Advancing Through Volunteer Leadership

Paula Miller, CRS, GRI, ABR, the 2010 NAR Region 3 Region Vice President and 2009 graduate of the NAR Leadership Academy

One belief I’ve maintained during my years in real estate is this: If you want to advance your career, get involved in your profession on a volunteer basis. Because when you give back to the profession, you grow even more. Growing as a professional is a circular thing, and it’s crucial to complete that circle.

In 2010, I will embark on a new volunteer position with the REALTOR® organization as Region 3 Regional Vice President. The Region is comprised of Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, and my home state of West Virginia.

As RVP, my main responsibility will be to serve as the “eyes and ears” in Region 3 for NAR 2010 President Vicki Cox Golder and her leadership team. The RVPs are there to make sure goals for the REALTOR® organization are communicated on the local level. We’re there to be front and center within our regions, to be out there, to attend meetings and get to know the members.

There are a couple of goals that I have on the agenda, and these are among Vicki’s goals, too. We’ve established a new credit union for NAR, and I want to make sure that my entire region participates. I hope we can show solidarity and really grow this credit union.

Also, there’s the Broker Involvement Program. This online initiative lets REALTOR® members opt in to receive an email alert branded from their broker when there’s proposed legislation that has an impact on real estate. The purpose is to get REALTORS® to contact their Senators and Congressmen. We really want to expand this program and get the word out. The best way is to do this is for RVPs to meet and greet with the members, which I plan to do.

Prior to getting the nomination for RVP, I had not intended to apply for the NAR Leadership Academy. But I’m glad I did. Participation in the Academy is an invaluable tool for any REALTOR®, whether he or she is planning to run for RVP, state association president or another elected position. I learned much more about how NAR operates on a large stage. At first it was somewhat intimidating, but it’s really not much different than participation in a state association.

I believe a lot of REALTORS® are intimidated and therefore reluctant to volunteer. I say, take that first step. You’ll learn, and you’ll grow.