Then getting involved in the Student/New Professional (SNP) Leadership Council is a great place to start! The SNP Leadership Council Steering Committee is composed of the SNP Board Representatives, SNP Conference Program Representative, SNP Affiliate Councils Representative, Student Affiliate Representative, 12 SNP section representatives, and 20 student affiliate presidents.

What tips do current members of the SNP Leadership Council have for getting involved? Why did current members choose to get involved? What are the perks of getting involved in the SNP Leadership Council? Let's hear from some of the council members themselves...

"I was relatively new to NCFR and was kind of overwhelmed by the number of opportunities to get involved. Becoming the SNP Rep for the Affiliate Councils Board was a great way to focus my efforts while meeting student and professional members from around the country (and world!)." Amanda Williams, SNP representative on the Affiliate Councils Board

"I attended my first NCFR conference in 2005 and immediately felt welcomed by the members of the Feminism and Family Studies (FFS) section. After a few years of attending the conference and the FFS section meetings, I decided that I would like the opportunity to serve the same community that welcomed me in hopes of engaging and involving new students and professionals in this incredible network of scholars." Russell Toomey, SNP representative, Feminism and Family Studies Section

What are some tips for getting involved in the SNP Leadership Council?

"I would highly encourage students and new professionals to attend the business meetings, where they will meet others with similar interests, and have opportunities that will promote their professional development, including reviewing proposals and moderating sessions." David Schramm, SNP representative, Education and Enrichment Section

"Find something that matches your personality! If you are highly social and love meeting new people - become a conference volunteer, get involved with the program committee and newcomers' reception, moderate workshops and presentation sessions. If you prefer more focused work with a smaller group of people, get involved with a section and any special projects they have going (e.g. writing articles for the NCFR Report!)" Amanda Williams, SNP representative, Affiliate Councils Board

"Don't be afraid to start conversations with established scholars in your field of study. In my experience, they will be happy to discuss their life's work with someone who is genuinely interested in learning." Russell Toomey, SNP representative, Feminism and Family Studies Section

"Submit a proposal to the SNP section because you will meet other SNP panelists and audience members that way. Take advantage of the roommate system to meet other SNPs. Talk to people you don't know if they have the SNP ribbon because chances are, they are friendly and open to networking (you can ask something as simple as 'Is it your first time at an NCFR conference?' or 'I see you are an SNP, are you presenting at this year's conference?')." Kelly Campbell, SNP Representative, Ethnic Minorities Section

What are some of the perks of getting involved in the SNP Leadership Council?

"I discovered that our section helps pay for part of my expenses for the trip to NCFR. What a perk!" David Schramm, SNP representative, Education and Enrichment Section

"I have enjoyed learning the 'ins and outs' of what makes an organization like NCFR operate, from budgets to use of technology and voting on by-laws, and so forth." Kelly Davis, SNP Representative, Family Policy

If you would like more information regarding the SNP Leadership Council, please contact Andrew Behnke at andrew_behnke@ncsu.edu - SNP Board Representative for 2010-2012. _