What is a Volunteer?

Volunteers are the lifeblood of CLSI. The organization thrives because of the achievements of its volunteers. Without volunteers, CLSI would have no documents, no direction, and no purpose. So who are our volunteers? Why do they devote so much of their time and talent to the tasks of standards in clinical testing? Many of our volunteers are working on their third, fourth, or even tenth project. Why do they keep coming back?
 
CLSI is proud of the fact that over 3,000 clinical and laboratory testing experts are counted among its roster of volunteers. We know who they are and how much they have contributed. No doubt, their reasons for volunteering are as varied as their backgrounds and interests; but research on volunteerism has shown the top three motivators to be opportunity, altruism, and enjoyment.

• Opportunity—Among the delights of human nature is to see a need and want to fill it. Whether we’re working in the public sector, in industry, or at the laboratory bench, we all see needs, whether they are analyses that need to be improved, processes that need standardization, or problems that cry out for solutions. We know we can’t do it alone. The best solution—the consensus solution—is only possible when people come together and work through a tough issue. Volunteers see that as an opportunity, and they want to be part of the solution.
• Altruism—Volunteers have a heart for other people. Seen most clearly in the context of community service, this motivator fulfills the need to see the world as a little better place because you were there. CLSI is a health care provider (our products are guidelines and standards) and patients benefit when we get it right.
• Enjoyment—People who volunteer again and again do it because they love it. They don’t just make new friends; they meet people whom they never would have otherwise known and discover they share a common purpose. The pleasure of developing something worthwhile satisfies a creative need. And after the project is complete and that blue book is on their shelf, they want to do it again.

So, is it true that most volunteers are retired, or cutting back on their work hours, or otherwise have time on their hands? No, not at all. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that people ages 35 to 54 are the most likely to volunteer. Employed people are more likely to volunteer than those not in the labor force. Professionals are particularly more likely to volunteer their time and expertise to multiple organizations. Health care professionals in the most productive time of their lives make up the core of CLSI’s volunteer force. To put an accounting dimension on it, our volunteers contribute US$3 million worth of their time to CLSI projects each year. The true value is priceless.

Some of you have never participated in a CLSI project, and you don’t know how to volunteer. Here are some ways:

• Watch for a “call for nominations” on the home page. If you see something that interests you, nominate yourself. You can volunteer to be a member, an advisor, or an observer. Most people start out as observers. You’ll have a front-row seat as the project develops and your comments will be welcomed by the writing committee.
• Comment on proposed-level documents. Your opinion counts. Your comments will be incorporated into the final version.
• Participate in the CLSI teleconferences, at CLSI programs held during various professional conventions, and at the annual Leadership Conference. These are great ways to put yourself on the front lines of standards development. You’ll meet the leaders and they’ll meet you.

I wish I could thank each of our volunteers personally. Without you, CLSI would become but a footnote in the history of health care. Because of you, the future of CLSI is vibrant and bright.

Gerry Hoeltge, MD
President
The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute

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