Volunteerism
January 31, 2012
Volunteerism has been a part of society’s fabric for more generations than we can count. From coaching and mentoring youth to assisting seniors striving to maintain their independence, and from participating in task forces to solve problems to governance committees strategizing a community’s future, volunteers have contributed great successes.
Still, I was amazed by the volunteerism of past chapter president Joe Lanza, whose efforts to bring clean water to a small town in Kenya was featured in the December 2011 issue of California CPA.
Why volunteer? Most benefits of volunteering are intangible, often relating to feelings of accomplishment or having a sense of contribution to community—local or global. Volunteering allows us to transform our lives by giving of ourselves; we can choose where to expend our energy with great enthusiasm and passion. We can develop new skills (maybe then we will not need to be the treasurer on every board) that contribute to our personal growth, as well as have a positive impact on those around us.
As I write this President’s Message, the CalCPA Nominations Committee will be convening. This committee provides one with a unique opportunity to assist CalCPA in selecting professionals who will further the profession. Each chapter has at least two positions on the CalCPA Council. The committee selects additional members who would like to serve on Council, some of whom also seek a CalCPA Board position, such as chair or treasurer. In addition, the committee selects people to recommend to the AICPA Council for its selection. Everyone has a quest to serve the profession.
For a statewide committee, the time commitment is minimal and the impact is phenomenal. The Nominations Committee conducts phone interviews of some candidates and meets annually in January in conjunction with CPA Day at the Capitol and the January Council meeting in Sacramento to interview candidates, deliberate and select the slate for presentation to the membership. I found this a rewarding experience and I encourage anyone who would like to serve to contact chapter program associate Rita Williams.
Interested in other volunteer opportunities with less travel? We always have opportunities on our many discussion groups and event committees. These committee volunteers greatly impact our profession by providing opportunities to network, learn, help students, achieve, grow and have fun. Volunteer this month; the committees convene after April 17 to give you a carrot to get through tax season.
As we enjoy the last few days before tax season, remember that we do balance work and life—just not necessarily in the same eight weeks of busy season.