Like many of us, I first joined the OWA at one of the networking events during a Vision Expo. How could I resist? Nice ladies plied me with wine and hor d'oevres. There was even a raffle!
For several years, the purchase of raffle tickets was the extent of my contribution to the organization. But somewhere along the line, I began to notice that just about every woman in our industry who had broken through the glass ceiling was a member. And those ladies actually did stuff for the organization!
I confess I was a bit star struck by them at first. Many of them are a BIG DEAL! Since they all embodied the spirit of the OWA by being welcoming, helpful, and so very approachable, I began to actually feel like a member of something important.
Of course, since I was just so busy with work and family, I couldn't possibly find the time to join a committee or anything, right? Wrong! My good friend and co-worker pestered me into submission and I am now active in not only one, but two committees. And you know what? It takes much less time than I expected and is far more rewarding than I anticipated.
I am not referring to the obvious networking and career building stuff, either, though that is there for all of us. No, it's fun! I joined committees that allow me to do things I don't usually get to do at work. And I thoroughly enjoy working with the other women on the committees.
My experience is, by no means, unique. Most committee members I have spoken to had a similar experience at some point in their OWA tenure. So if you aren't currently active, or have only attended a few events here and there, that's okay. That said, I promise that you have skills and experiences that are valuable to the organization, and we will all welcome getting to know you better. So please consider "Leaning In" just a little more.
Back to: July 2016 : July 2016 Newsletter