APICS' Greatest Strength: Chapter Volunteers
by Bruce Chartier
In another part of this newsletter I stated without equivocation that the APICS organization is strong. Granted, we have lost some membership over the last decade, but so has every other professional society, most in far greater numbers than we have. It is more a sign of the change in corporate structures, automation, “right-sizing” and workforce demographics than a testament to any loss of relevance for organizations like ours. We still serve our purpose and do it well, but some societies, like APICS, do it better than others. It is the reason we have survived and thrived.The secret to the success of APICS is the strength of our local chapters. They get support, from educational materials and Certification programs to promotional advertising and member relations, from the Corporate Headquarters in Chicago; and more direct help from the District organization in the form of coordination, and chapter management training. But the real value-added activities, programs, and chapter management are provided by the local members who volunteer their time and expertise to serve on committees or the Board of Directors.
Personally, I believe that APICS membership would be a bargain at any price. My membership has enhanced, and in some ways shaped, my career in so many ways, it would take a whole article to recount them. Whether you agree with me on this point or not, one thing is for sure – you should make every effort to get the most benefits possible from your membership. There are many ways that you can do this, from participating in traditional programs like seminars and monthly PDMs to taking advantage of some of the newer benefits like the partnerships with the AMA and Aberdeen Research. However, there is another great benefit available to you that it not as obvious: you can enhance your own personal and professional development and hone your management and team building skills simply by "getting involved" in the management of your local chapter.
I know that for most people volunteering can be a daunting idea. However, I can assure you that if you take the risk you will find the experience very rewarding. You will be given many opportunities to work with other talented people, to learn from them new and effective methods for getting things done, and gain a genuine sense of personal growth and accomplishment. And because the volunteers at Western Mass. are a great group of folks, you may even have a lot of fun. We would love to have you join us.
If you have ever thought about helping out – now is the time to do it. We have a number of projects and committees that you could work on, including our 50th anniversary, coming up next year at this time. Please contact me personally and let me explain how, with a surprisingly small investment of time, you can expand your personal horizons and make a lasting contribution to the success of our local chapter.
Sincerely,
Bruce Chartier