Why would i want to do that?

I remember very well the conversation with an association president years ago. We were ending a long phone call discussing an important and complex association issue. He chuckled and commented to me: “My sons think I am absolutely crazy for volunteering for this association. They ask me all the time, ‘Why do you want the headaches that go into this job, particularly when you don’t get paid for it?’ “

We were able to laugh about it because we knew he loved his role as association president.

Clearly, volunteering for PRISM is generally a pleasant experience. One of the things I take great pride in is the fact that past board members often tell me they really enjoyed their time on the board. This is not unusual in associations. Despite this, associations have asked why members volunteer and how we can make the experience more pleasant for them.

A few years ago, a study that involved 180,000 volunteers from various trade and health care associations helped to answer these and other questions. The survey results and resulting publication, “The Decision to Volunteer,” yielded important information. Among the most important conclusions:

• Turnover among association volunteers is high. These are busy people with competing opportunities to volunteer, and associations must work hard to get their attention.
• While association members expect career benefits from their professional volunteering, they also are interested in volunteering for reasons bigger than themselves.
• One size does not fit all, and associations must design flexible and multiple volunteer activities for their members.
• Associations are concerned about the volunteer supply, suggesting that younger citizens are not willing to fill the gap left by retiring older volunteers. This study revealed no evidence for this trend. The challenge for associations will be in finding different ways—specifically meaningful and substantive ways—to involve young professionals.
• Members see the professional benefits of association volunteerism. More than 80 percent of respondents said it had a positive effect on their business and/or career.
   

If you want an experience to look back on fondly, one that is meaningful and career-enhancing and helps to move the industry forward, don’t hesitate to raise your hand and volunteer for PRISM. Our biggest asset is the collective experience, expertise and leadership of our volunteers; we’d love to see this asset grow and invite you to help do so by emailing info@prismintl.org.

Dave Bergeson is the executive director of PRISM International, Chicago, and can be reached at dbergeson@prismintl.org.