By: Lisa Perius IVMA Executive Director
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill
Have you considered getting involved with IVMA? How about donating some of your precious time to connect with colleagues, discuss IVMA opportunities, and improve your own well-being? Joining an IVMA task force, or considering a micro-volunteering opportunity, are tremendous ways to engage in your profession, meet new people, and have fun along the way.
You, the members, are the power behind the strength of IVMA. As you may recall, the IVMA Board of Directors voted last year to update the governance structure of the association. With there being no more standing committees, the Board, each year, determines the task forces to be assembled. The intent of these groundbreaking, 21st Century changes are to involve more members. Further, this new structure will provide a volunteer opportunity that is meaningful, while respecting time commitments of our busy members.
The Board met on April 25, 2018. They established the following six task forces to achieve 2018 strategies for the association. These task forces are assigned in three areas: Community, Value, and Engagement.
IVMA Sustainability Task Force – Value
Goal: To explore innovative revenue resources, increasing the overall sustainability of IVMA.
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed
The Sustainability Task Force will ask and delve into such questions as “how do we increase IVMA financial resources to ensure stability” and “how can we diversify and increase income streams for the association”.
Practice Resource Task Force – Value
Goal: To develop resources and tools to help members & their staff improve practice success, productivity and profitability
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed
The Practice Resource Task Force will ask questions like “how does IVMA provide direction on improving practice management”, “how can we add value to IVMA membership by developing resources to assist veterinary practices”, and “how can IVMA serve as a conduit for content with industry partners”.
Innovative Member Engagement Task Force – Engagement
Goal: To create opportunities that enhance the membership experience
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed
The Innovative Member Engagement Task Force will ask and delve into such questions as “what are the best ways to connect with members, i.e. develop podcasts, take IVMA on the road to member clinics”, “how can we better connect with students and understand their challenges as they integrate into the profession”, and “how do we improve upon such deliverables as Power of 10 and Power of You”.
Membership Structure Task Force – Engagement
Goal: To review and assess the current structure of IVMA membership levels and determine new ways to improve membership structure
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed
The Membership Structure Task Force will review and study the current IVMA membership structure and how this can be improved for both members and the association.
Understanding IVMA Community – Community
Goal: To develop a variety of ways to keep our members engaged and involved
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed.
The Understanding IVMA Community Task Force will ask such questions as “what platforms do we use to create forums” and “how do we create forums and communities through technology and in-person”.
Innovation Task Force – Community
Goal: Dream Big! Where do we see the IVMA in 5 years… 10 years…
Time Commitment: 1-3 face to face meetings in 2018 plus email/conference call contact as needed.
The Innovation Task Force is a place where IVMA can dream, connect with others outside the profession, and consider how to improve veterinary medicine in Indiana.
If you only have a few hours, there are many other ways you can offer your skills and talents to IVMA.
• Post membership flyers at your office
• Submit a testimonial about why you are an IVMA member
• Assist with raising money for VetPlex
• Volunteer at IVMA office
• Be an annual meeting speaker moderator
• Write a blog, “One Welfare” or “Hoosier Veterinarian” article
• Participate and develop an IVMA podcast
• Recruit nonmembers via email or phone message
• Develop IVMA social media posts
• Be a State Fair surgery suite narrator or surgeon
• Record a brief video about your veterinary career for the IVMA
• YouTube channel
• Write new member welcome note card
• Serve on 2019 Legislative Working Group
• Serve on 2019 Annual Meeting Working Group
• Serve on the IVMA Well-Being Working Group