I thought this quote from our Leadership Retreat to be very appropriate right now:

“I have never accepted what many people have kindly said, namely that I have inspired the nation. It was the nation and the race dwelling all around the globe that had the lion heart. I had the luck to be called upon to give the roar.”
– Sir Winston Churchill

Sometimes it’s hard to think of yourself serving on a committee, working with an organization, helping an institution. You might feel inadequate, too constrained by the demands of your job, your life, or your personality to step forth and say yes or provide a voice. As Winston Churchill said, most of us never feel that we do what people say we have done – lead, inspire, mentor, encourage. But in reality, that’s how ALAO succeeds and survives, with ordinary people coming forth and saying “yes, I’ll do something.” The opportunities to serve in ALAO are numerous: many of you have enjoyed serving in various offices and positions over the years. I have been, at one time or another, an Interest Group co-chair, Membership Chair, PR/Outreach Coordinator, Board Member- at-Large and served on several conference committees as well as other committees just as important. I found each to be unique and enjoyable. I started small, as an interest group co-chair, and was so shy at first, afraid to speak or offer opinions at meetings. But gradually I found that everyone was fun and friendly, and that we had important work to do. The boards I served on made some really important decisions, created new services and supported new initiatives. It’s cool to look back and say, ‘Hey, I helped make that possible.’ So, now it’s your turn. We have an election coming up. We need people to run for various offices, especially Vice-President/President-Elect and to serve on committees. Please step forward and say yes to serving. Is it your time to be called upon to give the roar?