American College of Cardiology

How to Get Involved in ACC Activities

• Let people know that you are interested. The best way to get involved is to let your chapter and national staff and/or leadership know that you are interested in contributing your time. While at chapter and national meetings, talk to leadership and ACC staff and find out where they need assistance. Ask colleagues who are already involved how they got started and if they have recommendations.
• Participate in Chapter activities. ACC leadership recognizes service in the Chapter as the first step to getting appointed to national service positions. Contact your ACC state Governor and chapter executive and let them know that you want to get involved and your areas of interest.

There are often opportunities that provide you with both personal and professional rewards, such as learning how to take part in grassroots lobbying on issues that affect you on a daily basis, the ability to acquire new leadership skills, access to valuable information and tools to use in your own work place, and more.

• Nominate yourself for national service groups. Submit a letter of nomination for a national service group appointment. Each year, there are approximately 100 open positions on ACC/ACCF committees, working groups and task forces. Strengthen your nomination with a letter of support from your mentor or an ACC leader.
  
  If you have a passion for a particular area and want to make a significant contribution to the ACC, contact the staff liaison to that working group, task force or committee. Let them know of your desire to be involved and tell them what special talents or experience you can offer. Even if they cannot help you get an appointment for that year, they may know of other ways in which you can participate.
  
  Keep track of the activities and leadership positions you have held. Some of them may not seem important enough to be part of your professional cv or resume, but it will remind you of things that you have done which could lead to significant roles of local and national responsibility in the future.

• Find a mentor. Having someone, who has already been active at the local and national levels, take an interest in your professional development is especially helpful. They can tell you their own stories of how they became active and moved up the leadership ladder. They can introduce you to others who can help open doors for you and provide valuable advice.

There are many leaders who would appreciate the opportunity to help someone with genuine interest and dedication become more involved. All you have to do is ask. And remember, possible mentors or sponsors come in all ages, genders, work settings, etc.

How to Become a National Service Group Chair
Chairs of national service groups are most often selected by the President-Elect of the College from the current membership of the Committee that they are already on. Being active on the Committee, taking on special assignments for the Committee, taking part in all of the meetings and/or conference calls, and letting the Chair and the staff liaison know of your interest are good steps to take if you wish to be considered for the future chairmanship of your Committee. Recommendations from past chairs and well known ACC leaders can also be helpful.

How to Become an ACC Governor/Chapter President
Individuals who participate at the chapter level are the best candidates for Governor and Chapter President. Note: If you live in a state with a Chapter and you become the Governor, then you will also serve as the Chapter President. Elections for the position of Governor are held every three years. A Nominating Committee, consisting of the Current Governor and two past Governors, presents a slate of at least two members for election. Active Fellows in the state are eligible to vote in the election. Once elected, a Governor serves as a Governor-Elect for one year prior to taking office for a three-year term. Past Governors are also expected to remain active in the Chapter and assist with activities.

• Participate in chapter activities. Local participation is the best way to be seen and heard by members in your state. Your colleagues are voting for the position of Governor - let them know you want to represent them on the national level and lead the Chapter.
• Make your voice heard at the chapter. Attend meetings, volunteer to join a committee and participate in other activities.
• Develop a relationship with the Chapter Executive. Contact the Chapter Executive, who represents the administrative arm of the Chapter, and let them know that you are interested in being involved in the Chapter and eventually becoming the Governor.
• Become a Councilor. Each Chapter is divided into districts of membership that are represented by a Councilor. The Governor and the Councilors serve as the Council of the Chapter and lead its activities. Contact members in your district and let them know that you are interested in representing their interests at the Chapter level.
• Talk to members. Once you are participating in Chapter activities and getting to know members in your state/areas, tell people you are interested in becoming the Governor.
• Talk to the current Governor. Let the current Governor know that you are interested in learning about serving as a Governor. Find out what they believe are key characteristics of a Governor.

How to Get Appointed to the Board of Trustees (BOT)
Getting appointed to the BOT is an honor afforded to a select few members each year. Appointees tend to be active participants in the ACC and chapters long before they are selected. There is no magical number of committees or certain committees that you need to have served on prior to being considered for appointment. The level of your contribution on the state, national, and sometimes, international levels, however, are important determinants.

One of the most important factors in selection is how well the candidate’s abilities and talents match the needs of the ACC for the upcoming years. Being familiar with the Strategic Framework, which includes the mission of the College and the long term strategic goals, is critical. It enables you to evaluate how your own experiences and skills could be utilized by the Board to help lead the College forward.

Letters of endorsement are also very important. They should come from past leaders of the College who are well known and respected. As you progress upward in your levels of participation within your chapters and the College, you should look for opportunities to meet and become familiar with leaders in your geographic, interest, and employment areas.

For more information on getting involved in ACC activities, go to acc.org, About ACC and Membership.