June 9, 2008

Selected Announces New Volunteer Programs

Selected Independent Funeral Homes has developed several new programs to increase the involvement of its membership and intensify the very idea upon which the Association was founded, “members learning from other members.” Headquarters has begun an initiative to identify members who are interested in five key areas of involvement shown below. By building a volunteer base in these areas, Selected aims to develop a network of learning and sharing opportunities driven heavily by its own members.

Mentoring Volunteers. This is a great opportunity to provide guidance to new members, help them find the value in membership and encourage them to get involved. Membership will mean so much more to new members if they feel immediately connected with a peer. Mentor volunteers are people who are passionate about membership in Selected and want to share that passion and excitement with others.

Board of Directors Support Volunteers. These people provide support to the Group Director (Board Member) in each Selected regional group by helping with meeting activities and providing perspective on local issues. Specifically, volunteers assist in planning Group and Roundtable meetings, serve as hosts, provide information about local members, develop prospective member leads, and maintain knowledge of local issues and laws. This is a great way to get involved close to home!

Speakers Bureau Volunteers. Selected is developing a group of members who have experience in public speaking and have beneficial knowledge. The Speakers Bureau is a great way to share innovative ideas with colleagues at Roundtable, Group and/or Annual Meetings on an invitational basis. Candidates are asked to submit a summary of their presentation including the learning objectives. Upon acceptance, they may be asked to speak at a Selected meeting or serve as a member of a panel.

Writers Bureau Volunteers. This bureau is similar to the Speakers Bureau in that it seeks qualified members who wish to share their knowledge and expertise on specific issues with other Selected members. Writers are encouraged to submit an outline for a potential article to be published in The Bulletin, on the Association’s website or through special reports to the membership.

Site Inspection Volunteers. Before being invited into membership, a prospective firm is required to have an on-site inspection performed by a current member. Selected is looking for additional individuals willing to serve as site inspectors for new firms applying for membership. This volunteer position requires formal training provided by the Association.

Selected has developed these important volunteer opportunities to encourage member networking and growth at the grass-roots level. If you would like to volunteer or need additional information, contact Wendy Woodburn, Director of Membership, at 1-800-323-4219 or wendyw@selectedfuneralhomes.org. An overview of the Selected volunteers program is available at www.selectedfuneralhomes.org/support/volunteers.html.

Selected Independent Funeral Homes
500 Lake Cook Road, Suite 205
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
Toll-Free: 1-800-323-4219
Fax: 847-236-9968
Email: info@selectedfuneralhomes.org
Web: www.selectedfuneralhomes.org