As we close out the current year and welcome the next, we are often asked to reflect on our biggest wins and the challenges we faced along the way, and to give thanks for all that we accomplished. It could be something as significant as hosting your biggest event yet, or engaging a higher percentage of your attendees, or as small as the final touches on an evening event. One contribution you can add to your list that may not be top of mind is your volunteer service with FICP. FICP regularly hosts corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities where you can give back at an event, in addition to other opportunities to support your colleagues and the association. If you’ve contributed in any of these ways, you’re part of a volunteer effort that never goes unnoticed.
We asked some of our 2019 FICP volunteers to share what volunteering for FICP means to them. Look at what your peers have to say:
Volunteering is the way to make the most out of your membership with an organization. The longer you are in this industry, the more you have to share. I could think of no better group to do that with than FICP, with whom I have worked closely over my 20+ years as an industry editor.
Barbara Scofidio, Prevue Meetings & Incentives
Volunteering with FICP has given me the opportunity to share my expertise and contribute in a meaningful way. Over the last year and half on the Education Committee, I have had the privilege of working beside some of the industry’s best and brightest. The collaboration with meetings professionals and hospitality partners from a host of backgrounds has been a learning opportunity I wouldn’t have had access to without volunteering with FICP. They bring fresh perspectives and best practices that have helped shape how I plan meetings today. As an added bonus, my contributions to blog posts and time served with the Education Committee help me earn Continuing Educations credits toward my CMP recertification. It truly is a win-win!
Amanda Sherman, CMP, Credit Acceptance
Volunteering with FICP is an inspiring, rewarding and educational experience. It feels great to share your experience, connect and give back to the professionals in the organization.
Susannah Frances, CMP, Sun Life
Volunteerism has always been in my DNA. The opportunity to volunteer with FICP has allowed me to collaborate with a seasoned group of meetings and hospitality professionals in a way that has enriched me both personally and professionally.
Mike Dominguez, ALHI
Giving back to FICP has been the most rewarding part of my career. Regardless of what my day-to-day job has provided, the value of FICP, the partnerships built, the friends made and the tools and advantages I received, not only furthered my career, but gave me a sense of accomplishment and enthusiasm. I am a living example of you get out more than you give by volunteering your time, expertise and value.
Patricia Kerr, Nationwide
I am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer for FICP, as they have been such a valuable partner to me and my company for 20+ years. Interacting with other hospitality partners and meetings professionals greatly enriches my understanding of the industry and ultimately helps me better serve my customers. I hope I am also adding value, but know that I receive more than I give.
Lisa Warren, SpeakInc.
It is incredibly rewarding for me to volunteer through the FICP Education Committee. I am passionate about mentoring others, and also value the opportunity to build and solidify my networks and grow my brand professionally as an industry thought leader. It’s a win-win for all involved.
Meg D’Angelo, Lincoln Financial Group
I believe that success is not the key to happiness – happiness is the key to success. Volunteering makes me happy as I enjoy sharing ideas that work for me and my company with others and helping people grow professionally, while at the same time furthering my own skills in areas outside of my day-to-day role and by learning from and interacting with peers.
Sherri K. Lindenberg, Crump Life Insurance Services
I have been an FICP member for nearly 20 years and have volunteered for multiple roles. The experience I have gained from engaging in these various opportunities has made me a better and smarter professional and allowed me to meet and learn from my colleagues in this great industry. You can give a little or a lot of your time, but the impact will definitely be positive and the rewards from your engagement are endless.
Jennifer Squeglia, Boston Private
FICP has done so much for me in my career that volunteering and getting more involved was something I knew I needed to do. As a member of numerous Event Teams and the Education Committee, I offer my experience and knowledge of the meetings industry in hopes it will help other meetings professionals. It’s a very rewarding (and fun) experience and I have met so many wonderful people along the way. Give it a try!
Lynn Schwandt, Thrivent Financial
I value the opportunity to volunteer with FICP as it allows me to feel more connected and I enjoy knowing that my contributions help the organization be successful.
Sabrina Colquitt, CMP, TIAA, CTS Meetings
Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in and FICP is that community I want to serve.
Carlin Putman, Global Atlantic Financial Group
In practicing gratitude, I have been fortunate to have learned a lot by attending FICP events and one of my favorite quotes is, “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” – Oprah. I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned and share it. I also find that by volunteering, I have learned even more from my peers and have been exposed to situations resulting in growth both personally and professionally.
Sterena Strickland, ACCESS Destination Services
Volunteering for FICP offers me a greater partnership with like-minded colleagues. After 20+ years in the industry, it feels great to share some of the knowledge I have gained, talk through common experiences, and help others overcome obstacles. Offering my time outside of my day-to-day job makes me feel good – it’s an opportunity to grow beyond my own organization, both personally and professionally.
Monica Heanue, Morgan Stanley
Are you ready to get involved? Learn more about volunteering with FICP here.