Fostering Volunteerism in a Competitive Global

MarketplaceW. Cleon Anderson, P.E.

2005 IEEE President

Region 10Chiang Mai, Thailand

26 March 2006

2

Volunteers Make it Possible for IEEE to Achieve its Vision

To advance global prosperity by: Fostering technological innovation, Enabling members' careers & Promoting community world-wide

3

IEEE stands on the shoulders of giants of innovation and invention…

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

MarketplaceGood volunteers are hard to find – and

keep. There is a lot we must do: We must let members know about

specific opportunities to volunteer We must promote the benefits of being

an IEEE volunteer to all members We must promote the benefits of being

an IEEE volunteer to their employers 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: Staying competitive means more than just

doing a good job at work, your work is transitory

By looking strategically at the future, members can use volunteerism to progress in their careers

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

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

We must live the message: IEEE connects volunteers to

colleagues locally, nationally and internationally

As IEEE volunteers, we often get to team up with movers and shakers in our industries

Gain contacts and build relationships Share insights, information and ideas, and find solutions to problems that can

make a difference in the workplace 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

Enhance their own careers Gain opportunities to learn

skills not learned in academic courses or on the job.

Share knowledge to enhance their creativity

Gain access to individuals at all levels of the profession

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:

There is personal satisfaction to be gained by volunteering with the IEEE

IEEE volunteers are giving something back to the profession — and to society.

IEEE volunteers strengthen our technical community

By volunteering, we repay the debt we owe to those who came before us.

As they helped us grow, so we, as volunteers, can help someone else grow.

9

Promote the Diverse Benefits of an IEEE Volunteerism

Encourage members to choose the volunteer activities that will help maximize their satisfaction or career potential

No one person can do everything 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 Help employers see the benefits to their own

organizations Communicate that volunteering for IEEE is good for

business Volunteering for IEEE helps members build

professional skills Management and leadership training Teamwork Finance Presentations

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.

Make use of IEEE on-line resources Volunteer Resources Web site

http://www.ieee.org/web/volunteers/resources/index.html

Volunteer Recruitment Toolkit http://www.ieee.org/organizations/rab/scs/

volunteer/index.htm Section/Chapter Support page and online

community http://www.ieee.org/organizations/rab/scs/

12

Promote the Benefits to Employers

Who Support IEEE Volunteerism When employees volunteer for the

IEEE they create opportunities to increase corporate visibility

Employees get involved in the local community

Public recognition for the volunteer reflects positively on the employer

Corporate support can lead to public recognition of the company

Supporting the profession has a long- term impact on the workforce

An IEEE connection can help attract the best and brightest employees

13

Promote a synergistic relationship

with industry Industry goals are synergistic with the IEEE vision: Cisco CEO John Chambers recently said:

"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."

"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

I think that every member of the IEEE should serve as a volunteer at some point in his or her career

It’s important to urge your colleagues and new members to get involved. We need their help

They will reap unexpected benefits from volunteering with IEEE

These benefits help make all of us more competitive in today’s global marketplace

15

Get involved in your communityHelp to make a better way…The pay is great for giving freely, Solve the problems of today

Give yourself a new beginningTake a chance and you will find…Volunteering is like getting A brand new state of mind.

Volunteer for your communityVolunteer it feels just fine.Help create a bright tomorrowGive 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 othersComes back into our own.

     -- Edwin Markham, American Poet

17