Dear Members,

We talk a lot about citizen engagement in our communities. During this next year, you will be hearing more from me about member engagement in your professional association. I am a firm believer in the old adage of "you get what you give."

I hope you will consider giving your time and talent to an ICMA Committee or Task Force. From personal experience, being an active participant in ICMA gives you an opportunity to develop relationships that will last a lifetime and to contribute to important work of the association. Committee/Task Force service is one of the best ways to get to know ICMA and your colleagues around the world.

In addition to our ongoing committees, we are excited to announce the launch of five new opportunities:

• Knowledge Network Advisory Group
• Library Advisory Committee
• Task Force on Manager Evaluations
• Task Force to Develop a Guide on Breaking into Local Government, Continued
• Task Force on Women in the Profession.

Ongoing member committees:

• Advisory Board on Graduate Education
• Annual Awards Evaluation Panel
• 2012 Annual Conference Evaluation Committee
• 2013 Annual Conference Planning Committee
• Governmental Affairs and Policy Committee
• ICMA Welcome Ambassadors
• International Committee.

Please consider being an active, engaged member of ICMA by volunteering for a Committee or Task Force for the 2012-2013 service year, which begins fall 2012. To express an interest in serving, complete the online Committee Volunteer Form by May 11, 2012. If you have any questions about the requirements of a particular committee or have general comments, send an e-mail to membership@icma.org.

With respect and admiration for the work you do every day in making your community the best place to live, work, play, and visit,

Bonnie Svrcek
President-Elect, ICMA
Deputy City Manager, Lynchburg, Virginia