“What’s in it for ME?

I’ll admit it. I agreed to run for Treasurer of American Night Writers Association (ANWA – check us out at www.anwa-lds.com) two years ago because my friend, Faith St. Clair, asked for help. She was trying to accomplish the Herculean task of preparing ANWA for the future. I had a certain skill set as a tax accountant that ANWA and Faith needed. I knew the job would be a lot harder without my help.

That said, looking back, I’m surprised to see the many ways that serving in a leadership role in ANWA has benefitted ME. I’ve been blessed in many unforeseen ways. Maybe it seems selfish, but with the multitude of demands on our time and energy, it’s nice to realize some benefits to ME for volunteering my blood, sweat, and tears.

Maybe you are considering volunteering your time as an officer, director, or committee member in a non-profit organization. If so, you might be interested in “What’s in it for ME?”

Here’s my Top Ten list:

1. Associating with truly amazing women – The talented women of the ANWA’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors would fit well in any corporate board room or Council meeting anywhere. Not only are they brilliant authors and amazing organizers, but their kindness and compassion is matched only by their sense of humor.
2. Networking – I met, talked to and worked with agents, editors, famous authors who knew my name (Okay, maybe it was because I was writing their checks, but they still remembered me later.)
3. Learning – I’ve learned new skills and relearned many more – My professional resume has greatly expanded as I’ve gained the knowledge and experience this job has required.
4. Organizing – I like to have a say in how things are run. Every month my wish comes true.
5. Paying – I wouldn’t have been able to go to ANWA’s Writers Conference in 2012 without my Executive Committee discount. My husband had been laid off and money was tight. I appreciated the chance to work the conference.
6. Paying back – I repaid a debt to ANWA – Being a member of ANWA has taught me so much. My writing has improved dramatically. Now I feel like I’ve paid back a little of what I’ve received.
7. Friendshipping – I learned the names of my ANWA sisters and then at meetings and conference I made friends. It’s not easy for me to make friends; I’m naturally introverted, so I appreciate being forced to get out of my box.
8. Publicizing – More people know MY name – Name recognition and branding is important to an author. If the women I met remember me as an intelligent, capable woman, then my volunteer work has helped me.
9. Laughing – I had FUN! – We laugh A LOT at our monthly Board of Directors meetings, and lack of sleep at Conference has made us downright giddy.
10. Bragging Rights – Executive Treasurer and/or Board of Directors of American Night Writers Association looks good at the bottom of a query letter.

As long as you are serving through your volunteer work, isn’t it nice that you are blessed too?

I wouldn’t trade my experiences of the last two years for anything. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could say the same thing two years from now?

You can! Just volunteer.