Volunteering
When I moved to North Carolina several years ago, I volunteered my time at a local shelter. I was hesitant at first because I didn't think I could really be of any help to these people in need. Once I was convinced by the shelter director, I signed up to volunteer a few hours on the weekend.
Looking back at this experience, I learned a lot about myself and the difference you can make in a small way. I have been thinking about getting involved with the regional and state health information associations. My children are older, so they do not require so much of my attention; they have friends of their own and are expressing their independence. This got me thinking about volunteering my time and getting more involved with health information associations.
I decided the best way to get involved is to volunteer my time to any area that can use my knowledge and experience. I took the first step this week and contacted the state association. I wrote a letter introducing myself and my educational and professional background. I expressed my desire to make a contribution to the association. Other than paying my membership dues and attending continuing education workshops, I have not been involved at the local or state level. Volunteering my time is one way of giving back to these associations that provide us with so much during the course of our careers.