Fostering Volunteerism in a Competitive Global Marketplace W. Cleon Anderson, P.E IEEE President Region 10 Chiang Mai, Thailand 26 March 2006

2 Volunteers Make it Possible for IEEE to Achieve its Vision l To advance global prosperity by: l Fostering technological innovation, l Enabling members' careers & l Promoting community world-wide

3 l IEEE stands on the shoulders of giants of innovation and invention… l And on the shoulders of the giants of volunteerism who have shaped the IEEE into a worldwide community

4 Recruiting Volunteers is a Challenge in the Competitive Marketplace Good volunteers are hard to find – and keep. There is a lot we must do: l We must let members know about specific opportunities to volunteer l We must promote the benefits of being an IEEE volunteer to all members l We must promote the benefits of being an IEEE volunteer to their employers l And we must find ways to make it easier for members to serve in a volunteer capacity

5 Promote the Benefits of Being an IEEE Volunteer My message to prospective volunteers is that: l Staying competitive means more than just doing a good job at work, your work is transitory l By looking strategically at the future, members can use volunteerism to progress in their careers l One of the most valuable assets gained, as an IEEE volunteer, is the opportunity to establish a strong career-promoting network — this at a time when networking is more important than ever l Through this network, volunteers can find people who are genuinely interested in helping them build and strengthen skills needed to have a successful career

6 Promote the Benefits of Being an IEEE Volunteer l We must live the message: l IEEE connects volunteers to colleagues locally, nationally and internationally l As IEEE volunteers, we often get to team up with movers and shakers in our industries l Gain contacts and build relationships l Share insights, information and ideas, l and find solutions to problems that can make a difference in the workplace l A strong IEEE network can help volunteers be more competitive in their work environment

7 Promote the Benefits of Being a GOLD IEEE Volunteer We must help others realize that IEEE volunteers l Enhance their own careers l Gain opportunities to learn skills not learned in academic courses or on the job. l Share knowledge to enhance their creativity l Gain access to individuals at all levels of the profession l Gain experience to help become the leaders of tomorrow — locally and globally — in the IEEE and in the competitive global marketplace

8 Promote the Benefits of Being a Platinum IEEE Volunteer Help prospective volunteers realize that: l There is personal satisfaction to be gained by volunteering with the IEEE l IEEE volunteers are giving something back to the profession — and to society. l IEEE volunteers strengthen our technical community l By volunteering, we repay the debt we owe to those who came before us. l As they helped us grow, so we, as volunteers, can help someone else grow.

9 Promote the Diverse Benefits of an IEEE Volunteerism l Encourage members to choose the volunteer activities that will help maximize their satisfaction or career potential l No one person can do everything l Volunteers should take out those things that appeal to them, recognizing their needs will be different at different times.

10 Promote the Benefits to Employers Who Support IEEE Membership l Help employers see the benefits to their own organizations l Communicate that volunteering for IEEE is good for business l Volunteering for IEEE helps members build professional skills l Management and leadership training l Teamwork l Finance l Presentations l IEEE provides the training

11 Online Help for Volunteers Volunteer activities in the IEEE shouldn't cause the participants a lot of anxiety; there are tools to help. l Make use of IEEE on-line resources l Volunteer Resources Web site l l Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit l index.htm l Section/Chapter Support page and online community l

12 Promote the Benefits to Employers Who Support IEEE Volunteerism l When employees volunteer for the IEEE they create opportunities to increase corporate visibility l Employees get involved in the local community l Public recognition for the volunteer reflects positively on the employer l Corporate support can lead to public recognition of the company l Supporting the profession has a long- term impact on the workforce l An IEEE connection can help attract the best and brightest employees

13 Promote a synergistic relationship with industry l Industry goals are synergistic with the IEEE vision: l Cisco CEO John Chambers recently said: l " Our employees have helped nonprofit organizations by providing valuable support with the implementation of new technologies and by helping non-profits embrace the associated business process changes. This kind of support provides impactful results and long-term transformation in the organizations and communities that they serve." l "The work we do at Cisco is driven by a simple vision: we want to do our part in building stronger, more productive global communities. This vision is and will continue to be a driving force for Cisco Systems.“

14 In Summary l I think that every member of the IEEE should serve as a volunteer at some point in his or her career l It’s important to urge your colleagues and new members to get involved. We need their help l They will reap unexpected benefits from volunteering with IEEE l These benefits help make all of us more competitive in today’s global marketplace

15 Get involved in your community Help to make a better way… The pay is great for giving freely, Solve the problems of today Give yourself a new beginning Take a chance and you will find… Volunteering is like getting A brand new state of mind. Volunteer for your community Volunteer it feels just fine. Help create a bright tomorrow Give some money and your time. Paul Horrisberger, blue-grass musician

16 To paraphrase the words of The Creed by the American Poet Edwin Markham: There is a destiny that makes IEEE membership a family of sisters and brothers: None goes his way alone; All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own. -- Edwin Markham, American Poet

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