Leadership

Volunteer Pathways in NAMSS: How Engagement at Every Level Builds Tomorrow’s Leaders

By Karen Reed-Coffman, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS, FMSP

Volunteerism has long been a cornerstone of NAMSS. Whether it begins with a desire to give back or evolves into service at the state or national level, volunteer engagement remains one of the most meaningful ways members help shape the medical services profession.

Recent NAMSS Gateway content and conversations featured in Season 6 of the Tomorrow’s MSP Podcast reflect a renewed emphasis on service. These stories highlight how small, intentional acts of engagement often become the foundation for leadership growth. They remind us of an important truth: leadership in NAMSS is cultivated through service, not through titles alone.

NAMSS leadership continues to emphasize that emotional intelligence, community involvement, and a growth mindset strengthen both professional success and meaningful member connection. Volunteerism not only supports the mission of the association but also cultivates the leaders who will guide our profession forward.

Why Volunteerism Matters Now

Gateway’s recent spotlight on volunteerism underscores the value of giving back, whether through community involvement, state association service, or national initiatives. Members consistently share that volunteering increases confidence, broadens professional networks, and deepens their sense of connection within the medical services professional (MSP) community.

NAMSS Immediate Past President Karen Claxton has emphasized that service, when paired with emotional intelligence and intentional communication, creates a strong foundation for effective leadership. Today’s volunteer experiences help prepare members for future leadership opportunities, often in ways they do not initially anticipate.

3 Pathways to Engagement

Micro‑volunteering: Starting Small

Micro‑volunteering offers flexible, low‑commitment opportunities for members who want to get involved but may not yet be ready for a formal role. These opportunities may include supporting a state association event, assisting with a short‑term task force, volunteering on a NAMSS committee, or contributing to education or conference initiatives. Even small efforts can create meaningful connections and open doors to future involvement.

State Association Engagement: Where Leadership Takes Root

State associations play a critical role in leadership development. Volunteer opportunities at the state level provide a supportive environment where members can develop skills in programming, mentorship, advocacy, and member engagement. Many national leaders begin their service journey by saying “yes” to a state‑level opportunity.

National Engagement: Expanding Impact

For members ready to broaden their reach, national volunteer opportunities within NAMSS offer meaningful ways to influence education, ethics, accreditation, and the strategic direction of the association. Participating in a NAMSS committee not only offers meaningful, hands-on work, but also an opportunity to develop new connections with members from across the country.

A Director-at-Large Perspective

From a national vantage point, several consistent patterns emerge across states and regions. Volunteers often begin cautiously, state associations thrive when entry points to service are intentional and visible, and engagement increases when service is recognized and supported.

NAMSS offers more than 25 committees and leadership volunteer pathways, designed to cultivate future leaders through intentional service. The NAMSS Volunteer Pathway resource outlines entry‑level, intermediate, and advanced opportunities, helping members identify where their interests and skills align with meaningful contributions — from committee work to leadership roles such as chair, director‑at‑large, or president.

A Final Invitation

You do not need a title or years of experience to contribute your expertise to the MSP community. You simply need to start small and begin.

Karen Reed-Coffman, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS, FMSP

Karen Reed-Coffman, MBA, CPMSM, CPCS, FMSP, serves as a NAMSS director-at-large and as the Ethics Committee vice chair.