A few years ago, I was having a conversation with a few ASSP members when the topic of volunteering came up. I encouraged them to throw their names into the hat for an ASSP leadership position. At the time, neither seemed entirely convinced that they were ready. But they considered it and decided to step forward. Today, I am proud to say that both are serving in leadership roles.
Over the years, I have learned something simple but powerful: people often step up when asked. Sometimes all it takes is an invitation and a little encouragement. In an era when we are often encouraged to say no to things that do not directly benefit us, I encourage you to say yes to volunteer opportunities—not just because volunteers are essential to keeping ASSP strong, but because volunteering benefits you as well.
Research shows that volunteering is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety, reduced loneliness and stress, greater life satisfaction and sense of purpose, stronger social connections, lower blood pressure, better cardiovascular health, increased physical activity and even a reduced risk of mortality (Jenkinson et al., 2013).
As safety professionals, we understand systems. When something declines at that scale, we examine the design. Experts believe the drop in volunteerism is happening not because people care less, but because the systems surrounding volunteerism are failing them.
ASSP offers many volunteer opportunities, including chapter leadership, member communities, standards development, advocacy, teaching, presenting, publishing and Society governance. Members can contribute in ways that match their expertise and interests.
In recent years, ASSP has expanded micro-volunteer opportunities, and perhaps that is one reason our volunteer community remains more than 2,700 strong. These flexible opportunities recognize that many EHS professionals are being asked to do more than ever before, and time is at a premium.
If you have not yet stepped into a volunteer role, I encourage you to consider where your experience and passion could make a difference. And if you are not ready to fully raise your hand, consider dipping in just one toe. Start small and see where ASSP’s volunteer opportunities take you.
Throughout my career, volunteering has shaped my leadership more than any professional title ever has. It has expanded my thinking, strengthened my network and deepened my commitment to ASSP. I believe it can do the same for you.
Our volunteers are deeply committed. Through ASSP, I have had the privilege of working with extraordinary professionals who give their time, talent and energy to advance our profession.
National Volunteer Week, held every April, is an annual celebration recognizing the vital contributions of volunteers. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to:
- chapter leaders who organize programs after long workdays;
- council vice presidents, regional vice presidents and area directors who answer late-night calls, solve problems and ensure that our members feel heard and valued;
- committee and task force members who navigate the virtual world to work collectively in support of the Board’s strategic plan;
- instructors, presenters and authors who spend countless hours behind the scenes creating content that makes a powerful difference, even if they may never know the full impact of their work;
- mentors who tirelessly share their hard-earned wisdom with those who need it most; and
- the Board of Directors, for their disciplined focus on our strategic plan and their stewardship of our Society during their terms of office.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your commitment fuels ASSP’s growth, innovation, leadership and meaningful impact on worker safety and health.
References
Jenkinson, C.E., Dickens, A.P., Jones, K., Thompson-Coon, J., Taylor, R.S., Rogers, M., Bambra, C.L., Lang, I. & Richards, S.H. (2013). Is volunteering a public health intervention? A systematic review and meta-analysis of the health and survival of volunteers. BMC Public Health, 13, 773. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-13-773