IABC/BC chatted with José Vargas – current IABC/BC vice president and incoming president for the 2021/22 chapter year. We discuss steering the ship through a global pandemic, the merge of our personal and professional spheres, and a few reasons to consider throwing your hat in the ring for a Board position.
An information session to learn more about available positions will be held on March 1, 2021. Deadline to register for this information session is February 27, 2021.
IABC/BC: José, start us off by sharing why any professional would want to join the Board of Directors this coming year. What drew you to join?
José: Volunteering on the IABC/BC Board is a great way to make connections, grow their business experience, sharpen their skills and learn new ones, among others. These are among some of the common, professional-development reasons why I first joined the Board. Of course, the prospect of supporting our chapter’s 40th Anniversary year was an exciting one for me, too. This included a fun onboarding experience.
The above said, one thing is being drawn in – another is being continuously fueled to become more involved. To me, this is a far more rewarding consideration. So, I like to tell fellow communicators that being part of any board—especially the IABC/BC Board—exponentially increases the potential to develop meaningful career and lifelong relationships, which, if embraced, will open doors to opportunity, comradery, friendship and an endless source of kindness.
IABC/BC: But we all know this year’s a little different, right? Many professionals moved to virtual and remote work. How might this change volunteering on the Board of Directors, and the community at large?
José: Yes, of course. As I reflected on this past year, I see us taking a hard look at the personal and professional aspects of life and what each means. As confusing and challenging a time it’s been, it’s also been a time to rediscover the “larger than life” reasons of what makes us who we are, professionally and personally.
It’s about getting back to the basics: good health, financial stability, meaningful relationships, and a sense of belonging.
When I really think about it, my well-being depends so much on those who surround me. I can’t strive to be the best at what I do for a living without my good health and the people who inspire me to continue to pursue what I do. Similarly, I can’t define my personal happiness without continuous professional development.
I can confidently say that being part of the IABC/BC Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional-personal sense of self.
IABC/BC: What do you want to say to interested volunteers about the IABC community?
José: Quite literally we are physically separated right now, in our homes, in our bubbles. Yet we are also extremely connected; through screens that can see into our living spaces, calls with family members in the background, and surprise gift deliveries are all little reminders that we are a community. More importantly, we’re a community that cares and looks out for one another. With the support of our incredible sponsors, we celebrate and learn at events. Through our mentorship programs, we forge meaningful relationships that help us get to great new heights.
By joining our Board, you will be helping us and our members across British Columbia bring a renewed sense of what it means to be part of this vibrant community. We have a rich history to honour and a new path to discover under our new normal. What could be more exciting than building on the monumental foundation of an unprecedented year to develop strategies together that move us forward into a brighter future?
Will you join us?
Interested in applying or nominating someone to next year’s IABC/BC Board?
Take a look at Board roles becoming available at the end of this chapter year. Also, get in touch with José to learn more and have a good ol’ chat!
