Tuesday, September 14, 2004
HOW TO HAVE A FUN & REWARDING CAREER? VOLUNTEER FOR AN AALL COMMITTEE
Bonjour, colleagues:
Today I invite you to volunteer for service on an AALL committee for the
2005-2006 year. For those of you who already know which committees interest you, please proceed directly here and complete the volunteer form by December 1st.
For those of you who are interested in becoming involved, but are not sure which committees in which to invest your time and energy, visit the AALLNET link to the committee page provided. [NB: the committees and their charges are also to be found in the AALL Directory and Handbook]. Here you can explore the variety of committee assignments available as well as get an idea of the work of each of the committees before you fill out the obligatory volunteer form.
Some of you may wonder: why would I want to volunteer for a committee?
How much time will service entail and what might I gain from such service?
Which ones should I request? Here is what I think:
AALL is a member-driven association, and its strength, vitality and future depend in large measure on member involvement. Committees are crucial because they carry out much of its ongoing work. AALL is embarking on a new Strategic Plan, and committees will be empowered to implement and carry out the initiatives set out in the new Plan, which is to craft our vision of our professional future.
There are around 25 committees from which to choose, and there is a range of assignments and time commitments among them. As most committees have multiple year appointments, if you are a new member, you will find mentoring and support as you learn the ropes of the committee charge.
Don't be shy if it seems like it might be just too much work - remember, it's a team effort. As you investigate the various committees, ask yourself which ones would give you an opportunity to contribute your expertise, or learn a new skill or broaden your knowledge in a way that would be helpful to your career or your workplace? And here's a radical concept -- which ones sound fun?
Most members find that working on AALL committees to be a rewarding experience. The Association benefits most when diverse viewpoints are represented. Newer members, members from traditionally underrepresented sectors of AALL, experienced members - all are encouraged to contribute to our association. Your efforts will ensure the vitality and future of AALL.
Don't hesitate - volunteer today.
Many thanks in advance.
Sincerely,
Claire M. Germain
AALL Vice-President/President-Elect
Edward Cornell Law Librarian & Professor of Law
Director, Joint Degree Programs, Paris & Berlin
Cornell Law School
365 Myron Taylor Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Tel. (607) 255 5857
Fax (607) 255 1357
cmg13@cornell.edu
AALL: Maximizing the Power of the Law Library Community Since 1906.
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