Shared Vision (June 2005)

Abstract

Sharing our time and our talents is essential to the long-term success of SPE. Volunteerism is one of SPE’s core values. As a volunteer-driven organization, we enlist the talents of our members to address both local needs and the broader interests of our global membership. Members work together to direct SPE activities, from planning the details of section meetings to developing a long-term plan that defines the future for the Society. Your participation ensures that SPE remains vibrant and relevant. Volunteering also pays personal dividends for the time you invest. You can gain leader-ship experience or learn interpersonal skills that you may not be able to get in your job. You can meet and network with people who can help you solve problems and move ahead in your career. You can write technical papers and receive recognition for it. Many are motivated simply to be of service: to help others, to “give back” to the profession, and to make a difference in the world. Winston Churchill explained the value of volunteering this way: “You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give.” Despite the many rewards of volunteering, the demands of modern life make it more and more challenging for members to give their time. Some smaller sections have a tough time filling leadership positions—the same people continue to serve year after year. All too often, members say they are too busy to attend monthly meetings, much less take on a greater role as a volunteer. In fact, members everywhere cite similar reasons why they do not volunteer. “I’m too busy.” People are busy—with the consolidation that has occurred in this industry over the last two decades, fewer people are handling more projects, and the pace of change is incredible. Our members are juggling the demands of family life as well. We must respond to the time constraints of our members by offering opportunities to serve in smaller bites of time. By doing a better job of planning section and committee tasks, we may be able to break a big job into smaller parts that several people share. Participating in online communities is another option, allowing you to sign on at a convenient time. We have begun conducting a considerable amount of SPE business through email, online communities and teleconferences to reduce the number of meetings for Board and committee members. “I don’t have the support of my boss.” This is really a variation of the first reason—your manager believes you are too busy to take part in SPE activities. Part of my role is to make sure that industry executives are aware of the tremendous resources and value that SPE offers to professionals at all career levels. The key to getting management’s support is to demonstrate that your participation in SPE pro-vides an exceptional return on the investment of your time. The company benefits when you gain access to the latest technical knowledge and develop skills that will enhance your performance.