A Message From the VP of Human Resources

Volunteering is a gift that I give myself. In this world of constant go, go go, I definitely find that I need to stop and reflect on what makes me be able to go, go go. Volunteering with ASTD is one of those things. At ASTD, we are over 600 members strong and growing every day. There are many different kinds of volunteer opportunities at ASTD that fit each and every personality and personal time frame. Take a minute and think about how much time you have to volunteer. ASTD encourages people to volunteer around their schedule. We are not interested in burning people out because we understand how important it is to nurture ourselves in the way that best fits us as individuals because we are all so different. One way ASTD recognizes those differences is offering a number of different ways to volunteer.

Option 1: Transition SIG
What's Involved: Assist in the development and implementation of new SIGS, Interface with speakers, Work with location and food, Manage onsite attendance, Work with ASTD office for admin support.

Option 2: ASTD Chapter Programs
What's Involved: Planning Committee (ideas for program and help at programs), Registration, Meet and Greet, Equipment and room arrangements, Speaker contact.

Option 3: Series and Forums Volunteer
What's Involved: Volunteers may be asked to review programs, participate in strategy sessions, plan events, cover registration activities, or other activities as determined by the Series and Forums goals and initiative for the year.

Option 3: ASTD Regional Conference
This is a link to our recent conference we had in March. We are beginning to gear up for the next one and would love your help! What's Involved: Speaker application reviewer, packet stuffing, evaluation analysis, greeter, set-up, photographer, breakout session leader.

Option 4: ASTD Membership Committee
What's Involved: Telephone skills, Knowledge of chapter and chapter operations (we can teach you this!), Willing to contact new members and welcome them to chapter.

Option 5: ASTD Business Operations
Contact the Chapter Chief Operations Office, Kathleen Bergquist, at astd@astdcascadia.org.
What's Involved: Format job listings in HTML (web development software and basic HTML skills required), Willingness to update list of training sites in service area.

There are so many options and we want to find something that you will benefit from. Check out all of our volunteer opportunities.

When I first joined ASTD, I was the Board Secretary. I went to our Board retreat not knowing anyone but wanting to give back to my professional organization and learn from other people in the T&D field. I was new to Portland and looking for networking opportunities. After the Board retreat was over, I walked away having made many connections with people who do the same thing that I do. In the process of volunteering, I also found new friends. Whether you are interesting in making some new friends, connecting with people in your field, learning more about the Training and Development field or learning a new skill, volunteering with ASTD is a fantastic place to meet your needs. Get involved!

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ASTD is very lucky to have a talented, passionate and fun group of volunteers. If you are already a volunteer, thank you. If you are thinking of becoming a volunteer, thank you! Give me a call (503-382-4105) or email me (korehovec@pyramidbrew.com) if you have any questions about volunteering with ASTD. I look forward to seeing what kind of connections can be made.

Kelly Orehovec
VP of Human Resources
ASTD Cascadia Chapter
korehovec@pyramidbrew.com

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