Book 4 - Appraisal Institute of Canada

Duane is also an active national volunteer. In 2007, he joined asub-committee of the Learning Advisory Committee (LAC) that wasoverseeing the newly-developed Applied Experience (AE) Program.In the spring of 2010, the AIC Board changed that sub-committee toa standing committee, and Duane was appointed as the first AppliedExperience Committee Chair.As with all volunteers, Duane acknowledges the difficulty in balancingwork, family, and volunteer commitments. But, despite this, he says“most things in life worth doing have some level of difficulty attachedto them and require commitment. I found that the more time I investedvolunteering with AIC the more rewarding it became. Interacting withmembers from other parts of the province and country helps a personbuild perspective on the issues faced by others in our profession. “Duane goes on to add: “I did not realize how important volunteersare to the operation of a national organization like AIC until I becameinvolved. It is clear that, without the commitment of a large numberof volunteers, our Institute would cease to function. I feel it is the dutyof each member to reinvest back into his or her profession throughsome level of volunteer work. Whether it is at the chapter, provincial,or national levels, the future success of our profession depends on theinvolvement and contributions of our members.”Duane feels he has gained as much from his volunteering as hehas given and notes that “it has allowed me to develop a network ofcontacts that have proven beneficial when I am in need of advice on aparticular issue. Volunteering with AIC allows me to step up and participatein finding solutions to the challenges our profession is facing.My current role with BC Assessment focuses primarily on managinga group of 25 appraisers and administrative staff. I rarely get directlyinvolved in valuation work. However, through my volunteer work withAIC, I am able to stay connected to the diverse range of AIC membersworking in different parts of the country and handling a variety ofvaluation assignments.”Duane encourages newer members to volunteer because “theopportunity to network with other members in the profession is one ofthe greatest benefits to volunteering. Peer to peer learning is regardedas one of the most effective ways to develop your knowledge base.Volunteering to work with experienced members on a committee orany other collaborative group structure exposes a new member to awealth of knowledge and expertise upon which they can draw.” Healso assures newer members that their contributions will be valued.“Someone new to the profession will bring different points of viewand fresh ideas to any issue on which they focus. Their input is critical toensuring that the best possible decisions are made for all members.”Duane talks about how the association needs volunteers at all pointsin their careers. “I see a bright future for appraisers. New members bringfresh ideas and enthusiasm to their work. They are the future and we needthem to play an active role in the planning and decision-making process.However, for those new members to be successful, our experienced, longstandingmembers need to take the time to share their knowledge andexperience (mentorship). Whether you have been an AIC member for 30years or a couple of months, you can have an impact on the success andreputation of our profession. As with any profession, there will be goodtimes and bad, but, if we all get involved, share ideas, work together, andtrust each other, there is every reason to believe that AIC and its memberscan continue to thrive and succeed. I have been proud to work with such adedicated group of volunteers at all levels of the Institute. The hard workand commitment they demonstrate is truly inspiring.“click here to return to table 0f contentsCanadian Property Valuation Volume 54 | book 4 | 2010 Évaluation Immobilière au Canada 23