In my last post, I shared how volunteering in professional associations has shaped my career in unexpected ways. This week, I want to reflect on a quieter but equally meaningful lesson about the value of simply showing up.
Last week, I attended the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution’s Arbitration Institute in Denver. I’m not an arbitrator. I didn’t attend every session or take detailed notes. But I made the choice to be there for a few important reasons.
First, I wanted to support my colleagues. As Chair-Elect of the Section, I believe it matters to be present for all parts of our field, even those that are outside my usual ombuds work. Arbitration is a vital part of the dispute resolution landscape, and the professionals who practice it care deeply about fairness, process, and integrity. It was a chance to listen, learn, and connect with people I don’t often work with directly.
Second, I was there to help. Our Section operates with limited resources, and one of our amazing staff members who typically plans and runs our in-person events is currently unavailable. I wanted to be on-site to lend a hand, offer support to the team, and make sure our attendees felt welcomed.
I didn’t go to build subject-matter expertise. I went to show up as a leader, a colleague, and a member of this community. And I’m glad I did.
It reminded me of a few things:
- Leadership is not always about being in charge. Sometimes, it’s about being available, helping others, inspiring others, and getting things done.
- Community grows stronger when we support each other’s work, even when it’s not our own.
- Some of the most meaningful moments happen outside the formal agenda. They materialize in hallway conversations, shared meals, and small gestures of presence.
If you’ve ever wondered whether it matters to attend an event that doesn’t perfectly align with your role, I encourage you to go. You might not leave with a stack of notes, but you may walk away with something more valuable, perspective, connection, and a deeper sense of community.
I did.
By Elizabeth Hill, Associate Director, University of Colorado Boulder Ombuds Office and Co-Curator of Ombuzz