Why I Became an ACS Volunteer

Having never organized any significant event (not even my own wedding), I collaborated with a colleague to organize Chemistry in the Mall for NCW. I admit I found the event to be stressful but I was so overwhelmed by the magnitude of its success— dozens of volunteers (students, chemists, and educators) and THOUSANDS of children, parents, and other adults – that I could feel the excitement and wonder of chemistry and to my amazement the experience was worth more than the investment. 

When I attended high school, some of my classmates seemed to be always volunteering in this activity or running for that office. I did not. I was active in athletics, but I didn’t become involved in any service or religious organization outside of weekly worship. . . . Fast forward to my first graduate-degree program. . . . I am pursuing a master’s degree in science education at Ohio State University with a certification to teach chemistry. One of my chemistry professors invited me to attend the Division of Chemical Education’s 10th Biannual Conference for Chemical Education and then strongly encouraged me to join as a student affiliate. It was my first conference, and I found chemistry and chemical education to be exciting; however, I was too busy finishing my degree and raising a family to volunteer. In addition, no one asked me to contribute any of my time, energy, or ideas to ACS. . . . Fast forward to autumn 2002: one of my colleagues, who was the chair-elect for Western Michigan, asked me about my interest in running for the chair-elect position. Because I had a tenure-track position, I recognized that professional activities would strengthen my career. So I ran unopposed for the position and won my first elected position for any organization.

As chair-elect, I collaborated with a colleague, a chemist with Prein & Newhoff, in organizing Chemistry in the Mall. Wow! I was overwhelmed by the magnitude of its success. I could feel the excitement and wonder of chemistry! Rockets blasting off! Colors and slime everywhere! Chad Stoike, an undergraduate student in chemical education at Grand Valley State University, told me that he attended Chemistry in the Mall as an elementary student. I have since organized poster sessions, lectures, and elections; met many fine individuals; and undertaken more mundane tasks, such as preparing budgets and meeting agendas. I admit that I often feel overwhelmed, and once I even came close to quitting the executive committee. However, I remember the excitement in the students’ eyes. I remember the teacher in an inner-city school, who needed a chemist to do demonstrations. After I left my tenure-track position, local section chemists helped me in my job search. Indeed, I attribute my local section involvement as an important reason that I secured my current position at Ferris State University. I have also learned that I have a flair for organizing events, communicating with people, and building organizations. I also have fun—dinners, trips, and other activities have resulted from my participation in a local section! What a person receives from an endeavor depends upon her or his investment.

Francis Burns
Councilor, Western Michigan Local Section

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