How to be a leader in your community
Serving the public in some way can be a great way to give back to your community. Not only is this an honorable thing to do for your community, it's a great way to get your name and business out in front of the public, as well as meet new potential clients for your business.
Here are some easy ways to get started:
- Give a presentation to one of your local schools. The AVMA has several colorful presentations (see terms and conditions) available to help veterinarians educate students about the various opportunities within our field.
- Consider reaching out to your community through the local newspaper. A good way to get started is to write a letter to the editor on a topic that is important to you.
- Volunteer for a science club at a nearby school. The 4-H organization offers many ways for veterinarians to volunteer at the local level.
- Many veterinarians have participated in FFA, and for those that have not, there are still many ways to help out.
- Volunteer for a local animal welfare organization, most of whom rely on volunteers.
- Offer to give a presentation at a veterinary school. For example, reach out to the SAVMA Chapter at the veterinary school near you or other alumni groups.
- Your state VMA is a place to get involved through volunteering, participation in committees or outreach.
- Check into getting involved with your State Board of Animal Health or volunteering for your state veterinarian. Veterinarians are an important part of disaster response and there are many ways to get involved, including opportunities within your state. Also refer to disaster resources prepared by the AVMA and the AVMF, including AVMA’s Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices brochure.
- Look into volunteering at the local level for a national volunteer organization, many of which offer a variety of ways to use veterinary or other skills.
- Helpful sites include National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, United We Serve, and Citizen Corps.
- International opportunities
Hear about ways some veterinarians have been leaders in their community:
Podcast: Networking Locally, Regionally, Nationally, and Internationally.
Featuring: Dr. Bonnie Buntain, Calgary, Canada.
Podcast: Opportunities Available to Veterinarians
Featuring: Dr. John de Jong, AVMA Executive Board member and a practice owner in the Boston area.
Podcast: Volunteerism within Societal Leadership and Organized Veterinary Medicine.
Featuring: Dr. Aubrey Lavizzo, a practice owner in the Denver area and the 2011 Colorado Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year.
Podcast: Getting involved in Local, Regional, and Global Programs.
Featuring: Dr. Joe Snyder, a retired mixed-animal practitioner and part-time faculty member in the veterinary technology program at Portland Community College.
Podcast: Getting Involved within Societal Leadership Roles
Featuring: Dr. Gary Weitzman, head of the San Diego Humane Society.
Reading materials