The Value of Volunteering

Thinking about volunteering? Do you want to network with other chemists, give back to your community, become a role model, be a more valuable employee, and make new friends? Getting involved in your local section offers many more benefits than you might expect!

One crisp, fall day in 1984, I decided to attend a local section meeting that was a “family night” at the local science museum. My sole purpose in going was to meet the chair of the section and introduce myself so that I could get more involved. My reasoning was something like this: “I’m paying money out every year to ACS, and what have I got to show for it other than a subscription to Chemical & Engineering News?” I thought maybe if I got more involved, I would get a better return on my investment! I expressed my interest to the chair, who was very friendly and easy to talk to, and we exchanged phone numbers. The very next day, he called me and offered me three different options for what I could do to help the section. One of these was to help start up a younger chemists committee, which appealed to me the most because I was in my early twenties.

That was 22 years ago. I not only helped start up a younger chemists committee back then, I’ve stayed actively involved with the section ever since! I’ve now served as secretary, treasurer, and twice as chair. I currently am a councilor and serve as chair of the long-range planning committee.

Why would anyone do all of this, you might ask? Sure, it has taken many hours of sometimes tedious work; dragged me out to long, boring committee meetings on winter evenings when I’d rather be home by the fireplace; and added to my stress level as a full-time working mom. But I have received numerous benefits that I never anticipated back in 1984. First of all, the experience I have gained has helped me grow professionally and gotten me kudos at work (phrases like “demonstrates leadership potential” in my evaluations). Second, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with other chemists from all over our section. Most of the major chemist-employing companies and universities are represented on our executive committee, so you can’t help but develop a good network of colleagues. Finally, the satisfaction of helping other area chemists and future chemists (i.e., today’s students) is its own reward.

On a more personal note, the people I have met through my ACS local section are not merely colleagues—they have become my friends. We have a truly remarkable group of dedicated volunteers who are both competent and kind. They are a pleasure to work with and make the whole experience enjoyable. And, although I have worried about the time spent on ACS away from my family, it also occurs to me that I am setting an example for my teenage daughter. She sees that I am willing to put actions behind my words and make time for what is important to me. How do you put a value on that?

So, for those of you out there who have never tasted this type of volunteer experience, I encourage you to give it a try. Just pick up the phone, send an e-mail message, or walk up and introduce yourself at the next local section meeting. We’d love to meet you!

Charlene Hayden
Councilor, Detroit Local Section

Back to Top Return to Newsletter