"Is That Meaningful Work or What!" by Angelita Colbert

What is meaningful work? People often ask me, "Where do you work?" My response, "The American Cancer Society!" I'm then asked, "What do you do?"The rest conversation then sounds a little something like this . . . " Well, my official title is Senior Learning Consultant for what we call the Center of Excellence. I am able to work with and support great people. I interface with a large group of people who have come together for one cause and that it to cure cancer. Everyday, I meet with, plan with, and exchange knowledge of information about our organization, and hear survivor stories that touch me in different ways. I hear and learn about community mobilization, where people's spirits unify to help others and to save lives. The other person's response is usually, "It must be really nice to work somewhere that you can be proud of." Now tell me, is that meaningful work or what?

Teamwork by Jennifer Arden

Teamwork is a concept that is talked about in many aspects of life. Many college graduates can remember the lectures and discussions on team building and team cohesion. The importance of teamwork is drilled into our heads even as young children. My 4-year-old son watches a TV show that's sole purpose is to teach him teamwork. So, it comes as no surprise that teamwork can make or break an organization. I've had several jobs in my years in the workforce, but I don't think I had ever experienced truly great teamwork until I cam to work at the American Cancer Society. I remember my first week as an American Cancer Society employee. I was in awe of how well everyone worked together. In some of my previous jobs, some of the employees could barely finish the necessary daily tasks and tension was always lurking. But even after one week, I could tell that it was not that way at my new job. This group of employees was so eager to help one another to get the job done. I have to admit that I was curious. Why was it that this group of people managed to build such a strong team. I would like to briefly share why I believe teamwork is so strong at the American Cancer Society. First, we have all come together for the same purpose: to fight cancer. All of us have been touched in some way by this horrible disease. Each one of us has our reasons why we want to fight back. We keep our eyes on the goal. Second, each team member recognizes that every task, no matter how small, plays a huge part in getting the job done. While we each have our own part to play in reaching the goals, the final goal is dependent on the participation of everyone. Third, don't be afraid to ask for help. Our team knows we are able to go to one another for help. If I am in over my head and just don't have the time to finish a project by the deadline, there is no shortage of teammates who are willing to help. If I don't understand, I know I can ask for clarification. A great team communicates well and always keeps their focus on the goal. I am proud to be on a team that can put aside differences and get the job done. Teamwork can be one of the greatest assets of any organization.

Changing All the Time - by Pamela Villars, Talent Development

Changing All the Time Before I worked for the American Cancer Society, I had a shelf life in jobs of about 3 years. Tops. And, no, I don’t get fired. But I do get bored and move on when I need more challenge. It’s been 7 years now and I’m still here. The key is that the Society changes – all the time. An inside joke here is that ACS means “Always Changing Something” and there’s a fair amount of truth there. (If you’re not adept at change or don’t like it, there are lessons to learn here.) I came to ACS as a non-profit professional with a counseling background and experience in treating addiction and was hired as the Quitline Counseling Manager, overseeing 60+ Quitline (QL) counselors. I used my counseling and management skills – and had to learn how a call center operates! I came in with computer skills at 2 (scale of 0 – 10) and can now navigate better that most of my friends. Oh, did I mention research design and implementation? No boredom here. Then, just as I needed a change, a job appeared at the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC) and I began designing clinical training for QL and NCIC Cancer Information Specialists. I was able to return to one of my loves – hospice care – and worked on an extensive End of Life project that ended up being presented at an international conference. Never one to say “no,” (and the Society always asks for more…) I managed part of the new hire training program too. That’s two jobs in four years… Later I changed jobs again and oversaw the curriculum design for all of the NCIC programs and now I work for the National Home Office (NHO) on their Talent Development Team. I work with leaders and managers from Divisions across the country, design leadership training, coach, and happily engage in our Yammer social media group. I’m at four jobs now and hope for more. ACS is “Always Changing Something” and that makes me one happy employee.

