A New Era of Service
Hi, my name is Cindy Romaine. I’m an information professional in Portland, Oregon. I’ve got some opinions that I’d like to share concerning the issues and opportunities facing information professionals.
I am intrigued by President Obama’s call for service and the need for personal responsibility in making public institutions work effectively.
President Obama talks about public service, such as volunteering for hospice or Habitat for Humanity, but the way I look at it, there is room for us to contribute through our professional organizations to make a positive impact on the social fabric. Through our professional organization we can mentor students to help them gain the experience they need to make tough decisions. We can encourage our peers when they are hit hard by the economy. And we can advocate for fair and transparent information policies.
Service to the goals of my professional organization, Special Libraries Association (SLA), is one of the reasons that I am running for president-elect.
Pay it Forward
I have benefited from some great mentors throughout my career. They helped me develop my skills and stay active in the profession — more active than I ever thought I’d be. Now it’s my turn to give back to those mentors by passing along and paying it forward.
What about You?
I’d like to kick-start a conversation here. How do you contribute to uplifting others through your profession? What motivates you to participate? To give back?
cindy dot romaine at gmail dot com
8 Comments
April 9, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Cindy, you are right on the money. We info pros have a lot to offer – and all we need do is look around us for opportunities to offer our services to appropriate groups and individuals. There is no reason we can’t emulate the lawyers in working pro bono. (An illustration from this morning can be seen at http://www.oclc.org/uk/en/news/releases/200923.htm).
In my own case, I have offered resume reviews, career related presentations, and various kinds of collegial support for as long as I can remember … it is a great satisfaction to “give back” from my long experience. I’d happily join you in similarly assisting those working to improve this world of ours!
April 9, 2009 at 8:52 pm
Way to go, Cindy! Nice to see you in the blogosphere.
April 9, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Dear Cindy.
Great topic to kick off your blog.
The Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP, http://www.aiip.org) recently had this discussion on its listserv about how we as independent info pros could give support to, for example, laid off middle managers, by sharing the many lessons first year info entrepreneurs utilize, such as how to start a business, how to market oneself on a lean budget, how to handle the
emotional aspects of voluntary or “reluctant entreprenership”, etc.
Like Ulla, I’ve tried to give back to this profession which has given me so much. It’s a rewarding way to work and share.
Deb
April 9, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Cindy,
Welcome to the blogosphere! Be careful, it’s addictive!
Regarding your questions, I participate because I’m wired that way. Much like “Ado Annie” from the musical “Oklahoma,” I’m just a guy who can’t say “no.” I guess this means that volunteering or giving back comes naturally; it is part of my lifestyle; I can’t even imagine a life without some form of professional participation.
When it comes to uplifting others through the profession, what better way than through example. I try to maintain a positive attitude through every circumstance and encourage all along the way. I’m no expert, but a smile (essential in every contact) or a kind word of encouragement can go a long way. Even just letting the person know that you are listening can often times be enough.
My thoughts this Thursday evening.
April 10, 2009 at 7:02 pm
It’s a great start. Love the close up banner of your eyes!
You hit the nail on the head about being able to contribute to society in many ways through many means.
Stephen
April 15, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Cindy –
I think this is great. I will send you more links, a la Guy Kawasaki, twitter and others, as I come across them. There are many, many interesting and unique ways to build interest and get others involved, especially when so many of our friends, families and neighbors are out of work…this kind of community gathering for service and responsibility can help the nation and world, but may help people through some dark times and provide networking opportunites for future employment opportunities.
Mary
April 22, 2009 at 3:27 am
Cindy, what a good topic to start the blog off! I worry that “service” will take a backseat to economic woes, personal stress, juggling home and work, and all the other millions of things in our hurried contemporary lives. One tricke we might try to get perspective on this “service” ethic? I do think that the idea of stopping to think “did I get here all by myself, or did someone help me along the way?” might kickstart some of us into action. Most of us, not all :>), will be honest enough to say “no, I did not accomplish my life and career goals by myself, I had help.” And when we realize that we DID have help along the way from mentors and peers, we may be able to stop, and take a moment or a big chunk of time, to provide support and servie to another in our profession. Offer to review a resume for a new graduate, offer to brainstorm with someone about their job search, send someone a tip about a class or workshop that fits their career plans, or (gulp) take the big leap, and offer to help out in your SLA chapter. Service to the profession and our peers is vital to keeping us all connected, and teamed together to get through these hard times.
April 23, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Hi Cindy
I spent 15 years doing volunteer for for various professional associations and am now a 10 year member on the Board at my Condo (it’s a small, self-managed building).
The simplest statement about why one would give this time and effort is because one can.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve been on the receiving end of assistance – help with a question, career guidance, or even just friendly ears. Only natural to extend it to others.
cheers
Susie