The 2010 Leadership Series participants met on April 19, 2010 at the St. Louis Association of REALTORS® and had the opportunity to listen and ask questions of several women leaders at the state and local levels. The focus of the meeting was to discuss how to get involved and participate in association work on the local, state and national levels. Guest speakers included:
2010 SLAR PRESIDENT LETTY DEMAY: The first guest speaker was Letty DeMay. Ms. DeMay discussed her involvement in the Women's Council of REALTORS® and the St. Louis Association of REALTORS®. She discussed the various committees on which she served in each organization and gave insight on her years of involvement in these organizations.
2010 WCR-MO PRESIDENT BARBARA KEATHLEY: The second speaker was Barbara Keathley. Ms. Keathley discussed opportunities at the state chapter level and the path that she took to become state president. Ms. Keathley provided a slide show photo presentation on various events at the state level.
2010 MAR PRESIDENT ELIZABETH MENDENHALL: The final speaker was Elizabeth Mendenhall. Ms. Mendenhall enlightened the participants to how many local associations are in Missouri and how St. Louis and Kansas City have the majority of members in the state. Elizabeth discussed the structure of these organizations and invited the Leadership Series participants to get involved in committees at the state level.
The thread contained in all of these discussions is that there are opportunities at the local, state and national levels just waiting for someone to claim them. However, service isn't just about attending. It is about meaningful participation and progressive responsibility. In each case, these leading ladies volunteered for committee work and took on progressive responsibility.
Here are some tips:
* Develop a written, professional bio or resume outlining your professional affiliations and service.
* Inquire as to volunteer opportunities within the organizations. Service on committees is the starting point. In every organization, there is a role to match your skills, expertise and time constraints.
* Select a mentor within the organization who can assist you in identifying volunteer opportunities and who can provide advice on how to achieve your goals.
* Identify the position that you desire to hold and create a professional action plan to reach your goal.
* Keep your bio or resume current. Periodically update your bio or resume to reflect your professional affiliations and service.
Thanks to these outstanding association leaders for participating in the 2010 Leadership Series. The participants in the 2010 Leadership Series enjoyed the one-on-one interaction with and personal insights shared by these association leaders.
Jane Martin, Leadership Series Chair
Comments(0)