First, I have to beg forgiveness for blatantly stealing the "Rock the Vote" theme. I saw a really awesome video for the national "Rock the Vote" campaign this morning, which was not only my catalyst for today's blog but also where I got the very non-creative idea to steal the theme.
Second, I'd like to take a moment to give a shout-out to the AARC volunteers. I've blogged about volunteers and volunteerism before but I'm not sure that the majority of AARC members truly understand the lengths to which these volunteers will go to promote the profession, access to respiratory care for patients, and patient safety. Look around at the AARC activities. Yes, there is a core group of paid individuals at the AARC making things happen, but a lot of the creativity, planning, and elbow grease comes from our volunteers. Do you read the AARConnect section threads? Those section chairs are volunteers elected to lead the sections. Have you been to AARC Congress or Summer Forum? The program committee is all volunteer. Have you read an AARC Clinical Practice Guideline? The research committee is all volunteer. I could keep going but you get the idea.
The real reason for my blog today is to encourage all AARC members to vote in the election that is happening right now. I know that many of us look at the election process as irrelevant to us individually or just not important. However, the persons on this ballot will make up YOUR Board of Directors and guide YOUR specialty section. All of the persons who are running for office have decided to devote their time, talent, and energy (if they are elected) to representing the AARC membership's interest on the Board of Directors or guiding professional interests in the specialty sections. According to the AARC Bylaws, the Board of Directors are responsible for (among other things) adopting and rescinding standing rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of the Association. (You can check out the full Bylaws at https://www.aarc.org/members_area/bylaws/aarc_bylaws.pdf.) That's a tall order and it is commendable that the persons on the ballot (and those already in office) have accepted this responsibility.
What does this have to do with you? Well, these volunteers are elected to these positions. Your vote is your voice. If you don't vote, you've turned your back on the opportunity to make your voice heard regarding who represents you on the Board of Directors and who leads your specialty section. I hope you take the opportunity to make your voice heard.
All AARC members who are eligible to vote (active or life member) received an email (or more, depending on your specialty section membership) on October 1. This is your personal invitation to vote. I urge all AARC members to vote in the election process and make your voice heard as the new board members and specialty section chairs are elected.
http://www.aarc.org/member_services/election15/
If you've voted and proud of it, give us a shout in the comments below.