MEMBER: Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Fund Board

Volunteering is an excellent way to make a positive impact on your community; your business or employer and chosen industry; and make a positive impact on the world. It can also be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or looking for a way to expand your skill set, there are many opportunities to volunteer and develop your expertise, as well as expand your personal and professional networks.

For the purpose of this article, I’ll focus on the benefits of volunteering within an industry-focused trade association. Specifically, I’ll speak to the volunteer opportunities available at the International Association of Movers (IAM), and its affiliated organizations such as the Alan F. Wohlstetter Scholarship Foundation (AFWSF), IAM Here to Help (H2H) and the International Shippers Association (ISA).

Within the IAM governance structure alone, there are no less than four Boards of Directors and well over a dozen permanent committees covering almost every aspect of our industry. Plus, there are numerous ad hoc committees and taskforce groups focused on addressing specific areas and issues impacting IAM and its membership, the customer base we serve, and the regulatory policy-makers with direct and indirect impact on the global moving and mobility industries.

One of the most obvious benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to give back. By volunteering your time, knowledge and experience, you can benefit yourself and others, thus making a real difference in your chosen field. Your individual contributions can have a lasting impact on the people and places around you.

But volunteering can also be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By taking on new challenges and responsibilities, you can develop your abilities and gain valuable experience that can help advance your career. For example, if you’re a U.S. domestic-focused mover or overseas-based strictly continental mover, but are interested in expanding your knowledge in international moving or freight forwarding, volunteering on one of IAM’s committees can provide you with exposure to different roles and responsibilities; as well as introduce you to industry colleagues with the knowledge and skills you’re interested in obtaining.

Not everyone has to be an ‘expert’ to qualify to serve on a board, committee or ad hoc group. Individuals with little experience or knowledge of a particular area or subject provide a valuable advantage to the deliberations and discussion since they come with no biases or preconceived ideas as to the ‘why or how’ something has been done in the past or could or should be done in the future.

Volunteering can also help you build your network and connect with like-minded individuals. By working alongside other volunteers and professionals in your association, you can develop relationships and connections that can help you in addressing the issues and problems you are confronted with in the normal course of business. You’ll meet mentors or advisors who can provide guidance and support as you continue to navigate your career. And it’s very likely that many of these contacts will develop into long-standing friendships.

So how can you get started with volunteering? The first step is to identify your passions and interests. Which causes or issues are you most passionate about? What skills do you have that could be useful to others? Once you have a clear sense of your strengths and interests, you can start exploring volunteer opportunities within IAM and its affiliates or begin researching other organizations and opportunities that align with your goals.

When you find an opportunity that interests you, take the time to learn more about the organization and their mission. Reach out to the volunteer coordinator or other staff members to ask questions and solicit information about the required time commitments, as well as the responsibilities of a volunteer in a given role. Be clear about your availability and what you hope to gain from the experience.

Finally, be open to new experiences and volunteering opportunities. Volunteering can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and develop new abilities and proficiencies. Embrace the opportunities that come your way and be willing to learn and grow along the way.

In conclusion, volunteering can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. By taking on new challenges and contributing to your association and industry, you can develop your talents and knowledge, build your networks, and make a positive impact on the world around you.

So why not get started today? Find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with your interests and goals, and start making a difference. You’ll never know where the commitment and effort as a volunteer will take you!