I have loved serving on the NAR Leadership Academy (a.k.a. “NARLA”) Advisory Board, but maybe it’s because the rest of the advisory board is so wonderful to work with!
There is an excitement about choosing the future leaders of this fabulous association. This year we had a very diverse selection and the applications were plenty. There is some amazing talent among our members.
We look for well-rounded candidates that not only have experience on the local, state and national levels… but for those people who also give back to their time in volunteerism.
We spent the whole day on Sunday before the Midyear meetings, as we do each year, combing through the applications and reference letters and we have narrowed it down to a good list that will be interviewed this week in DC at the Midyear meetings.
If you’re interested in applying for the next class, then send an e-mail to Bobbie Albrecht (balbrecht@realtors.org) or Rita Baldwin (rbaldwin@realtors.org) and let them know, they will make sure that you are notified when the next application process opens up.
I have the privilege of serving on the NAR Leadership Academy Advisory Board, so I got to fly out to DC a day early before the Midyear Conference starts. The Advisory Board took on the task of pouring over all of the application submissions for the 2013 class of Leadership Academy.
If you’re not familiar with the Academy, then here is the gist of what you should know…. The NAR Leadership Academy is a program to identify and train qualified members to learn more about how the association works, its issues, values and vision in preparation to lead the association into the future.
However, I have to warn you, you have some tough competition. The applications that we received are some super quality individuals who are very well rounded in the work they do as a REALTOR® and in their community.
It’s been a fun ride going through and reading each and every application.
The process for the 2013 class is closed, however, you can still apply for the 2014 class. The application period will most likely open up after the NAR Annual Conference in Orlando (November) and you will have the opportunity at that time.
Here are some tips to prepare yourself and make your application stand out:
1) Be genuine. Trust me, we can tell, even on paper, when you’re not being yourself.
2) Have a social media presence. Our ways of communication are shifting and social media is extremely important. You don’t have to be a social media addict, but at the very least, show us that you are on there.
3) Be well rounded. Show us how you have contributed to your community outside the work of being a REALTOR®.
4) Realize the opportunity and appreciate it. Make sure you know why you want to do this. This program is about Association Leadership and the governance side of how things work. If you have no interest in this sort of thing, or if you’re only in this to promote yourself, then this program is not for you.
If you don’t get chosen, don’t get discouraged. Like I said, this program is intense and extremely rewarding, so it’s worth the wait. You can get a head start by getting involved now with your local, state and even the national association. Serve on a committee and get some experience, that in and of itself is very rewarding.
