is a three-year commitment. You can serve two consecutive 3-year terms. Every year there are vacancies on the National Board as directors’ terms expire. It’s a self-nominating process that occurs in the fall. If you are interested, watch for the call for nominations. You can find the description of roles and responsibilities for directors on womcom.org.