IVAA - International Virtual Assistants Association

Let me just preface this post by saying I have been a member, off and on, of IVAA for several years. In fact, I think I was originally about the 30th member to join. I've had several ups and a couple of downs with the organization over the years, but I have to say I have made more friends, acquaintances and received more leads by being a part of this organization and I feel it truly launched my career as a Virtual Assistant.

I've held many positions with the organization. Before quitting the first time, I was honored to have been asked to participate in a committee to restructure the CVA examination, I also organized the first VAsummit and was elected VP of Marketing.

Shortly after assuming my post as VP of Marketing, I had a major fallout with the then president TLR, who was kicked out months later for unethically stealing thousands of dollars from the organization. I hated her dictatorship, her constant "mothering" and basically her Hitler/Sadam way of running the organization...

I quit everything, the board, the volunteering, and the organization, thus losing my oh-so-cherished CVA status...and it made me miserable, yet at the same time, I knew she was a bad seed before so many others caught on. I can't tell you how much the organization has thrived and prospered since her departure.

I was only gone for a couple of months and I swear it felt like I was going through a divorce at the time. I was miserable. I came to realize that I simply could not live without my virtual peers, the never-ending knowledge that you can learn from on a daily basis, and basically just the comradere and support of everyone I had gotten to know over the years.

After 4 months, I caved in and came back. I couldn't handle it any longer. I missed it.

I've earned my CVA again and I've begun volunteering. I'm currently assisting the VP of Education as the CVA Exam Administrator as well as co-chairing the 2006 summit. For some reason, I just can't say no to these people.

I've come along way in my years with IVAA, I've been with them since their infancy as a virtual organization. There have been many who have come to my rescue during times of need and there has been so much that I've learned, and made so many friends - how can I not give back to an organization that's given so much to me?

If you haven't joined IVAA - do yourself a favor and join. It is THE organization for Virtual Assistants and it's run strictly by volunteers. Those volunteers are other VAs and they have the organizations interest at heart, not lining their pockets.

If you're an emerging VA or a VA with an existing practice, either way, you WILL benefit from the knowledge and members.