Volunteering at ASHA convention

[Sophia Petrillo]

Trying to debate if it's worth the expenses incurred to put on my resume/application....thoughts??

[kumapanda]

It sounds like an excellent way to show your interest in becoming an SLP.  How do you volunteer for ASHA?  Do they have an application form online?

[Missthang]

While I've never been to an ASHA convention, I've been to the last 2 TSHA conventions (this is Texas' annual state convention; Dallas last year and this year was Houston). This year I actually served on a committee and I think it did A LOT to boost my resume! I briefly mentioned my role in the convention and attending the convention the past 2 years in my personal statement as well as on my resume under recent awards/accomplishments. Professors and clinical educators knew that several undergrads were very involved with volunteering and running events during the convention, as well as attending several sessions of interest. It definitely was an added bonus to my application because it shows your continued involvement in the field outside of the classroom and university walls.

[Sophia Petrillo]

Thanks guys!!!! They do have an application on their website.

[Sophia Petrillo]

http://www.asha.org/events/convention/volunteer-at-the-convention/

[emipoo]

I'd love to do this! I wonder if anyone in this forum has ever volunteered for it.

[Sophia Petrillo]

Just filled out the app...now I wait, lol

[kumapanda]

So mad.  I missed my chance of going to the convention last year.  The convention is in Florida this year OTL.  The convention won't be in California again for another few years.

[GandalfTheGrey]

I didn't volunteer but I have several friends who did and thought it was definitely worth it - you get free registration! I know transportation and lodging can still be expensive though. I'd definitely recommend trying to volunteer/attend when you are in graduate school - you can learn about specific treatment approaches that aren't covered in grad school, or just learn how different clinicians approach various disorders. Make sure you take good notes because it's a hectic event and everything becomes a blur really soon.

[nolalee]

I actually did it in Chicago this past year! It's definitely an amazing experience. If you have the means to be able to go, I'd definitely do it! I was fortunate enough to live close enough to drive and have a friend who attended Northwestern University, so I stayed with her for lodging. You volunteer for one full day (it's pretty exhausting, can't lie) but then you get to attend the convention for the rest of the weekend for free! I sat in on so many great panels and speakers, met so many great people, and you get SO MUCH FREE STUFF! I came home with about 5 giant totes full of toys, games, pamphlets, etc. I might even try to apply again this year! They definitely prefer grad students, but I still got in as an undergrad!

 

There are a lot of different jobs. I was in charge of 5 panel rooms, and essentially had to make sure that the rooms didn't get full, then have to make sure no one snuck in if they were full (I learned the fast way that many people don't get in to the panels that they want to - get there at least 20 minutes early!). I even got my own walkie talkie! Other people gave directions and were placed at various places throughout the convention. Others were placed at information booths. My job was pretty easy, since it was about 30 minutes of pure chaos, then about 45 minutes of getting to lounge on couches outside the panel rooms. You're given a (pretty hideous) yellow ASHA shirt to mark you as a volunteer that you have to wear on the day of your shift, and you're given a small lunch break. Bring your own food, one because you don't get free lunch besides some lemonade and cookies in the volunteer lounge and the food is BEYOND expensive, and two, it's so crowded that you won't have time to get your food.

 

I actually talked to the woman who made the decisions on who got picked to volunteer. First of all, on the section where it says what days you can attend, click all days. She said anyone who didn't click every single day was immediately cut. Even if you can't, pick all days and if you're assigned a day that doesn't work for you, you can switch either when you get there or tell them in advanced that it won't work for you. They might cut you then, but it's definitely worth a shot. Basically, be as flexible as you possibly can. Even if you get accepted and in the end can't attend because of conflicts, at least try! I told them I could arrive Wednesday, even though I definitely couldn't, but luckily my assignment said that I didn't have to arrive until Thursday evening! She said location was an extremely small factor, so if you live far away, still try! I met students from Iowa and Georgia while I volunteered. Your essay is the final determining factor, so make it count! I wrote about why going to ASHA would help me become a better SLP and how much I looked forward to gaining inspiration from the convention. Somehow my cheesy essay worked!

 

If y'all have any other questions just shoot them my way! Best of luck to all!

[emipoo]

Wow, Nolalee! Thank you so much for all that info! I was starting to give up on the idea since I would have to travel to Orlando, pay for lodging, etc. But it definitely sounds worth it and like an awesome experience. I will give it a shot anyway! 

[nolalee]

@emipoo Absolutely! I was one of two girls in my program who made it into the volunteer program. The other girl actually lived in Chicago, so it was really just like a little weekend excursion home for her! I believe she and a group of girls who decided to pay and go anyways all carpooled to the convention and split a hotel room, so definitely ask your classmates to see if they're interested in going! That could help with expenses!