As PWAC Toronto Chapter’s vice-president of professional development for the last five years, I’ve enjoyed the great opportunity to lead our chapter’s programming efforts—a role that has provided a broad range of personal and professional rewards. As I move into the role of our chapter’s treasurer this year, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on how much I’ve gained so far by volunteering for our chapter.
I joined PWAC six years ago when I started my freelance writing career. My business has changed a lot since then—new clients, new specialties, different website—but one thing that has remained constant is PWAC, and it’s accurate to say that my involvement in this chapter, and in the organization at large, has had immeasurable benefits for my career.
Volunteering to lead professional development activities led to the immediate perk of becoming a part of the chapter’s dynamic, engaging and productive executive. The abundance of ideas, insights and energy committed by chapter executive members, and the friendly and easygoing atmosphere of our meetings, makes being part of this group rewarding and fun. Over the years, I have gleaned a lot of valuable information about the business of professional writing from these accomplished writers; and, the icing on the cake is that I’ve also come to consider some of these individuals to be friends.
Planning PD also provided me with the opportunity to build my connections with our general members, and I’ve always appreciated the (mainly great!) feedback our chapter receives about our events, and also learning more about preferred events for the future. As well, I’ve been able to connect with a wide range of writing, business and other types of professionals who have been panelists and workshop presenters at our events, which has exposed me to new ideas and helped me build my professional network.
What’s been especially rewarding about volunteering for our chapter in this capacity is the sense that I’ve been able to make a valuable contribution to the vitality and relevancy of our chapter. Working collectively with other executives, I’m proud of what we’ve been able to achieve over the years, including expanding and improving our professional development offerings, securing sponsors for some of our events, finding a better venue, and attracting more people to our events each year.
Ultimately, as someone who cares not only about our chapter, but the organization at large, and the writing profession in general, volunteering for PWAC has allowed me the chance to express that commitment in an effective way. And the friends and acquaintances I’ve made along the way, the learning that has come from connecting with so many talented professionals, and the immense opportunities for professional networking, make volunteering a tremendously valuable and enjoyable experience.
Sharon Aschaiek, Treasurer PWAC Toronto Chapter Board 2010/2011
