The volunteer efforts and engagement of our members make the AARC a true success. From serving on committees or in elected positions, taking part in focus groups, sharing expertise and mentoring skills in AARConnect, advocating for respiratory care issues, our members volunteer their time all while strengthening the AARC. April 15-21, 2018 is National Volunteer Week and we are taking a moment to tell our members: Thank you for all you do to help the profession and the AARC.
“The time and talent our members give to the AARC each day is a tremendous help,” said AARC Executive Director Thomas Kallstrom, RRT, MBA, FAARC, AARC. “We appreciate our members’ continued dedication—to both the AARC and the entire respiratory care profession. Today and every day, we say: Thank You!”
How our members volunteer
The AARC relies on its members to ignite the association and keep things moving forward and progressing.
Member-to-member support
Through the AARConnect, members often volunteer their expertise above and beyond the questions asked in the forum. In turn, this may result in becoming an unofficial (and sometimes official) mentor to a fellow member.
Subject experts
Members also become subject matter experts, helping to write articles, facilitate discussions or serve as faculty for continuing education courses. The member voice is important and the AARC is grateful to its members who share theirs.
Giving their time
Volunteering to serve as an AARC officer or leader—whether elected or appointed—at the state or national level takes a great deal of personal time from our members. Their service is vital to the membership.
Advocating for respiratory care
Extending the reach of the AARC is made possible by our members who take the time to be an advocate for the AARC and the profession. One example of this is currently happening through our Virtual Lobby Campaign (April 11 – May 2). Members from across the U.S. are reaching out to their congress members and asking them to support telehealth pilot legislation focused solely on respiratory therapists. Learn How You Can Help!
In addition to advocacy at the legislative level, coordinating events, such as state conferences, and volunteering on behalf of the AARC at outreach activities, such as HOSA, USEF and community health fairs, plays a significant role in promoting and strengthening the profession.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
