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Volunteer spirit takes many forms: coaching Little League, teaching an adult education class, assisting a neighbor with grocery shopping and errands, serving on a PTA committee, organizing a fund-raising event for a local organization. As long as there are people in need and organizations relying on members' participation, opportunities will exist for volunteer leadership. Most community and professional organizations view the new year as an opportunity for renewal. They step up their goals, introduce new projects and initiatives, and welcome new members whose perspectives spur the groups' progress and eventual success.
INS is no different. The Society seeks members' increased participation as we embark on the long list of goals to be achieved in 2000. INS relies on you and your colleagues in the specialty to keep the organization on track. Whether you are a "veteran volunteer" or a newer member pondering committee participation, INS needs your commitment more than ever. We have expanded our membership benefits, increased our attention to members' professional needs, strengthened our educational offerings, and broadened our list of career and healthcare resources. To maintain this momentum requires an active membership and a longer list of members who will commit themselves to an INS goal.
Each of us can pledge ourselves to a personal goal related to our INS membership. For some, that may mean focusing on membership recruitment. Decide what your schedule allows. Ask yourself, "Can I encourage five colleagues to join INS this year?" You may choose to join an INS committee or challenge yourself to become a published author in 2000. Evaluate your personal and professional interests. Are you curious about the publication process? Interested in the meeting/speaking circuit? Do you have clinical information to share through the National IV Nursing Network or expertise that would be valuable to the Journal 's Editorial Review Board? Whatever your interest, INS welcomes your participation on any level.
Once you have determined how much time you can commit to your professional organization this year, identify the best use of your "INS time." Are you the kind of volunteer who prefers to devote small blocks of time to a long-term project? Would you rather recruit INS members in your own work setting than travel to chapter meetings? Are you a planner? An organizer? One who does? One who delegates? INS recognizes that significant achievements can be made by every volunteer, from the committee chairperson to the first-time Newsline author. Find an appropriate focus for your involvement or contact INS to find out where your volunteer service is most needed.
National IV Nurse Day, celebrated January 25 of every year, is a wonderful time to begin an INS "volunteer career" or expand your involvement in the organization. This special day honors our commitment to our patients and reminds us of our professional organization's value to the specialty. Set your sights on National IV Nurse Day. Organize a celebration at your hospital or healthcare facility. Provide an opportunity to recognize your colleagues' contributions to the IV specialty. Increase awareness of the specialty among other healthcare professionals. Your participation in National IV Nurse Day celebrations may inspire continued volunteer efforts throughout the year!
I offer my sincere thanks to all of the INS members whose volunteer service has strengthened the Society. At the same time, I issue a challenge to the rest of you. Make 2000 your year to get involved in the life of your professional organization!
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