If you’ve wondered whether serving on a NAFTZ committee or working group is worth the time, here’s the blunt answer: yes. Members who lean in—who help shape programs, weigh in on advocacy, or design education—consistently get more out of their membership than they put in. That’s not the reason to serve, but it’s a predictable side effect.

Why stepping up delivers outsized returns

• Sharper expertise, faster. Committees pull you into live issues—policy shifts, compliance wrinkles, operational best practices—often before they hit the wider community. That early insight leads to better decisions back at your organization.
• Network effects. Working alongside peers, competitors, and regulators builds a deeper kind of relationship than swapping business cards at a reception. Those are the people you call when something breaks at 4:58 p.m. on a Friday.
• Personal growth that shows up at work. Volunteering builds leadership skills, expands networks, and increases job satisfaction—benefits that ripple through your team and your organization’s bottom line.

You might be thinking: “Sounds great, but I’m slammed.” Same. Time is the nonrenewable resource. Here’s how we respect it:

• Right-sized roles. NAFTZ committees and working groups range from short-term projects to standing bodies with predictable rhythms. You can choose what fits your bandwidth.
• Real-world impact. From shaping comments on proposed rules to refining conference content, your work doesn’t vanish into a folder—it changes how the FTZ community operates.

If you’re earlier in your NAFTZ journey, committee service is one of the fastest ways to move from “attending” to belonging. My own professional association, ASAE, has shown that members gain the most when they’re connected to people and purpose—not just benefits on a list. Committees are where that connection happens.

After 30 years in association management, I’ve seen the pattern: deeper involvement → better relationships → better outcomes. Every time I carved out the time to serve—despite the chaos—it paid off. That same return is waiting for every NAFTZ member.

How to Get Started

• Pick your focus. Advocacy, Education, Membership, or a Specialized Working Group tackling timely issues.
• Choose your commitment level. Project-based or standing; monthly meetings or short-term sprints.
• Raise your hand. Visit naftz.org/committees to explore and submit your interest form.
• Ask us your questions. Contact Kristine Wells (kwells@naftz.org) or me (jtafel@naftz.org)—we’ll help you find the right fit.

Step in. Bring your perspective. You’ll strengthen the FTZ community—and you’ll almost certainly walk away with more than you put in.