The Social Work Oncology Network (SWON) was established 20 years ago. It the oldest branch of AOSW’s Communications Team, and it continues to be a vital benefit of AOSW membership.

SWON is a moderated, international, email discussion group that is intended to enhance communication and share resources and professional development among AOSW members. With the diverse perspectives, knowledge and experience that flow through SWON, some colleagues equate the listserv to having peer consultants available at their fingertips and ongoing access to an expansive continuing education program. Currently, SWON has more than 1,200 subscribers and there are over 3,000 posts annually. Responsibility for moderating the listserv is shared by two volunteers whose pseudonyms, “Mercury” and “Saturn,” represent the planetary forces for communication, boundaries and organization.

As a novice astronomer, I know that Mercury is the planet closest to the sun. What I didn’t know is that its surface temperature can reach 800°F during the day and drop at night to -280°F. As an AOSW member who has read many of the posts written by the current Mercury (Mary Lynn Hemphill, LCSW), I didn’t need a telescope or the Cassini spacecraft to see that she was a wise, creative and level-headed professional who doesn’t exhibit the temperature extremes of the planet. Instead, her written words were eloquent and she gracefully lived up to the Roman legends of being a swift-footed messenger. How did she learn to be such an effective moderator? Was it difficult to manage the responsibilities of a full-time job with this volunteer leadership role? I would soon learn that Mercury, known in some circles as “Reverend Mo” because she is able to officiate at wedding ceremonies, has a surprisingly wry sense of humor and impressive vocabulary.

When I was approached about becoming the next Saturn, I had some mixed feelings. On one hand, I’ve benefited immensely from SWON over the years and recognize that AOSW wouldn’t exist unless fellow members volunteered their time and services, so I truly wanted to do my part. On the other hand, Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system and I was uncertain if I would be an optimal fit. What if my moderating alter ego turned out to be more synonymous with the dwarf planet Pluto? (It has an eccentric orbit and rotates in the opposite direction from most of the other planets.)

In 2014, without any prior training in freestyle swimming, I decided to sign up for a cancer-related triathlon just a few weeks before the event. I’ll admit that I had some trepidation about my decision. About halfway through the 400 meter swim I experienced the same fleeting thought that occurred shortly after officially accepting the SWON moderator position: What did I get myself in to? However, not only did I not drown, I discovered that I really enjoy swimming and actually went on to finish an Olympic distance race earlier this year. Likewise, the transition from member to moderator has been less daunting and more rewarding than anticipated, which I attribute to the generous support and guidance offered by the AOSW Communications Team and, of course, the lasting effects from the contributions made by all of the previous moderators who helped create the interplanetary roadmap and evolve the listserv.

During this first year I’ve learned that the primary goals of moderating a listserv are to maintain order, keep the discussion list operating as efficiently as possible and offer members technical assistance. It is important to be available and involved without dominating the online environment or alienating members. Ideally, it is useful to take a “firm but fair” approach and to strive to maintain a sense of balance and thoughtfulness when addressing the complexity of issues that can arise in this forum. When things are flowing smoothly, Mercury and Saturn may be semi-invisible, operating mainly behind the scenes to complete specific tasks, resolve issues and interact with individual members. At other times it is necessary for us to be front and center in communicating with the entire listserv and to reposition satellites as necessary to help avoid collision with any stray asteroids.

Personally, some of the most gratifying aspects of this role thus far have been the ability to give back to AOSW, the camaraderie that is inherent in the Communications Team and the opportunity to interact with so many colleagues throughout North America and across the globe. I encourage all members to explore the range of volunteer opportunities that are available through AOSW and to become involved in whatever capacity is deemed to be a mutually good fit. If orbiting SWON as a moderator peaks your interest, you won’t have to physically travel 746 million miles, but you’ll need to wait until my term ends in 2017. Overall, I’m glad that I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and take on a new challenge because the benefits seem to be as extensive as the planetary ring system of Saturn.