Are you looking for something more out of your career as a Public Safety Dispatcher / Telecommunicator? At some point in our jobs, many of us reached the same plateau. We wanted more but weren't sure what we wanted or how to get it.
Volunteering is a great way to connect to ours of a like mind. No doubt you're either helped out in other areas before or know of someone who has. For example, maybe a family member or friend is involved with Special Olympics, the local animal shelter, or the Red Cross but that's not right quite for you.
If nothing else, keep this in mind: the National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week started out with ONE Dispatcher doing her best to get us some recognition. Her efforts went county-wide. This spread until the celebration became the one we know today.
One voice CAN make a difference.
The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and the Associated Public Safety Communications Officials, Inc. (APCO) accept Dispatchers from all three branches of Public Safety. They encourage participation. Numerous committees are available. APCO has State Chapters as well. Both APCO and NENA love new members to run for State and National offices. In addition, both organizations have an annual conference.
This year, in August, APCO's conference is in Las Vegas (NV). One can earn a free day pass by volunteering for four hours. I have included the link to APCO 2018 below. Time is running out to register as a volunteer.
https://www.apco2018.org/registration/volunteer/
What do I get if I volunteer?
- Four (4) hours = one complimentary day pass (not available to volunteers who have already purchased a full registration)
- Discounts on additional day passes
- APCO members receive $100 toward your chapter (if you are among the first 200 to sign up)
- Official APCO 2018 Volunteer T-shirt
- Behind-the-scenes experience of APCO’s Annual Conference
- The chance to give your time to a good cause
Stay safe out there!
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