Professional Resolutions: Think Beyond the Four Walls of Your Office
Welcome to 2018! I must admit this post has been a few weeks in the making. Between the dusting of snow right after the new year that cancelled school for a few days to digging out from more snow last week (and more cancelled school), I had trouble finding time to squeeze in everything I wanted to do. But alas, the snow has melted and the sun is shining and I’ll say it again “Welcome to 2018!” A new year always brings resolutions for improving our personal lives, health, fitness, etc. Has anyone’s resolution to be organized and on top of things already gone by the wayside (see above excuses)? We spend a lot of energy working to keep our resolutions intact (well at least to February) and kudos to those still succeeding! But, if your resolutions are sliding, it can be easy to fall back into our comfort zone and regular routine.
Instead of the usual resolutions, have you considered a resolution to enhance your professional well-being? Stretch your comfort zone and get out past the four walls of your office. One suggestion is to become more active with your professional organizations. The Paralegal Division has great opportunities to volunteer on committees, grow your network, speak at a CPE or webcast, or be a part of the Division’s Leadership. We are always looking for fresh faces and new ideas to increase member participation across the state. Increased participation means increased quality of programs we offer and more opportunities to impact and give back to our local communities. Learn more about our committees here.
Another way to be involved is to submit an application for our member scholarship, which is open to all regular members. Each year, the Paralegal Division Member Scholarship awards one deserving member a scholarship consisting of a Paralegal Division membership, a section membership, registration for the 2019 Paralegal Division Annual Meeting and Seminar, a CLE/CPE Passport to attend eligible programs tuition free, and up to $100 travel expense reimbursement (a total value of approximately $800).
In addition to the member scholarship, the Division recognizes outstanding achievements, professionalism and contributions by a North Carolina paralegal both professionally and personally within the recipient’s community with the Distinguished Paralegal Award. The award includes a membership to the NCBA Paralegal Division, including one section membership, for the following year. The recipient is presented with a plaque commemorating their receipt of the award at the Annual Meeting. Read about last year’s winner Alicia Lewis.
Details about this year’s Scholarship and Distinguished Paralegal Award will be posted in the coming weeks.
I hope you’ll consider taking a more active role in your Division. You have a lot to offer! I’ve been active since 2012 and it has been one of the best professional decisions I’ve made.
Email Debbie Harris with questions or to sign-up for a committee.