My Journey with the American Cancer Society by Kimberly McAdams, Managing Director - Talent Development

It was March of 1996, and I had been looking for a job for about a month. In the fog of my father’s funeral (he died at the age of 52 from cancer) I got the call that began my career. I had applied to many positions in Tucson, AZ, one of them a generic “event manger” for non-profit. I remember the afternoon and the call like it was yesterday. “Hi, I’m calling in reference to a resume you submitted for event manager. The position is with the American Cancer Society, does the position still interest you?”… “Yes of course” were my muted and stunned words. About 2 weeks later they offered me the position of Major Gifts Manager and I started my career with ACS in April 1996. Two mergers, several promotions, 2 children and many lives (both saved and lost) have occurred since that day. Each day I am grateful to come for work for this amazing organization. Some will tell you I’m from the generation that “jumps around” professionally. (Gen-X) I would be lying if I didn’t admit to thinking about leaving in the first years of my career with ACS. However, there are several key things that drew me back in each time and they are important to why I and others have found both a career and a passion at the American Cancer Society. I want to share them with you: • The people: staff and volunteer at the American Cancer Society are dedicated to excellence in business and passionate about saving lives. I have found amazing mentors in every job. Trusted friends in every office. Dedicated volunteers at every activity. After 14 years, I still meet the most remarkable people. The staff and volunteers I am privileged to work with create a culture of caring and accomplishment that is unmatched anywhere! • Change: you never know what is around the next corner. If we were still trying to beat cancer the way we started in 1913 we’d be out of business. But we’re not. We’re innovative and creative. The aging population, changing medical technology, emerging cancer information and a growing global community the American Cancer Society has to be dynamic to be sustainable. And we are. I tell new staff all the time “you never know what is in store for the organization in the next 12 months. If you are open to it and participate in your career – the opportunities are limitless.” • Credible: we are scrutinized and analyzed from charity watch groups and our donors carefully. Our staff and volunteers are in the media with cancer information, fundraising activities and advocacy consistently. As a non-profit corporation, the American Cancer Society balances conservative values and thoughtful approaches with aggressive innovation and creative inspiration to achieve our goals. It’s fun! • Cancer: since joining the American Cancer Society I have been touched by cancer again and again. Some survivors, some memories. Most recently my mom. She is a living example of what research and innovation can do to save lives. At the age of 63 she is a 2 time cancer survivor. I am proud to be working for an organization that invests in the type of research and innovation (not to mention services and information) that saves lives today and will continue to save more lives each day. • Career: in my 14 + years at the American Cancer Society I have fulfilled every career goal. I worked a part-time while staying at home as a mother for my sons, I raised money and raised awareness in Tucson, AZ and I helped staff and volunteers achieve more through training, development and coaching. I work hard, long hours and go home early to catch a soccer game (even coach soccer games). I travel to cool places and get home to cook dinner. I learn new tricks and practice old ones. I meet new people and cherish life-long friends. I cry, I laugh, I think and reflect. In short I am fulfilling my life while helping to save lives – what could be better than that?

Where Passion Meets Performance by Jo-Anne Sessa, RN

I’ve been with the American Cancer Society for 11 years, and I’ve continued to be challenged and stimulated every day. I wake up in the morning and wonder what the day will bring. No matter what our place in the Society, the variety and enjoyment of what we do makes the day fly by. And we are well equipped to do our jobs – the training and support is phenomenal, not only from a functional level, but on a personal level. This is the place to be to develop skills that can be used at work and home. The American Cancer Society is where passion and performance meet. Jo-Anne Sessa, RN Regional Vice-President, East Region East Central Division

The NFL supports Breast Cancer Awareness

The NFL and the New York Giants turned their stadium pink on Sunday and brought 120 breast cancer survivors onto the field while Kelly Rowland sang the national anthem. Check out the video and go to http://nfl.com/pink to learn more!

Why I Work at the American Cancer Society

by Ann McNamara, VP Annual Giving & CRM I worked in Corporate America and through one of those jobs I was exposed to the American Cancer Society as a volunteer. When a position opened up my staff partner suggested that I explore the position and I was thrilled. As I needed to know that my hard work would go to benefit others - vs- shareholders. Well that was 16 years, 4 positions ago and it has been a wild ride. I came to the Society for a wish to do more and honor my grandmother who I lost to cancer but I stay because each day: • is different, • is challenging, • we can invite new people to get involved, • allows me to work with a team of individuals who are mission driven, • allows me to be innovative • work towards a greater good • allows me to leave a footprint • allows to help people I will never meet • I am humbled by the stories and commitment of our volunteers. My advice to someone considering working at the American Cancer Society is this...It is not a job; it is a lifestyle. You have to realize that fighting cancer doesn't end at 5:00. That if you do your job with heart and passion you are out in the community (no matter your role) as a representative of the American Cancer Society and you are always looking for ways to get more people to give of their time, talent and treasure. As I look back over the past 1 1/2 decades of work here, I can't believe that much time has gone by. The Society is an ever evolving, changing, challenging and vibrant place to spend your time away from your loved ones. So if you think you are up to a "lifestyle" job - come join us.