What Can the YCC Do For You?
It’s an exciting time to be involved with the ACS. We are on the eve of a radical change in membership for the Society. The Committee on Membership Affairs (MAC) has crafted a petition for action to the Council (New Orleans ’08) of the ACS that will make it possible for Student Affiliates to become Student Members. The Younger Chemists Committee (YCC) had a lot to do with the crafting of this petition over the past two years working closely with MAC, and the fruits of those labors are now being considered by the Society as a whole.
My predecessors as Chair of the YCC can tell you that the value you gain by being active in the Society are more than expanding your scientific knowledge base and gaining tools for the job market. In addition to these valuable assets, each active member develops a network of chemists (I would argue more broadly, scientists) that will help you navigate your career. Whether you are interested in academe, government, or the private sector, your peers have a profound impact on your career path.
Another reason to get involved with the ACS is to help our fellow man. The ACS’ Vision, Improving people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry, is a statement to the masses that scientists everywhere are duty bound to help others understand how Chemistry can help solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. That may sound a bit cliché, but I wholeheartedly believe that as the educated minority, we have to help this country and the world make informed decisions about technology and science as it affects everything around us. The Industrial Revolution was society’s response to imperialism a century ago. How will society respond to globalization, environmental changes, and war? By being active in the ACS, we can have an impact on answering this question.
As a younger chemist, defined by the YCC as early career chemists and professionals in the chemical sciences and related fields, you may wonder how to become active in the ACS? That’s where the YCC comes into play. Our goal is to lead younger chemists into successful careers and active roles in the ACS and the profession. We provide information such as this newsletter, programming at regional and national meetings, and other resources on our Website for you to learn about opportunities and learn skills important to younger chemists. We also provide funding for local sections to establish local section younger chemists committees (LSYCC) as well as give out grants to younger chemists to attend the ACS Leadership Development System. As younger chemists we represent the future of the Society as well as the future leaders of the profession. Just like anything else, you get out what you put in. So get involved today!
Mick Hurrey
Chair, YCC
