Not your money—Just a little time and enthusiasm, to participate in making our events and activities happen. We are a volunteer organization, and we need more volunteers.

 WHY DOES WBAALAS EXIST?

WBAALAS is dedicated to advancing responsible care and use of laboratory animals, and we do that by providing educational activities for our members (like the annual Spring Trade Fair), recognizing our members’ achievements (like the Technician of the Year Award), and providing means for our members to network (such as our picnic).

 WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

Volunteering in WBAALAS is a way to show pride in what you do. It’s a way to demonstrate to your colleagues (and supervisors!) and family and friends that you care enough about animals and the people who work with them to give a little of your time and talent beyond what is required. Volunteer service looks great on your resume. WBAALAS volunteering is a gentle way to gain experience in being a leader. It’s a terrific way to meet people. And best of all, it’s fun.

 WHAT KIND OF TIME COMMITMENT IS NEEDED?

Our board of directors meets 4 times a year, for about 1.5 hours each meeting, typically getting together just after work. We put in time the day of the Trade Fair, and at special events such as the picnic or holiday parties. Our newsletter editor, webmaster, secretary, and treasurer put in individual time to get their tasks done, typically averaging out to a few hours each month.

 WHAT KINDS OF POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE?

President [elected] (leads the association, calls the meetings) Vice President [elected](becomes president the next year, leads when the President is not available) Secretary [elected] (keeps our membership records and minutes of our meetings) Treasurer [elected] (keeps track of our bank accounts, deposits money coming in, writes checks for our expenses) Board Members [elected to 2 year terms] (we have two: help plan our activities, support the other board positions) Committee Chairs (leads activities related to specific committees, such as the following} Newsletter Editor (puts together the newsletter, coordinates with Secretary to include advertisers, and notify membership when the newsletter is posted to the website) Program Chair (leads organization of branch activities) Webmaster (manages our website. Check it out at www.wbaalas.org) Awards Chair (reviews the award nominations, selects the winners)

 WHAT WOULD MOTIVATE YOU TO VOLUNTEER?

What do you want out of your WBAALAS membership? Are there things you’d like to see happening here that we can make real? Other AALAS branches around the country offer events such as weekend workshops, certification study sessions, outings, parties, competitions, community volunteer opportunities… What would you like to be part of, and would you work with us to make it happen? Interested? Contact secretary@wbalas.org and be sure to join us at our party on January 22!