By Leah Newell
Chair, Leadership Cultivation Subcommittee (under the Leadership Development Committee)
Hey potential NAFSA leader! Yeah you! Noooooo…not him…not her…you! You too can be a NAFSA leader. Now is the time to get involved in NAFSA leadership – right now. Time to energize your mind with creative ideas and influence NAFSA and IE policy with thoughtful discussions and active engagement, all while expanding your network with talented IE professionals. I do understand that it’s possible this isn’t exactly the best time for you, there may be a new job, a new kid, a new city—whatever situation that might call upon you to need a little adjustment time. In that case you can wait until next year—but don’t forget that WE NEED YOU—not someone else, you—sooner versus later.
It’s more likely, though, that there’s nothing keeping you from volunteering but you. It’s time to become a leader. It’s time to stop talking about what should or could be and producing what can be. Share your skills, your knowledge, your energy, and your commitment to international education. I know……I thought that…..and that too…..and that. I was so busy thinking of all the reasons I couldn’t be a NAFSA leader that I didn’t take the time to think of how I could. And you can. Here are some open positions that might interest you.
There are hundreds of opportunities at the local, state, regional, and national level for IE professional of varying backgrounds and experience levels; it all starts with a “Yes,…I want to get involved. I want to broaden my professional experience; I want to expose myself (and my institution) to a multiplicity of approaches within the IE field. I want to help maintain a strong organization. I want to be a NAFSA leader.” What questions do you have about NAFSA leadership; what crosses your mind when you think of volunteering as a leader?
Approach me or any other current or past NAFSA leader to learn how we got involved, and how you too can join the ranks of NAFSA Leaders.
I am looking for a volunteer opportunity in a study abroad program at a Boston university.
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity at a specific university, you should go speak to someone at that institution’s study abroad office as they are more knowledgeable about their specific needs. Remember that often their are multiple universities and colleges (don’t forget the community colleges) that have offices, so don’t restrict yourself to one institution if there isn’t a volunteer opportunity there at this time. Also, there are many independent study abroad providers that might also offer an opportunity for you to volunteer.
Can higher ed professionals living and working abroad be a part of NAFSA as well? I live in Paris and work at an American institution of higher education here and if possible, would love to be a part of NAFSA.
Definitely higher ed professionals living and working abroad can be a part of NAFSA and currently are a part; NAFSA has international members. If you are referring to being involved in NAFSA leadership, yes as a member of NAFSA you are also welcome to express interest in being involved in the many leadership opportunities. Some positions are elected, while others you apply for and still others that may be very short term and/or very specific might be something someone directly approaches you for due to your previously expressed interest (update your PIEE/Profile of Interest Experience and Expertise). It is important to recognize that as member leaders, some of the support for our involvement comes from our institutions–usually this is in support (financial and release time) of our attandence at annual and sometimes regional conferences. It is important to consider this potentially high financial commitment if you are based outside of the U.S.; however, don’t let it be a deterrent–as NAFSA needs the mental capacity of all it’s members. As an professional working abroad, there may also be some opportunities for you to work virtually it really depends on the position. There may be other challenges too but again not necessarily insurmountable. We have an int’l member on the Leadership Development Committee that may be able to address any concerns further. In the meantime check out the recently added link in my first post to some current open positions.
Jennifer,
I would just like to comment that it is definitely possible for higher ed professionals living abroad to be a part of NAFSA. I live in Argentina and serve on the Leadership Development Committee and two sub-committees.
It takes a little more work but I have found that the NAFSA Staff go out of their way to make my participation in committees possible. I also look for ways to be able to participate. Our courrent world is very virtual so it makes it possible to be present virtually.
If you are interested in a leadership position, by all means apply. Don’t let the fact that you live outside the U.S. be an obstacle.
I would be happy to answer any other questions you might have.
NAFSA leadership is a fantastic opportunity for personal development, for networking and to be really involved in the field. You learn, you work and you truly enjoy!!!
Ruby
Leah,
I’d like to be a NAFSA leader. Can you be more specific? Instead of posting this on a blog, how can I reach you more directly?
Andrea
Check out the recently added link in my original post to see some of the leadership opportunities. There are job descriptions that will help you better understand the responsibilities of each position and the time commitments. Also check out your regional website to see if there are any open positions. Many of the regions put out an electronic news letter that advertises their leadership opportunities also; however you need to go to the site to sign up. After reviewing this information, let me know if you have any specific questions. Also, it is very important for you to update your PIEE/Profile of Interest, Experience and Expertise on the NAFSA website and to let your regional leaders know of your interest in becoming a leader. If you are interested in a national position, please utilize the following email to express interest or ask a question, we will follow-up with you: leadership@nafsa.org
The University I have been working at is not one of the member institutions of NAFSA, and it was my first time to attend NAFSA this year at KC. Can I also be a volunteer while my workplace is not a NAFSA member?
I hope you enjoyed your first NAFSA conference at KC; and took advantage of the newcomers session as it is quite informative and helpful for first-time (or even future-time attendees).
While NAFSA memberships are actually individual memberships not organizational memberships, most professionals membership fees are covered by their institution/organization. However, some individuals, like myself, cover their own membership cost for a multitude of reasons and because of the value of membership to them. Check with your institution to see if they will cover the cost of your membership. Check out the NAFSA website for the “benefits of membership” to share with your decision-maker.
Most, if not all, of the national leadership opportunities require that you are a member however I am not sure about all of the regions. I believe the regional team members are all members however, there are many opportunities to support your regional work and local work that don’t require membership just willingness. Let them know of your interest.
Hey! I’m starting my grad school career in about a month or so at Oregon State U, but I want to get a jump start on IE opportunities since my main interest is international opportunities and education. How can I do so?
Check out my response to person who wants to volunteer at an institution of higher education. You will be on a college campus so consider volunteering in the study abroad or international student office. Also, many campus do separate international programming in their colleges–check out your college or one of the others to see if you can volunteer (or who knows–get a paid job) working with the individuals putting together international opportunities. There is a lot going on on college campuses beneath the surface so make sure you read your campus newspapers and electronic news to see what faculty, administrators and students are involved in. And don’t forget your local community–there may be some very interesting opportunities through the local government (i.e. sister cities) and/or international community that you’d find very interesting. Keep your eyes and ears open and talk about what you want to be involve in to everyone so that when something comes up they’ll know who to call.
Leah,
This is my first year as an International Advisor and I just wanted to know where should I start as far as getting involved?
Dear Leah,
I would like to point out that the NAFSA Academy is beginning its search for a new class of trainees. The NAFSA Academy is ideal for professionals in International Education to expand their knowledge in field and set professional goals for both the “now” and the future. Academy trainees are organized into regional cohorts who share a coach who is seasoned in the field and who is dedicated to helping the trainee carve out a path toward a position of leadership in International Education. Interested individuals should check out NAFSA’s Academy page at http://www.nafsa.org/events.sec/academy_main/ for more information. The application deadline for the 2011 Academy Class 8 is December 1.