Recognizing Volunteer Month at AMS
In the second of our two Volunteer Month posts, we hear from AMS volunteers about what they get from their experience, and what they’d tell others about volunteering! The AMS is grateful to each and every volunteer for their invaluable work advancing our Society and our enterprise. Read our first Volunteer Month post here, or learn more about AMS Commissions, Boards, and Committees.
Why do you volunteer with AMS?
“Nobody pursues a career in the atmospheric, oceanic or related sciences without having a deep inner passion for the science. That passion should also extend to furthering excellence and advancements in our field, and there is no better way to contribute to our science than by volunteering on AMS boards and committees. The rewards are endless! Not only do you feel such immense personal satisfaction supporting your field and colleagues, but you also meet others in your area of specialty — and that sometimes leads to new job or research opportunities in addition to the added benefit of new friendships and professional relationships for life. The AMS is an amazing community — come be a part of it!
–Paul Gross
“If science were a house, then AMS would be the “living room” of our field, a place where we gather, share ideas and skills, host guests, and advocate for our community. As a volunteer, I got to play a role in helping make that living room a little bit bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. I hope all members consider how to give back in ways that keeps AMS the living room we all need it to be, especially in this moment when the roof is caving in.”
-Ankur Desai
“Volunteering with AMS has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with professionals across disciplines while contributing to the advancement of our field. Through my involvement, I’ve had the opportunity to support scientists, engage in meaningful discussions on weather and climate, and help foster a collaborative community. AMS has played a key role in my professional growth, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back to an organization that has supported me throughout my career.”
–Angelie Nieves Jiménez
“I have served in numerous capacities from organizer of an AMS student chapter to the STAC Commissioner, and now editor of the Glossary of Meteorology. These experiences have allowed me to meet and work with people in the academic, public, and private sectors of the Society. I have connected with many professionals and AMS staff, which would not have happened were it not for my AMS affiliation. These connections have served me well.”
–Ward Seguin
“Every hour I put into volunteering for the AMS gives me so much more in return. I have met so many intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated professionals from so many different fields, all of whom have been a source of inspiration and knowledge. I also appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the organization which has helped me in many ways, and to help, in any small way, the larger scientific endeavor.”
–Lance Steele
“Volunteering with the AMS has been invaluable at every stage of my career. Being an active local chapter officer led to service on my first national committee. Not only have I been able to feel good about helping with the important work of the Society on many fronts, but I have also been able to contribute to the evolution of the Society in ways that I found meaningful. My AMS engagement enhanced my leadership skills and assisted my networking to advance my career. To this day, I owe hundreds of my professional connections and friendships to my time spent volunteering with the AMS!”
–Wendy Abshire
“AMS is a huge part of my life. I honestly don’t know where I would be in my career and life without it. Through my involvement in the organization, I have been able to serve as an ambassador and voice for the industry I work in and have had the opportunity to meet so many people and make lifelong friendships because of AMS. I am forever grateful.”
–Vanessa Alonso
“I enjoy speaking to people about the weather, and [the Board on Outreach and Informal Education] is developing programs on Science for Everyone. I know everyone is interested in weather and climate, and this would be an opportunity to participate in outreach. It also presented an opportunity to engage with other AMS members. I hope to continue to work with this board.”
–Michael Witiw
“[Volunteer service] helped me build lifelong collegial and scientific relationships both in AMS and related societies like AGU. Continuing service over the years has helped reinforce my personal commitment to AMS even though I am officially retired from my full-time career. I hope those who read this and the other testimonials will also develop the deep understanding and commitment to AMS that I have. Science and service go hand-in-hand. Thanks for the opportunity to share.”
–Eileen Lavonne Shea
“I come to the AMS via a nontraditional path. My work experience was completely in the IT world, but I have always had a love of science and particularly meteorology. After retiring from the banking world, I became very interested in the effective communication of weather information. … [I] participated as a presenter in the first Citizen Science Symposium (later Jamposium) and was hooked. When asked to participate on the Jamposium committee I agreed because it fit with my interest in making meteorology accessible to a wide audience. I have gotten much more out of volunteering than I have contributed. I have learned much from the smart and talented committee members and presenters. I have learned from folks from varied backgrounds and experiences. I would recommend to anyone to find an opportunity within the AMS that fits with interests then step in to the opportunity to further your and AMS goals.”
–Rick Haltermon
“Joining the AMS Board on Societal Impacts has provided me a way to give back to the community I call home. During my time on the Board, I have built strong connections with other professionals, seen great growth, and gained a better understanding of our field and the AMS organization. As an AMS volunteer, I can make a meaningful difference to our community and give back for the exceptional mentorship I have received over the past several years. I am excited to continue our work generating more opportunities for the community.”
–Michael Michaud
“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on AMS boards and committees over the past 5 years. I feel I have been able to contribute to important work for AMS including survey projects and planning events. It has also given me connections to people I wouldn’t otherwise normally work with, not only enriching my life but also creating networking opportunities in the field. I would encourage others to join a committee or board that interests them, especially early career members like myself.”
–Katie Boyd