When the word comes around for elections to the PASS Board, are you one of those people who, even in passing, considers running? If you are, my advice is to well, do it.
By the way, here’s that word.
In order to make this a stronger, even more vibrant organization that continues to provide support to its members, we need more good leadership. A healthy set of choices, meaning lots of people, is necessary. That means we need you to run. There is no commitment required immediately. We’ve just started the process. What I’m asking you to do now, is start thinking about running, and thinking about it in a positive fashion. Track down a board member, or former board member, and find out what they think of the experience. You can ask them what they didn’t like, sure. More importantly, ask them what they got out of the experience. I’ve talked to a lot of former board members (and did so before I ran). Each can tell you a horror story. However, every single one of them also talked about the positive aspects of their time on the board.
Personally, my first year, while a learning experience (and we all know what they’re like), was unremittingly positive. I’m excited about what I got done while I was on the board. I’m excited about what I may get done. I’m VERY excited about my new role. My positive experience comes from two places. First, I’ve been able to make a useful impact on the organization that has done so much for me personally, paying forward some of what I’ve received. Next, I’ve been working on the skills needed to take part in running a very large organization, which is hugely personally beneficial. I won’t tell you that everything has been easy. It hasn’t. This is work, and extra work, on top of your job, family, career, etc. However, it has been, and continues to be, a rewarding experience.
I’m asking you, as Grant, please, run for the PASS Board.