*Volunteering is as easy as U-S-I-T-T!
Remarkably, each year hundreds of volunteers come together with a small number of paid staff to do the work of USITT. The Institute, which has an operating budget over the $1 Million dollar mark, has an overwhelming number of projects, services, programs, awards, publications and other business that it perpetuates, beyond its signature annual conference and stage expo, that most people associate with it. As we celebrate fifty fabulous years that USITT has "been in business", it's important to look to the future and explore ways to increase activity and member involvement. This is where you come in: if you would like to take a more active role in service to the Institute, but just don't know where to begin, consider checking out this panel session at the National Conference: Leadership and Volunteer Opportunities within USITT* 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM, Friday, April 2. Volunteers are board members, officers (like President and Secretary), commissioners, vice-commissioners, panelists, committee members who serve on special committees for awards, grants and fellowships, finance, research, membership,etc, conference committee, regional section officers and board, student chapter volunteers--you get the idea--the list is seemingly endless. While expertise in a certain area is certainly welcome, no special skills are required to become involved--save a desire to learn and to contribute time and energy to a special project or program. Volunteers of USITT--at all levels of service--will be on hand to talk about how to get involved, ways you can contribute your energy and expertise, and start cultivating the next generation of volunteers who will lead us toward the future--and another successful 50 years!
Hundreds of projects, workshops, research and events (including the annual conference) are conceptualized, planned, and executed primarily by volunteer members of the organization each year, with help from our New York-based staff. In order for our organization to continue to flourish and grow, we need to be constantly infused with the energy and support of new volunteers, like yourselves, to help lead and guide the organization into the future. Meet a panel of current leaders and volunteers who will share their experiences and learn how you can get involved on any number of levels - starting today!
Can't be at the conference this year, but still want to get involved? Contact Sherry Wagner-Henry at swh@umn.edu (NBS member and Director-at-Large for USITT) or any one of the many members of the USITT Board of Directors (listed in your membership directory) to get started. All that is required is a form that collects information about yourself and how you would like to get involved. It's easy, and it's a great way to be a part of the industry outside your work or school affiliation!
Sherry Wagner-Henry
USITT, Director-at-Large
Vice-Commissioner, Arts Management (Management Commission)
50th Celebration Steering Committee