Voices of Real Estate

Often I am asked during my travels as a member of the NAR Leadership Team, how individual members can get involved. Since NAR is a member-driven association, our success depends not only on the leaders that are elected by the Board of Directors, but on volunteer members that step forward every year to serve in many positions that are available through our committee process.
This is the time of year when members are encouraged to fill out an Expertise Profile and submit their names through the committee application process. For 2009, approximately 2,000 committee positions will become vacant.
It is impossible for leadership to know everyone who applies for a position, so that is where the Expertise Profile can make a difference in deciding who has the qualifications to serve on specific committees. There are some positions that are NOT available to members without the Expertise Profile.
Please be sure when you fill out the committee request form that you use the opportunity to request at least 3 positions. That will give leadership the maximum flexibility in finding a position for you in case your number one choice has already been selected. It is also important that you have individuals that are willing to step forward and recommend you. The more recommendations you have the better your chances of being noticed.
If you are willing to make a recommendation of a member for a position, please be honest in your remarks---good or bad. The purpose of the opportunity to make those remarks to leadership for consideration is completely confidential and cannot be seen by the member for which you are commenting. Don’t just make a recommendation because you are asked---do it because you truly believe this person can best serve our members in this position. The member does NOT know whether or not you made the recommendation.
Outstanding leadership begins at the committee level. With your involvement, I know that 2008 will continue to enrich our pool of talented leaders. But don’t delay if you want to be considered this year. Applications for committee positions are accepted until May 27, 2008.- Vicki Cox Golder, 2008 First Vice President