From Attendee to Leader: Why Getting Involved in WACUHO (and Other Professional Associations) Matters

As we get closer to WACE, I’m often reminded of my first WACE conference—and the moment someone asked me to get involved within WACUHO. At the time, it felt like a simple invitation. Looking back, it was a turning point.

Over the years, as I’ve become involved in different aspects of the association, I’ve been asked many times: Why do you keep showing up? And why should someone get involved in WACUHO—or any other professional organization in our field?

With call-outs for committee chairs, committee involvement, and exec board nominations now out, here are a few thoughts on why you should get involved.

Networking that actually supports your career

It’s easy to think of networking as exchanging names and job titles, but professional associations create a different kind of connection—one built around shared work, real challenges, and a genuine desire to help each other succeed.

I think back to that first WACE conference: what stood out most wasn’t just the sessions, but the people. Getting involved gave me a way to move from being an attendee to being part of the community. Over time, those relationships became a source of practical support—people I could reach out to for ideas, perspective, and resources when I needed them.

Professional association networking helps you build:

• A trusted circle for real-time problem solving

• Mentors and peers who can help you navigate decisions

• Connections that lead to collaborations and career opportunities

Gaining skills beyond your current role

Even in strong positions, your day-to-day work can limit the kinds of skills you get to practice. Associations create opportunities to grow in ways your job may not immediately offer—often with supportive peers around you as you learn.

As I took on different roles within the association over the years, I found myself building experience in areas that weren’t always part of my regular responsibilities: planning, facilitating, coordinating, communicating, and leading projects with colleagues from other institutions. Those experiences broadened my skill set and gave me concrete examples of growth I could carry into my work.

Getting involved can help you develop skills like:

• Project planning and follow-through

• Facilitation and group leadership

• Public speaking and presenting

• Strategic thinking and decision-making

• Working across institutions and perspectives

Building confidence through contribution

Confidence doesn’t come only from time in the field—it comes from participating, contributing, and seeing that your voice matters. Associations give you a space to practice leadership, test ideas, and be part of something bigger than your own campus or department.

Each time I said yes to a role—helping with a committee, supporting a program, taking on more responsibility—I gained confidence not because I suddenly “knew everything,” but because I was learning by doing. And with every new experience, the field felt a little more navigable, and my place in it felt more solid.

Professional involvement builds confidence by helping you:

• Find your professional voice

• Gain visibility for your strengths and ideas

• Feel connected to a community, not isolated in your work

How to start (and keep it manageable)

If you’re considering getting involved but worry about time, start small and choose something aligned with your interests. Associations need all kinds of participation—not just the biggest roles.

A few manageable starting points:

1. Join a committee that matches your curiosity or a skill you want to build.

2. Volunteer for a specific task or short-term project.

3. Say yes to a leadership opportunity when you feel ready—committee chair roles can be an excellent next step.

4. Consider a nomination if you’ve been thinking about deeper involvement; exec board roles can be a powerful way to grow.

The takeaway

When people ask me why I continue to be involved, the answer is simple: professional associations have consistently given back more than I put in. They’ve helped me build relationships that matter, develop skills I might not have gained otherwise, and grow my confidence in the field.

So, as we head toward WACE—and as committee chair, committee member, and exec board opportunities are open—consider this your reminder (and maybe your invitation) to take that next step. Getting involved in WACUHO or another professional organization isn’t just an extra activity. It’s an investment in your growth, your community, and your future in the profession.