This National Volunteer Month NCRA members are reminded that the best way to give back to their profession, to help preserve it and to nurture those entering it, is to give of their time or by making voluntary monetary contributions. For those considering volunteering for a committee, the JCR has gathered some tips about serving from veteran volunteers.
According to NCRF Chair Doug Friend, FAPR, RDR, CRR (Ret.), from Vancouver, Wash., throughout his membership in NCRA he has learned that to be successful at volunteering, you need to be willing to step outside yourself, be ready to be challenged, and not get upset when everything doesn’t go your way.
“Have purpose in what you do,” he advises.
“If I could encourage others to volunteer, I would say this: NCRA is the one place that consistently advocates for us and stands ready to support us – even when we do not ask for help.
Volunteering strengthens that support system. It ensures that our collective voice remains strong,” shared Geanell Adams, FAPR, RMR, CRR, CRC, CRI, an official court reporter and broadcast/CART captioner from Terry, Miss.
“Balancing professional, personal, and volunteer responsibilities requires intentionality. I rely heavily on my calendar and dedicate specific time blocks to achieve each goal. My advice to others is simple: Only take on what you can realistically manage, and do not be afraid to delegate or say ‘no’ when necessary. When approached thoughtfully, volunteering does not overwhelm your life – it enriches it. When you make the time, you discover a deep sense of personal fulfillment,” she added.
Sharon Pell Velazco, RPR, an official court reporter from Miami, Fla., and a member of the NCRF Angel Gatherers Committee, said that remembering how you were supported in your journey to becoming a court reporter or captioner should serve as a good motivator to volunteer.
“Remember the spark that got YOU started as a student in court reporting? I am sure other reporters have been supportive of you in the beginning and throughout your career. Your support of joining your state and national associations and serving on those committees helps to ensure our success and longevity in this field for generations to come,” Velazco said.
“You never know how much the effort and extra time you spend on a Zoom meeting will contribute to the well-being of a new or future reporter or spark an idea that may lead to someone else’s creative efforts in reaching our court reporting community,” she added.
Read more about why NCRA members give back by volunteering for their Association and Foundation in the April issue of the JCR magazine.
Ready to volunteer?
NCRA is currently seeking members to volunteer for committees for the 2026-2027 year. If you want to be one of our treasured volunteers who moves the court reporting, captioning, and legal videography professions forward, go to NCRA.org/Committees and fill out the Committee Volunteer Form.
Committees begin their work immediately following the NCRA Conference & Expo, so we are seeking volunteers to be considered by the NCRA Board of Directors prior to the Conference happening this July.
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