Benefits of Volunteering
As a professional you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the networking opportunities offered through ISAE.
In today's business climate, we must all constantly look to expand our network of business contacts, enhance our communication skills, and practice working on a team. Contributing as a volunteer on an ISAE committee is the single most important career choice you can make.
There are many ways to use your talents and develop some new ones in ISAE. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new friends and form meaningful relationships. Listen to what Stephanie Anderson, of the Holiday Inn Select at the Airport told ISAE:
I'd been a member for sometime but just went to the luncheons and usually ended up sitting with the same people. Then this year I decided to get more involved and I joined the ISAE committee planning the STAR Awards Celebration. Now I feel like I'm really getting to know people and who can do what, and I'm learning more about associations – which will make me better at my job.
ISAE still has a need for volunteers and we'll work with you on finding the right opportunity for you – something that fits your needs as well. You might want to start by looking at the following activities and letting us know if you are interested in working on one of them. Or if you don't see something here that seems just right, talk with us about what you might like to do.
STAR Awards
The Awards Committee encourages involvement in ISAE and the larger association management community by recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations in Indiana. Through identification of good examples of association achievement and activities, ISAE believes others will model the best in the profession of association management.
The STAR Awards Committee needs everyone to recommend and nominate colleagues who excel as association leaders and as associate members on a daily basis. But you can also get involved in planning and implementation of the STAR Awards Celebration. The STAR Awards Committee also coordinates selection of judges, identifying categories for awards, and encouraging associations to attend the event by providing nominations to the ISAE office or Committee Chair.
ISAE Annual Convention
The 2008 convention is scheduled for July 15-16th at Radisson at Star Plaza in Merrillville, Indiana. The first day of the two-day event will begin at noon with a golf outing, and alternative activities for non-golfers. A relaxing, casual reception that evening provides ample time for networking with your peers and announces the gold award recipients. The program on the second day will offer a variety of professional development programs. Come help the committee identify topics and speakers, enlist sponsors, organize logistics for golfing or convention goers.
Government Affairs
The ISAE Government Affairs Committee is working to monitor and improve the business climate in the State of Indiana. Through educational programs geared to improved lobbying techniques, rules, and regulations, the Government Affairs Committee strives to maintain the highest competence of our membership. The Government Affairs Committee conducts annually the Legislative Program that brings legislative leaders together in a forum for information exchange with the ISAE membership, and distributes a Governmental Affairs Directory that is designed to enhance communication among lobbyists, legislators, legislative staff, state government agencies, the media and other individuals involved in governmental affairs. In 2008, this committee will also discuss HB 1187 and the proposed changes to the Indiana Non-Profit Law.
Membership Committee
The ISAE Membership Committee has purchased a prospective member database to contact about joining the ISAE network. Our mission is to enhance and broaden the resource database offered through ISAE. Along with evaluating and enhancing quality membership products and services, the Membership Committee will be moving forward in developing innovative membership recruitment & retention strategies.
The ISAE Membership Committee needs volunteers to call and welcome new members and to greet/host them at ISAE events, and to help us reach out to all professionals involved in association management in the State of Indiana.
Professional Development Task Force
The ISAE Professional Development Committee plans and organizes the monthly program offerings, such as Luncheons, Seminars, Innovation Incubators and the Programs for the Convention. The Committee members work to identify the topics, presenters and facilitators for all of these events. Committee members also assist with hosting events.
To plug into any of these committees . . . just fill in the ISAE Volunteer Interest Form and return it to the ISAE Office, or contact the appropriate committee chair to discuss how you might help.