One Way to Ensure Your Skills Stay Sharp During Quarantine? Volunteer for Your Association.
No one likes to admit it, but months of COVID-19 induced lockdowns have left many professionals feeling disconnected from their jobs and their industry. While spending all day in your yoga pants or avoiding public transportation has its advantages, professional isolation can cause your skills to decline. Your tool belt can become rusty. Your network can weaken or become fragmented. More than anything, professional isolation can be a depressing way to spend half a year (or more).
The solution?
Volunteer for your industry’s association.
Associations are busier than ever. Your board of directors is working hard to engage members and move the organization forward in a virtual environment. Contrary to what many association members may believe, it is possible to have the collaboration and camaraderie that defines associations in a virtual setting. It is also possible to make a difference through one of the many association committees and task forces working to help your industry survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
The last several months have been hard on everyone. So many of us have forgotten what it is we actually do for a living. As hard as this would be to believe just a few short months ago, some of us have forgotten that we have a profession other than “survival.”
However, this moment will pass, and when it does, you need to be ready to build a professional foundation that can help you thrive in a more challenging economy.
Your Association Needs You
You can’t build anything with a rusty tool belt—which means it’s time to embrace the opportunities you have to make an impact. Now is the best time to reach out to your association’s staff or board and let them know that you are ready to dive in. Let them know you are ready to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of your industry by volunteering for your association.
If you’ve felt powerless during the last few months, you are not alone, but you don’t have to feel that way. You can impact the lives of your colleagues. You can make your community and our world a better place.
The world needs leaders right now—which means your association needs you.
Step up, volunteer, and make a difference.
You and your association will be better for it.
