SHPE - Fall 2008 - (Page 71)

when necessary, provide constructive feedback. If the chapter has the practice of presenting member awards, they should be specific, timely, consistent, fair and, when possible, public. Recognizing members on their birthdays and for individual achievements or other special honors also contributes to them feeling appreciated. Of course, in volunteer organizations, there is delicate balance between feeling used and feeling abused. Officers need to be mindful of not burning out the more capable members. The best way to avoid that from happening is by diversifying the volunteer opportunities and experiences of all members. In that respect, leaders model positive behavior by being willing to do the jobs they ask of members. Member participation efforts should always be respected. Chapter officers can demonstrate their appreciation by thinking through agendas, starting meetings on time and stimulating discussion as often as possible. They should not only welcome the ideas of the membership but also implement them. “Do I fit here?” Volunteerism isn’t just about work. It’s also a matter of friendship, acceptance and appreciation – critical elements of retention. At the beginning of each meeting, leaders should make a habit of welcoming new members and introducing them to others. Incorporating icebreakers and team building activities into meetings can help members associate with each other. Social activities such as parties, picnics, team sports or other outings also go a long way in creating bonds among members. Communication plays an important role in ensuring that all members feel included. Chapter leaders should keep members informed of changes, and use different communication mechanisms (e.g., newsletter, website, e-mail, phone call, text message) to reach the entire membership. Whether it is a general announcement or a crisis situation, knowledge is the first step to member participation. All SHPE chapters stand to benefit from a new member orientation process. It begins with attracting diverse members through organizational benefits and modest expectations. The next step involves matching their talents with the chapter’s needs and training them for success so that they feel needed. Last but not least is creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and appreciation that fosters retention. Best of all, the process empowers all members to promote the organization by recruiting even more potential members. ■ Editor’s Note: Frederic Angus joined Texas Instruments in September of 2006. He holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University, respectively. At FAU he served as president of the SHPE student chapter and Engineering Student Council. Currently, Angus serves as a coordinator between the Dallas/Ft. Worth SHPE Professional Chapter and local student chapters. Manuel Aybar, an industrial engineer with Texas Instruments since 2000, has served as chair of recruitment and retention and most recently chair of community involvement for TI’s Hispanic Employee Initiative Forum (HEIF). In these roles he represents TI within SHPE and other organizations. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Aybar holds an M.S. in industrial engineering management from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Recruiting Tips • Excitement is contagious. If leaders are excited about their involvement, others will be excited about getting involved. • Promote the positive. In addition to stating what is needed from volunteers, highlight what they can expect to receive from their involvement. • Make sure your chapter has the capacity to oversee new members. Start by getting their names and contact information. Follow up by inviting them to an orientation meeting. • Put in writing a clear description of what members will do as part of the chapter. • Be sure that members feel wanted and valued by the chapter. • Remember that members also have other responsibilities. Be honest about the time commitment involved and other challenges that they may encounter. • In marketing the chapter, seek diversity, including as many groups and individuals as possible. • Ask members to recall why they joined and to spread the word. • Recognize and honestly address the perceived or actual flaws of the chapter. www.SHPE.org ❘ Fall 2008 NAVAL RESEARCH LABOR ATORY ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE Become a member of an elite research and development community involved in basic and applied scientific research and advanced technological development for tomorrow’s Navy! APPLY TODAY The Navy’s corporate experimental laboratory seeks seasoned professionals as well as recent college graduates who are willing to accept the reward of challenging research positions. The main office of NRL is located in Washington, DC with remote sites in Bay St. Louis, MS and Monterey, CA. Interested achievers with backgrounds and/or education in Aerospace, Ceramics, Computers, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Meteorology, and Oceanography should visit our HR website or call our Job Information Center. Applications accepted for specific vacancies or Co-op positions. NRL is an Equal OpportunityEmployer NRL • www.nrl.navy.mil 4555 Overlook Ave SW Washington DC 20375 http://hroffice.nrl.navy.mil 202-767-3030 71 http://www.nrl.navy.mil http://www.nrl.navy.mil http://hroffice.nrl.navy.mil http://www.SHPE.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of SHPE - Fall 2008

SHPE - Fall 2008 Contents President's Letter From the Vice President Calendar of Events National Board of Directors The Great '08: Chapter Leaders Learn to Spread 'SHPE Fever' Browser National Retreat Provides a Redefinition An Engineer and a Politician Capitalizing on Engineering Talent Grupos de Afinidad A Focused Approach to Getting the Job You Really Want SHPE Conference 2008 IPC Update Programs & Services Keeping Warm with 'Yuper' Familia Spirit Promise of Spring Recruit, Engage and Retain Regional Student Representatives Regional Roundup Advertisers Index

SHPE - Fall 2008

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