Aaron Dalton joined Editors Canada in 2010 and began volunteering as information technology chair for the Prairie Provinces branch. His background as a computer programmer helped him manage the branch’s web presence, email and newsletter. He has since consulted with the certification steering committee about transferring to computer-based testing. Currently Aaron serves on the member services committee, updating the in-house-specific material on the Editors Canada website and working with the Active Voice team to publish the online version. “As a communicator, I have enjoyed being a part of bringing useful and interesting information and stories to fellow editors,” he says.
Aaron admits that he “stumbled into editing as a career.” As a research assistant in graduate school, he discovered that he enjoyed editing and began thinking of it as a career possibility. After working for a book publisher, he landed his “dream job” at Alberta Energy Regulator. There Aaron reviews a wide range of technical documents and works closely with authors to help them craft the best possible documents. His favourite part of the job, he says, is the teaching. “I facilitate workshops on plain language and effective writing that allow me to reach larger groups of staff and advocate for our readers more directly and vigorously.”
Aaron’s talents extend beyond editing and computer programming: he plays the flute, speaks French and Italian, and enjoys baking and playing board games. His enthusiasm for such activities extends into volunteering as well. “What you get out of an endeavour is proportional to what you put into it,” he says. “Volunteering is a good way to get to know people and to influence outcomes.”
The featured volunteer recognizes the contributions of our dedicated people who keep Editors Canada going. Volunteers are the backbone of the association, and we are grateful for the many members and affiliates who answer the call when help is needed.
Want to make a difference in your association? Find out more about volunteering for Editors Canada.