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AHLA Volunteer Pathways
At AHLA, every volunteer plays a vital role in shaping our community and advancing health law. We recognize that volunteers' availability and capacity fluctuate over time, so AHLA enables easy entry and exit points for participation.
Whether you are just beginning your journey or stepping into a strategic leadership role, our Volunteer Pathways are designed to empower you with opportunities, resources, and support tailored to your interests and goals. Together, we build a thriving, inclusive, and impactful Association.
Explore Your Volunteer Pathway
AHLA’s framework recognizes four pathways for volunteering, each contributing uniquely to our mission. No matter where you are in your journey, you will find meaningful ways to engage and grow with AHLA. View the sections below to learn more about the skills, volunteer roles, and learning resources for each pathway.
- Prospective or New Volunteer
- Emerging Volunteer
- Experienced Volunteer
- Strategic Volunteer Leader
Every volunteer plays a vital role in AHLA’s success. By getting involved, you will make a meaningful impact on the health law community while growing both personally and professionally. Start your journey today and help shape the future of health law!
Ready to volunteer? Explore current opportunities on our Volunteer Town Square.
Already a volunteer or leader? Access position-specific resources through Leadership Onboarding.
Prospective or New Volunteer
This pathway is for members who are exploring ways to get involved and want to contribute in a manageable, low commitment way.
Skills: Interest in learning, curiosity about the organizations' mission, basic communication skills, willingness to engage and dependability
Potential Roles: Judging Panelist | Mentor or Mentee | Social Media Contributor | Writer for magazine | Community Contributor | Moderate A Virtual Networking Event
Below is a curated collection of recommended resources to explore, providing valuable insights and additional knowledge.
AHLA Policies
AHLA Statements
Information on Mentoring
- Mentoring Program Resources and FAQ
- Mentoring Quick Start Guide
- Get Started- Enroll, Search, Connect
- The Value of Having—and Being—a Mentor in the Legal Field
- Personal Impact- (COMING SOON)
Information on Health Law Network
Emerging Volunteer
This pathway is for members who have begun volunteering and are ready to take on more meaningful tasks or short-term roles to build their experience and confidence.
Potential Roles: Author | Panelist | Community Ambassador | Fundraiser | Toolkit Contributor | Workgroup Participant | Present on Virtual Networking Event
Skills: Initiative and follow through, team collaboration, time management, relationship building, and adaptability.
Below is a curated collection of recommended resources for emerging volunteers to explore, providing valuable insights and additional knowledge.
Information on becoming an AHLA Community Ambassador
Information for Donors and becoming a Fundraiser
- AHLA’s Make an Impact Microsite
- My Philanthropic Investment Snapshot (AHLA login required)
Organization Information
- AHLA’s FY25 Governance Chart
- AHLA Member Benefits Overview (as of January 2024)
Information on Writing for AHLA
- AHLA Author Guidelines (general publications, Health Law Connections, Health Law Weekly, and the Journal of Health & Life Sciences Law)
- AHLA Editorial Style Guide
General Content Submission
Experienced Volunteer
This pathway is for seasoned volunteers who have developed expertise and are eager to mentor others, lead complex initiatives, or help shape programmatic direction.
Potential Roles: Council Member | Practice Group Vice Chair | Conference Speaker | Peer Reviewer | Webinar Presenter | Panelist
Skills: Project management, leadership of small teams or initiatives, strategic thinking, communication and presentation skills, reliability and accountability, coaching, cross-functional collaboration, conflict resolution, influencing and persuasion and delegation and empowerment.
Below is a curated collection of recommended resources to explore, providing valuable insights and additional knowledge.
Information on applying for Leadership
- Call For Leaders Overview (1-Minute Video)
- Information on Call for Leaders (Councils, Planning Committees, Practice Groups, Special Boards)
- How to Apply and View Current Opportunities
- Self-Reflection/Key Questions by BoardSource
Information on Presenting (Speakers/Faculty) with AHLA
- Call For Speaker Overview (1-Minute Video)
- AHLA Speaker Expectations
- Current In-Person Education Speaking Opportunities
- Planning A Session For An AHLA Conference (information for panelists and moderators)
- AHLA’s Full Conference Speaker Toolkit
- Submit An Idea for Conference Sessions, Webinars, Articles and More
General Speaker Resources
- Virtual Presentation Speaker Tips
- National Speakers Association Speakernomics Podcast
- Toastmasters International Public Speaking Resources
Strategic Planning Resources
- AHLA’s Strategic Plan FY23-25 (create pdf)
- Four Leaders Thoughts on the Current Strategic Plan
- Understanding Strategic Planning from ASAE
General Fiduciary Responsibility
Strategic Volunteer Leader
This pathway is for members who serve in high-impact leadership leadership roles and help guide the long-term vision and priorities of the Association.
Potential Roles: Board of Directors | Cohort Captain | Webinar Speaker
Skills: Strategic leadership, governance and decision-making, inclusive leadership, succession planning
Below is a curated collection of recommended resources to explore, providing valuable insights and additional knowledge.
Anticipated Trends in AHLA & Health Law
Governance and Fiduciary Responsibility Information
- Responsibilities and Structure FAQ's from BoardSource
- Common Non-Profit Responsibilities from BoardSource
- Board Member Roles and Responsibilities from BoardSource
- Financial FAQ’s from BoardSource
- Non-Profit Fiduciary Duties from BoardSource
Staying on Track
Visit our Governance & Leadership webpage for information on the nomination criteria and process.