Blossoming Volunteers

By Emily Fraser

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin

This month we asked three blossoming AWC Austin volunteers to share their experiences and give some insight as to why they find AWC Austin valuable. Read on to find out why Anna Shelton, Rachel Denton and Danielle Urban enjoy serving on AWC Austin committees. If you’re inspired, there are lots of areas we could use your help, simply fill out this form to get started.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna Shelton, Get Smart Committee

Rachel Denton, Connect Over Cocktails Committee

 Danielle Urban, Get Smart Committee

1. In what capacities have you donated your time and skills to AWC Austin?
Anna Shelton: I have the pleasure of using my graphic design skills with the AWC Get Smart Conference. I have designed the logo for this year’s conference and the web banner.

Rachel Denton: I am the event coordinator for AWC’s signature networking event, Connect Over Cocktails. This event takes place every other month at various locations throughout Austin and is open to members and non-members. Connect Over Cocktails is a great way to make quality connections and meet new people in the communications field. The next event is on August 14^th. Find more information here

Danielle Urban: I began volunteering for AWC Austin earlier this year on the Banner Brunch marketing committee. I’m now leading the marketing efforts within the 2012 Get Smart committee.

2. How did you first find out about AWC Austin’s volunteer opportunities and what enticed you?
AS: I had been looking for an organization here in town to get involved with and volunteer my time and skills. A friend of mine, Cristen James, who has been involved with AWC for a while, invited me to sit in on a meeting and see if I felt like it would be a good fit for me. I quickly found that it is!

RD: I first heard about AWC Austin’s volunteer opportunities at a Connect Over Cocktails event. In talking with one of the board members at the event, I expressed an interest in getting more involved in the organization and was told about the various ways I could participate. I chose Connect Over Cocktails because I thought it would be fun and a good way to meet new people in the organization and in the industry.

DU: I was already looking for a way to get involved in the organization when I was approached by Julie Tereshchuk (how many of us have become AWC volunteers after speaking with the wonderful Julie T?!) to help out with Banner Brunch. I was looking for a chance to gain valuable association experience, expand my professional network, and have a little fun, too! I found all of those things at AWC.

3. Have you learned anything or had any unexpected outcomes from your experience?
AS: I have met some really inspiring women. It’s great to see the Get Smart volunteers work so passionately as a team to make this event successful. It has been a very pleasant surprise.

RD: I had never done event planning before volunteering with AWC, so I have definitely learned some new skills in that regard. I have gained confidence in working with venues and other organizations and have learned that even the smallest and simplest of events can take a good amount of work to implement!

DU: There is always something to learn! One of AWC’s strengths is that it brings together women communicators from all industries and experience levels. That’s amplified when you become an AWC volunteer. Although I’ve only been volunteering for a little over six months, I’ve been surprised at all of the great connections I have made already. You never know whom volunteering will put you in contact with!

4. What advice do you have for others that may be interested in volunteering for the chapter?
AS: I always tell myself that in order to see results tomorrow, I have to begin today, whether that’s in my own life or just by investing time somewhere that will be beneficial to others. So don’t be shy – we would love to meet you and get your help in AWC! (We don’t bite, I promise) You will make some great friends, and have some amazing experiences along the way.

RD: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try something new within the organization! You have nothing to lose; you will meet some wonderful ladies and take away great ideas along the way!

DU: Attend an AWC luncheon and ask a board member (there’s one at every table) about what volunteer opportunities are available. Let her know what you can bring to the table, the time you have available and what you’re hoping to gain through volunteering. There’s almost always a volunteer role available that’s a good fit. Also, make the volunteer role work for you. If you’re looking to gain experience in a certain area or learn a new skill, find a volunteer role that will help you do just that.

5. What’s your favorite AWC Austin event?
AS: I have to say I am pretty partial to the Get Smart conference. It’s a great opportunity to learn from experts in our fields and network. But, this being my first year with the organization, I’m excited to see what else we have in store for the year.

RD: Connect Over Cocktails of course!

DU: Attending last year’s Get Smart conference was ultimately what motivated me to join AWC Austin. Everyone I met seemed truly interested in learning about one another and what they do, and having a lot of fun, too! Get Smart allows you to learn from seasoned experts from every part of the communications industry. If you attend Get Smart, you’ll get to meet new people, learn valuable new skills, and come back to work refreshed and re-energized about what you do. (psst – Registration’s open for Get Smart 2012 on Sept. 21. Just go to GetSmartAustin.com)