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Leading Together

The Quarterly Newsletter for ACS Local Section Officers

Spring 2007

Technical Divisions—Volunteer Opportunities

At times it can seem like a no-win situation. The job that you are pursuing requires management, leadership experience, and the ability to work with people, yet you cannot get that experience without the job you’re presently pursuing. One of the best ways of getting this experience, as well as the experience of organizing a meeting in your field of interest while interacting with your peers, is through volunteer opportunities within your technical division. ACS has a variety of ways in which you can get involved, interact with colleagues, and receive the management and leadership experience to advance your career.

ACS has 33 technical divisions and four secretariats from which to choose, each in a specific area of chemistry. You can easily find a division or multiple divisions to meet your professional needs, and your level of involvement can range from a few hours a year to a weekly involvement. The following are just some of the many benefits of division membership:

• keep up with the latest developments in your area of specialization,
• monitor advances in related fields,
• stay in touch with favorite subject areas that may later affect your career,
• network with colleagues from across the United States and around the world, and
• contribute to the advancement and recognition of your special discipline.

So, how do you get started? First, join an ACS division and contact the membership chair. Visit the division’s website to familiarize yourself with the present committee and events. If the division has an e-discussion list, join it and learn more about the division. To get started, you may be asked to contact members or e-mail important information to other members. You may even want to volunteer to chair a committee, such as the membership committee. You might also like to staff the membership booth for a couple of hours at a national meeting. Here, you can meet division members and other ACS staff who can help point you in the right direction.

Alan B. Cooper
Subcommittee on Technology, Tools and Operations
ACS Committee on Local Section Activities

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