By Stan Shingles, 2015-2016 NIRSA President, Assistant Vice President at Central Michigan University
As the calendar turns from summer to fall, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your journey for this year. There is so much to accomplish, and the start of a fresh school year brings us visions, new goals, creates new challenges, and offers new journeys. I think it’s helpful to take a moment to pause and determine just what path we might take. How can we challenge ourselves to take new paths, forge new directions, and build new networks?
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a NIRSA #RecChat conversation.
The topic—”Building a Network”—offered members a great platform to engage colleagues in understanding the dynamics, value, and purpose of building a network. The Google Hangout offered us a tremendous medium to share our thoughts and ideas, engage with our fellow members, and discuss the important topic of networking. Networking is at the core of our professional development, and is an important factor in our professional journey and overall success.
I had the wonderful pleasure of sharing this chat with NIRSA Student Leader Erica Estes, Graduate Assistant for Facilities & Fitness at the University of Southern Mississippi, and #RecChat host Earl Cabellon, Assistant Director of Student Personnel at the University of Maryland and NIRSA Region I Representative to the Member Network. The conversation took place with production support from Richelle Harvey of American University and Will Moore.
Although we explored many elements of networking, I was especially intrigued by Erica’s perspective and comments regarding the perception some members may have about those of us who have been fortunate enough to serve in leadership positions. Erica stated, “We are not these big scary monsters who are up on this platform and can’t be spoken to.” Her comments underscore the importance of volunteer leaders being accessible and active in our communications; we must eliminate barriers to effective interactions and work to find ways to connect with those we serve in our Association. In his book What Makes the Great, Great, noted author Dr. Dennis Kimbro states, “Service is the price we pay for the space we occupy!” In simple terms, he means we can all serve and—more importantly—we all have a duty to serve.
Erica went on to highlight the value of knowing about the available opportunities to serve, and she emphasized the importance of developing a comfort level to pursue and engage in these opportunities without fear. Our conversation brought us around to the realization that networking today is no longer centered on the premise “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Instead, the focus has shifted and it’s now very much about “Who knows you!” How are you building your network to reflect this new thinking? What are you doing to build authentic, sustainable, and effective relationships? Who are the individuals out there who know about your values, motivations, and passions?
I challenge you to think about your current place in the profession broadly, and in the Association more specifically; I ask that you “lean in” and truly engage in a way that will allow you to build your network and position yourself to effectively serve your community and this profession. I urge you to consider how you can make a difference, how you can have an impact, and how you can contribute to our Association.
It’s the time of year to start thinking about the next cycle of volunteer leadership positions in the Association. Are you considering standing for elected office? Are you interested in serving on Association committees, commissions, the Member Network, Boards of Directors, or in state, provincial, or regional service roles? If so, visit the NIRSA website to view the guidelines, timelines, and other important details regarding these leadership and service opportunities.
President-Designee Dr. Stacey Hall, Director of Campus Recreation at the University of New Hampshire, will be leading the NIRSA Nominations and Appointment Committee this year. You can contact her, any other member on this committee, or your regional representatives, regional student leaders, and state directors to learn more about the many service experience opportunities available through our Association.
No matter what role you pursue, the true measure of success is the individual willingness to be a servant leader who is committed to advancing, improving, and contributing to the success of NIRSA. As a member-driven association, your engagement is essential to the sustained evolution of our profession. Choose your service engagement with great purpose as these experiences can enhance and develop your professional network in ways you may not have imagined.
Oh the places we will go!
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
