October is packed with ways to make your ABoR membership and Unlock MLS subscription work harder for you. Whether you want to volunteer, sharpen your skills, or cheer on a fellow member making a difference, there's something here for you.
Raise Your Hand: Volunteer Call is Now Open!
Volunteering gave me relationships I wouldn't have built otherwise, leadership skills I use every day, and a front-row seat to the work shaping our industry. It can do the same for you. Your experience and perspective matter, and we need them at the table.
If you've been thinking about getting more involved, this is your moment. The annual ABoR and Unlock MLS Volunteer Call is open through Nov. 6, and it only comes around once a year.
Volunteer groups cover a wide range of interests, including advocacy, community involvement, diversity, finance, global real estate, and professional development. Wherever your passion lies, there's a group that fits.
Visit UnlockMLS.com/Volunteer to explore available volunteer groups and learn more about their roles and responsibilities. When you’re ready, submit your application through ABoR’s Member Portal.
Explore the New Diversity On-Demand Series
I've always believed professional development goes beyond learning the latest tools. It's also about how well we serve our clients and our communities.
Our Diversity On-Demand Series features four CE courses covering Community Leadership, Cultural Competency: Working with Diverse Backgrounds, Leadership and Diversity, and Serving All Generations. Together, they offer nine CE hours that you can complete anytime, anywhere, at your own pace.
Build skills that can strengthen client relationships and help you better serve the people and communities around you. Visit UnlockMLS.com/Belonging to get started.
Put Your Tools to Work
As a member or subscriber, you have access to powerful benefits and tools. Now is a good time to make sure you’re getting the most out of them.
Our upcoming training calendar features opportunities to sharpen your skills with tools and resources you can put to work right away. From FOREWARN training and Realtor.com+ webinars to Matrix Analytics and Reporting, CMA Manager, and more, there are multiple ways to learn something new or brush up on a tool you already use.
Don’t wait until you need a tool to learn how to use it. A little time spent on training now can make a big difference when you’re in the field. Visit UnlockMLS.com/Classes-and-events to learn more.
Help Cord Shiflet Bring Home a National Honor
Finally, I want to recognize one of our own.
Board director and member Cord Shiflet has been named a finalist for the 2026 REALTOR® Good Neighbor Awards for his work through Cordonate. Cord’s helped mobilize support following the 2025 Texas Hill Country floods, including raising $500,000 through his network and organizing volunteers to help a camp for children with disabilities. Cord’s commitment to giving back is a great example of the impact REALTORS® can have well beyond the closing table.
I'm proud to call Cord a colleague. He shows the impact REALTORS® can have well beyond the closing table. Let's help him bring this honor home to Austin. Voting for the 2026 REALTOR® Good Neighbor Award is open through Oct. 24. Take a moment to learn more and vote at Realtor.com/GoodNeighbor.
There’s Always a Way to Get Involved
Whether you’re volunteering, building new skills, learning a tool, or supporting a fellow REALTOR®, there are plenty of ways to stay connected and engaged this month.
Take advantage of what your ABoR membership and Unlock MLS subscription have to offer. Find an opportunity that speaks to you, get involved, and keep growing!