AVMA launches program to fill volunteer roles

Hundreds of volunteers serve on AVMA councils, committees and task forces but the organization still faces difficulties when it comes to filling vacancies in these roles. Since January 2014, the organization has advertised 113 committee/council vacancies and 78 of them had one or no nominees. 

The most common reason given by members to explain their reluctance is time. In order to tackle this dilemma, AVMA has developed a new program that is expected to provide more opportunities with high value but less time commitment. 

Two advisory panels and their associated systems will comprise the pilot program and will incorporate the councils and committees currently affiliated with the AVMA's Scientific Activities Division. The advisory panel model is intended to provide more opportunities for members to participate in the association, but with a lower time commitment, through the formation of a large pool of 'busy experts and professionals'. Instead of committing to the several-year term required for council or committee participation, you can declare your expertise and interests and be given the opportunity to serve as members of short-term, ad hoc working groups that will address issues relevant to the profession. 

The pilot program is expected to be implemented in the 2015-2016 association year, which begins July 2015. 

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