Volunteers

December 2010 Navy

by Tim Moon

I hope that this edition of Navy finds you in good health, good spirits and looking forward to the holiday season. The holiday season is always such a special time of year as we have the opportunity to relax and share the holiday spirit with our family and friends. We are all so fortunate to live in this great country that gives us the freedom to celebrate regardless of our many diverse backgrounds or beliefs.

AUSN is run through the collective efforts of a slate of nationally elected officers, a full-time headquarters staff, a board of directors, and, most importantly, approximately 17,000 members. Each of these groups plays a critical role in ensuring the financial health, disciplined governance and enduring future of our Association. All but one of these groups has their respective roles and responsibilities clearly defined and well documented. Elected officers find their roles defined in the AUSN Operations Manual. Each member of our full-time headquarters staff has a detailed position description. The Board of Directors will have their responsibilities documented when they come to life in 2011.

That leaves the general membership, our 17,000 grass roots members, as the only group that does not have their role in the Association well defined and documented. That begs the question, “What does AUSN expect from our members?” I recognize that all of our members have voluntarily joined our Association and they are either life members or pay their annual dues. In return, they receive the monthly Navy magazine, have access to services provided by AUSN, and benefit from the many legislative initiatives undertaken by AUSN on their behalf.

But what else is expected from our 17,000 members? Members should be actively involved in the work of the Association. Members should be aggressively recruiting new members. Members should volunteer whenever possible. Webster defines a volunteer as “a person who voluntarily undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service.” It is this volunteer spirit that has positioned AUSN where we are today and is critical to sustaining AUSN as the premier association advancing the interests of all members of the Navy community and supporting the needs of the Navy.

So how do you get involved? A good place to start is to visit the AUSN Web site at www.ausn.org and look at the many committees and activities ongoing at AUSN. Once you find something that is of interest to you, contact one of the AUSN district, regional or national officers and volunteer to work on his/her committee. It may be related to membership, professional development, conferences or a host of other topics. As an example, we are always looking for help with organizing and conducting our annual national conferences. Everyone is limited in the time they can dedicate to AUSN, but I can attest that any involvement will make an impact and will be professionally rewarding for you.

The number one area that AUSN needs your active support is in informing potential members and then attracting and recruiting new members. Membership is the strength of our Association and we gain strength with every new member. As I said in my October column, we must increase our membership and attract new corporate sponsors. This is only achievable through a combined effort from our full-time professional staff, our elected officers and the more than 17,000 members that we carry on our rolls. Every one of us is an AUSN recruiter!

Robin and I send our best wishes for a joyous and safe holiday season and hope that you are able to share this holiday with family and friends. Please take a moment to remember those who are deployed “standing the watch” and the sacrifices that they and their loved ones are making so that we can celebrate here at home. Best wishes and happy and prosperous New Year!