These last few weeks I have been traveling to the chapter meetings (and participating in the virtual chapter meeting) and during my MLA Update I remind people that engagement within MLA is important to members building their own value within the organization. One of the best ways to be engaged is to join an MLA Committee.
Time is running out, you must submit an application to join a committee by October 31, 2015.
Over the years I’ve written several posts about joining an MLA Committee, here is a “Behind the Scenes” post which gives a detailed account of the process.
Primary things to remember when joining a committee:
- The process is kind of similar to the Match for medical students. The MLA President elect officially assigns members to committees. However, we go by the requests and input from the committee chairs and the member application requests.
- When applying for a committee pleas list your interests or experience for the committee you wish to join. This helps the committee chairs who are looking for people and it helps the President elect.
- Apply for more than one committee. Some committees are very popular and there may be several people for 2 spots. Applying for more than one committee increases your chances of being on a committee you want.
- Seriously consider selecting “Any Committee”. This is very helpful to chairs and the President Elect. This also increases your chances of being on a committee.
We try very hard to make sure everyone is assigned to a committee but if you don’t fill everything out or list only one committee it makes things very difficult.
Last year when I assigned committee members I worked with a giant spread sheet of member requests, a giant spread sheet of chair requests, and a spreadsheet listing every committee applicant so I could check off that they got assigned to at least one committee. Thankfully I have 2 computer monitors so I could keep track of it all.
So please apply to join a committee it is a great way to get involved.