It’s my favorite week of the year at ISACA – Volunteer Appreciation Week. It is a time when we all reflect on the important and impactful contributions members of our professional community have selflessly made to advance our organization and our industry. It is also a time to invite those who have not yet joined our volunteer corps to participate in ways that align with their interests and availability.
In this, ISACA’s 50th year, we acknowledge all the volunteer leaders who have established and run the organization as national and then international leaders, expanding our business lines and knowledge base, and responding to an ever-changing landscape of technology and technology governance. Have you visited ISACA’s 50th anniversary webpage? The volunteer 50th Anniversary Advisory Panel and ISACA’s Strategic Communications team have created an array of resources to celebrate the anniversary and invite you to get involved, too.
Did you know that nearly 3,000 chapter leaders serve members locally by organizing networking and professional development activities? Or that in 2018 nearly 1,300 volunteer roles were filled in international working groups and task forces, and by independent contributors?
Without the time and expertise shared by these dedicated volunteers, game-changing ISACA products and initiatives such as our certifications and conferences, the CSX platform, COBIT 2019, the Awards Program, SheLeadsTech, and so much more would not have been possible in the past 50 years. ISACA hears the needs of the membership, engages diverse thought leaders, and creates solutions to help bring these services to fruition.
Why do our volunteers do it? So often we hear that ISACA has helped people advance along their own career path, and they want to return the favor and help someone else. That altruistic attitude, passion for their profession, and interest in service not only exemplifies ISACA’s values but also helps to fulfill our purpose and promise. Of course, there are intangible benefits, too – things like developing leadership skills, expanding your global network, continuing your education and, of course, obtaining some free CPEs, which are all excellent benefits. Whatever drives you to give back, we welcome your participation and will help you achieve your goals.
Over the years, the volunteer program has evolved with the organization. We know that personal and professional commitments make time a scarce resource, so ISACA’s flexible engagement model seeks to align with your interests and availability. We heard that volunteers wanted shorter time commitments, more targeted and impactful contributions, and a way to track their participation. Therefore, ISACA is thrilled to launch a new volunteer engagement portal through Engage, which also houses our online discussion forums and other networking tools. Log in, update your volunteer profile, and check out the volunteer opportunities that need your help!
As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” We thank and appreciate our great volunteers of the past and present and invite everyone to continue to serve ISACA as we look to the future. Happy ISACA Volunteer Appreciation Week!
View The National Volunteer Week Infographic >>
Editor’s note: To learn more about volunteering at ISACA, log into Engage. To help ISACA recognize outstanding volunteer leaders in international and chapter roles, submit an ISACA Award nomination by 15 August.