It is my honor to write this blog each April as we celebrate the contributions and connections we have made through the ISACA Volunteer Program. ISACA Volunteer Appreciation Week (18-24 April 2021) is certainly one of my favorite times of year, and another great opportunity to say, “Thank you!” to everyone who has made ISACA the prestigious organization it is and who has had a personal impact on me and so many of my ISACA colleagues.
I hear regularly from volunteers that they want to get involved to help influence the future of their profession, to learn and improve skills they may not get to practice in their daily jobs, and to network and meet people from around the world. I may not be a volunteer, but through my work supporting our volunteer program, I can honestly say that I have successfully experienced all of those motivating factors personally, too!
In 2020, amidst a global pandemic, ISACA volunteer participation grew, with more than 1,100 people fulfilling 1,700+ roles at the global level. As everyone adapted to shifting work and home schedules and longed for that human connection, we responded as a community to support each other and serve the world.
Let us celebrate some of our most significant accomplishments in 2020 that were made possible with volunteer support. Thank you to everyone who contributed to these and the many other projects and programs across ISACA.
Advance the profession
- Launched new Blockchain Framework and Guidance and IT Risk Framework.
- Produced more than 200 publications (books, white papers, courses, case studies, podcasts, etc.), advancing ISACA’s thought leadership
- Developed two new stackable certification programs – Information Technology Certified Associate (ITCA) and Certified in Emerging Technology (CET, coming soon) – each composed of varying certificates that, when combined, become a certification.
- Certification working groups and exam item contributors supported the transition to remote proctoring and enabled professionals to continue their journey to earning credentials safely at home.
Learn and improve skills
- Launched six new online communities on Engage, including the Privacy Online Forum with 1,300 new members, and exclusive conference communities for attendee networking. All communities are led by volunteer Topic Leaders.
- The new Expert Directory enables individuals to connect with external speaking and business opportunities, promotes your expertise, and finds experts to fit your business’s needs.
- As conferences moved to virtual events and webinars became one of ISACA members’ favorite ways to earn CPEs, new speaking opportunities opened up to volunteers to share their expertise.
- ISACA volunteers translated nearly 50 emails, articles, exam guides and products into 12 languages.
Global networking
- CommunITy Day was bigger than ever despite the circumstances, with increases in hours logged (7,000!), teams participating (100!), chapters participating (99!), and countries involved (55!)! Join us on 2 October 2021 to give back in your local community during the 2021 event.
- During its first year following its launch, One In Tech, an ISACA Foundation, achieved significant milestones. Through a new board of directors and support from SheLeadsTech Ambassadors and other volunteer initiatives, One In Tech prioritized best practices and measurable impacts as it directed three key programs: SheLeadsTech, YoungLeadersInTech and WeLeadTech.
- Nearly 3,000 chapter leaders shifted their member service programs to facilitate local virtual education and networking activities.
- ISACA Awards Program enhancements resulted in more nominations for new awards, expanding our presence across our industry and opening new opportunities for member and professional recognition. Congratulations to the 2021 recipients!
Thank you again to all of our global volunteers! We look forward to building on the momentum from these great achievements in 2021 and beyond.
To learn more about how to volunteer with ISACA, visit https://engage.isaca.org/volunteeropportunities/about