A Letter to Members: Returning and New
Maddie Corder
Naperville Central High School
What an amazing time to be a member of IACAC! There is a crisp chill in the air, the leaves are changing, and our membership is growing! I want to extend the warmest welcome to all members of our organization as we begin this new year, but especially to our new members. I am so glad you have decided to join us and am thrilled at all of the amazing possibilities for our organization.
As a member of IACAC for 7 years, I will admit that I have had varying levels of involvement with IACAC. When I first joined, I felt apprehensive to volunteer for things, had nerves around whether the community would accept me as a “newbie” in the profession, and didn’t know quite where I could fit in. The first few years I did the basics, which mostly consisted of just reading emails that were sent – hey, that’s more than nothing! My involvement slowly started to grow as I moved from a passive observer to actively attending events. I started with attending the Annual Conference and then a few other professional development opportunities that IACAC offered. From there my interest in and passion for the organization grew and eventually I became a committee chair.
I share my history as a member of IACAC because I want you to know that I have found IACAC to be the MOST welcoming, kind, inclusive, innovative, AMAZING group of individuals who are all striving for the same goal: to support ALL students in realizing their full future potential. Through meaningful engagement with IACAC, I am supported to assist and advocate for the students I work with in my community. I know IACAC can do the same for you and that’s why I encourage and challenge you to take full advantage of your membership!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Check out the member portal and update your profile
- Subscribe and post to a forum (this is a great way to connect with members of our org and ask questions!)
- Learn about the different committees in IACAC
- Attend a professional development event
- Look at all of the amazing benefits of your membership!
I truly believe the more engaged you are, the more you will get out of our organization. Go ahead – jump in with both feet. There is no time like the present.
It would also be careless of me not to acknowledge that you may be feeling maxed out. That you are at full capacity at the moment. I hear you. Big time. We are in the midst of a pandemic that has been ongoing for 18+ months. We have so much going on in our professional and personal lives. Maybe you joined IACAC, but now is not the right time for you personally and/or professionally to be actively involved. That is okay! In the meantime, stay informed by reading emails and the Admission Essay, we’ll be here when you’re ready to take your involvement to the next level.
We are SO happy you have joined our IACAC fam! We are excited to have your voice represented and hear your ideas! We can’t wait to meet you and get to know you!
