Editor’s Alley – August 2022

That’s right, when the time comes for raising a hand and pitching in to help, I’m that gal hiding in the back of the room trying not to make eye contact. Join the board of the PTA? No way, Jose. Run for Treasurer of the Homeowners Association? I’m running right out of that meeting. Serve on a professional board, committee, or commission? Nope, nope, and nope. And I know I’m not alone in feeling this way – the back row of the room is never empty.

So how, might you ask, did I end up Vice-Chairing not one, but two CSMFO Committees/Chapters in the same year, after spending 20 years as a virtually silent member? Well, I can tell you it had nothing to do with changing my lifestyle, and everything to do with changing my mindset. An unexpected career move made me realize that many of the reasons I’ve chosen not to participate are just excuses I’ve created to hold me back from putting myself out there and trying something new. Here’s a few that I bet we’ve all told ourselves at one time or another:

“I don’t have the right skills, experience, or knowledge to contribute to this group.” You do not need to be the state’s leading expert in public finance to contribute to CSMFO.  As a matter of fact, there is a wide array of opportunities to contribute to this organization, and the need for different skill sets is as diverse as the membership itself. You can plan a local chapter event, engage with college students, manage a website, or write an article for CSMFO News (hint, hint). With nine different committees and dozens of other volunteer opportunities, there is a place for you within CSMFO where your skills and passions will make a difference.

“All of these people already know each other, and I’ll feel like an outsider.” We’ve all started a new school, changed jobs, or otherwise experienced the discomfort of being the new person. But those temporary feelings quickly give way to the joy of new connections, new friendships, and the feeling of belonging that comes with being part of a team.

“I just don’t have the time.” We can all relate to this one. No matter who you are, we all have to contend with the same number of hours in the day. But it’s amazing how when something fun and exciting comes into your already busy life, whether it’s a new hobby or a new relationship, you re-prioritize and make the time. Yes, that new season of Stranger Things is still sitting there unwatched in my Netflix account, but I wouldn’t trade what I’ve gained from participating with this organization for a few extra hours on the couch.

“If they wanted me, they would ask.” There are many of us that feel like we want to participate, but we’re just waiting for that invitation. Well, my friends, today is your lucky day! I cordially invite you (yes, you!) to join the ranks of our many dedicated board members, committee members, and chapter chairs and seek out volunteer roles with CSMFO.

So now that those excuses have been eliminated and you are on your way to a rewarding experience as a CSMFO volunteer, what can you expect in return?

• The chance to join a passionate, dedicated, and FUN group of individuals who are working together to make CSMFO the best public finance organization in the country.
• The tools to help you build your professional network, learn from your peers, and better position yourself for career advancement.
• The opportunity to utilize your unique skills and talents outside of your day-to-day work and to develop new skills.
• The pride of giving back to the public finance community and serving your fellow finance professionals.

For now, I’ll still keep avoiding PTA meetings and ducking my neighbors on the HOA Board. As for CSMFO, my only regret is that it took me so long to find the courage to get involved. On behalf of my fellow CSMFO Board, Committee, and Chapter volunteers, I’d like to encourage you to take that leap. We can’t wait to get to know you.

Click here https://www.csmfo.org/training/volunteer/ to fill out an interest form or here https://www.csmfo.org/about/leadership/chapter-chairs/ to contact your local Chapter Chair, and start your volunteer journey with CSMFO.