Why This Matters
NMVMA is building a stronger bench for the future, and that starts with creating clearer, more flexible ways for members to get involved.
Our recent survey, listening tour, and engagement planning all pointed to the same reality: New Mexico’s veterinary community is navigating workforce shortages, continuing education barriers, practice pressures, and a growing need for stronger advocacy, communication, and connection. In response, NMVMA is launching a new volunteer pathway designed to help more members contribute in ways that are practical, aligned, and sustainable.
How the Program Works
This program is built to match current NMVMA members with roles that fit their interests, experience, location, and availability. Some opportunities take just a few minutes. Others offer a chance to contribute over several months or step into formal leadership.
The goal is simple: make it easier for members to start where they are, contribute in meaningful ways, and grow over time. NMVMA will match volunteers to specific roles and provide the support needed for them to be successful.
Choose the Level That Fits You
| Why NMVMA Is Doing This… Our survey and listening tour highlighted: | – workforce shortages – CE barriers – stronger advocacy needs – clearer communication needs – interest in connection and mentorship |
Members will be able to engage at several levels:
Micro-engagement
These are quick, low-lift opportunities for busy members. Examples include sharing a story, responding to an advocacy alert, suggesting a CE topic, reviewing a summary, or making a sponsor introduction. Most of these roles take 10 to 30 minutes at a time.
Light recurring roles
These roles offer a consistent but manageable way to contribute, usually around 1 to 2 hours per month or a few hours per quarter. Examples include serving as a regional ambassador, workforce support volunteer, wellness resource volunteer, ECHO session support volunteer, or PAC support volunteer.
Project and event roles
Members who want a defined assignment can choose short-term projects, task forces, webinar support, event-day roles, public awareness ambassador assignments, or regional host support. These roles typically range from 2 to 6 total hours per project or 1 to 5 hours per event.
A Leadership Journey, Not a Single Step
These levels build on each other. A member might begin by responding to advocacy alerts or sharing a story, then move into a recurring ambassador role, support a task force, serve with the Power of 10 Program as a participant, faculty member, or committee contributor, and eventually pursue formal leadership.
At the same time, members do not have to wait to step forward. If there is a strong match between a member’s skills and the needs of the role, the Governance Committee may appoint that individual to a leadership position for a one-year term. That means a member who is interested in Board service now may apply directly for consideration for the 2027–28 term.
Leadership consideration will be grounded in NMVMA’s leadership competencies, which focus on leading with purpose and integrity, understanding the bigger picture, building a welcoming community, showing flexibility and courage, and acting with accountability and care.
Why This Approach Matters
This is not volunteerism for volunteerism’s sake. It is part of a broader strategy to strengthen NMVMA’s member bench, expand participation, support future leaders, and make sure the association can continue to grow with the profession. The engagement plan specifically calls for a volunteer ambassador program with clear roles, defined time commitments, orientation, and ongoing support.
Get Involved
Formal volunteer roles are open to current NMVMA members. If you are ready to get involved, now is a good time to join or renew, and choose the level of engagement that best fits you.
Volunteer here:NMVMA Volunteer Interest Form