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VANtage: April 2019

Published on 5/1/2019

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Happy April, friends!

Lately I’ve been turning my professional ponderings inward. This is in part due to a lifelong search to better understand the human animal (and what better specimen to analyze than myself?), and in part due to VAN – both by hearing Christine Nardecchia’s powerful message about personal brand and being a thought leader during our March session, and looking ahead to participating in Strengths Finder during our May session.

In this profession we are often asked to play many roles and in essence, to be many people. We have to be professional, relatable, flexible, reliable, formal, informal, strong, open minded, and so much more. It may seem like you’re flipping a switch on and off as your audience changes and as needs change. With so much practiced adaptability, I tend to lose a little of my “me-ness” from time to time. This was especially true in my first decade on the job. Now nearing the end of my second decade, I put more effort into being “all the things + me” as often as I can. When others have the space and freedom to do the same, I get a little verklempt. Our passions and eccentricities may not fit the definition of professionalism, but they are most definitely the spark of vitality and creativity needed to be successful, innovative professionals. How do you cope with the role-rotation? How do you bring your own personal flavor into your work? We’d love to hear your thoughts on our FB page!


Elizabeth Garrabrant

VAN Central Ohio President


PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

April Monthly Meeting
Thursday, April 18, 2019
8:30am- 10:30am
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
300 W Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43215

REGISTER HERE
*If you are not a member, the cost to attend a monthly meeting is $20.

Service Enterprise Initiative

Some of the organizations our VAN members represent are considering becoming a “Service Enterprise”. This is a certification process administered by a local hub – for central Ohio, that hub is Cincinnati Cares. This process typically includes traveling to the hub for training every other week, however, if there are several organizations in central Ohio interested in joining a cohort they may consider traveling here instead.

If you are interested in learning more about SEI, please email Elizabeth Garrabrant.


MEMBERSHIP

VAN Half-Year Memberships Are Still Available!

Membership fee is reduced to $40 and entitle you to attend VAN-sponsored events between now and June 30th. If you’ve been putting off renewing, now is a great time.

To take advantage of this offer, visit the VAN website .

With the new website coming please make sure to update your profile!

1.) login to Vancentralohio.org
2.) go to members login
3.) login to your account
4.) select "edit profile"
5.) update all information
6.) select Save at the bottom of the page