[Originally published in the January/February 2020 PSC magazine.]

It’s popular to start the new year with resolutions, but it’s also common to break those resolutions after a few weeks or months. One of the latest alternatives is to try something new every month, which, aside from avoiding that new year’s resolution pressure, offers the opportunity to meet new people, learn about yourself and expose yourself to new ideas. Trying new things regularly can help you grow as a person, boost your confidence level and expand your perspective on life in general.

If you want to give it a try this year, we have some suggestions for you.

January – Attend an APCO webinar. They are free for members and usually offer one CEU whether you log on to the live webinar or listen to the recording. There’s one on APCO Standards on January 22. Check out the full schedule at apcointl.org/webinars.

February – Apply for an APCO scholarship that provides members with funds for professional development and career advancement. The deadline to apply is March 31. Learn more at apcointl.org/scholarships.

March – Nominate someone you work with for APCO’s PSAP or Technology Leadership Awards before the deadline of April 1. Award recipients get a fully paid trip to APCO 2020, APCO’s Annual Conference & Expo, including registration, travel expenses and hotel accommodations. Learn more at apcointl.org/awards.

April – Celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (NPSTW) in a new way. Organize an open house or contact your city’s government to declare April 12-18 NSPTW in your town. Check out other ideas at npstw.org.

May – Join us for Nexus (May 21-22), an interactive, immersive experience of diverse scenarios handled the way they will be in the ECC of the future. Learn more and register at apconexus.org.

June – Check out what’s new on APCO’s website, apcointl.org. Hint: it might be a lot.

July – Take a “vacation” from trying new things and use the time to appreciate your family, friends and colleagues.

August – Volunteer at APCO 2020 taking place August 2-5 in Orlando and get one day pass for every four hours worked. To get the day pass, you must sign up to volunteer before registering for the conference. More information will be on apco2020.org in the spring.

September – Start the “school year” by signing up to volunteer on a workgroup developing new APCO standards or revising existing ones. Learn more at apcointl.org/standards.

October – Renew your membership early so you won’t have to worry about missing out on all the benefits of membership. Renew online at myapcointl.org/invoices.

November – Organize a team of friends or co-workers to give thanks by giving back to your community.

December – Pat yourself on the back for undertaking a year of new experiences that improved you, your job, your comm center and your community.