Volunteerism: Strengthen Your Leadership, Deepen Your Connections

Geoffrey Brown, CAE President and CEO, Illinois CPA Society
Insights From Your President and CEO

Throughout my life, I’ve sought opportunities to share my time and talents with organizations and causes near and dear to my heart. Whether it was serving on a board, providing episodic volunteer support, or participating in the founding of an organization, I’ve always found meaning and purpose in volunteer service.

As I’ve progressed in my career, volunteerism has emerged as one of the most meaningful aspects of my professional experience. I’ve had opportunities to serve on, and lead, boards of directors, committees, and task forces for organizations that touch both my personal and professional communities, including leading the board of a large social service agency in Illinois. Each of these experiences has elevated my leadership skills, expanded my network, and shaped the future of my career—all while affording me the influence to help shape the future of those entities.

At times, my volunteer experiences have been deeply personal, impacting my worldview and shifting my perspectives on various issues. Other times, serving as a volunteer across varying levels has simply further shaped my perspective on the value of volunteerism. Every time, volunteering enhances my ability to collaborate with the diverse board members and communities I work with every day.

In short, I’m a strong advocate for volunteer service. In fact, I think it’s an important and invaluable part of anyone’s career journey. By serving as a volunteer, you’ll share your expertise, collaborate with others, help shape organizations you care about, and play an active role in advancing a cause or community with meaning to you.

Of course, as an Illinois CPA Society member, you have access to a variety of volunteer opportunities that directly impact both the Society and the accounting and finance profession you’re already a part of. You can:

• Sharpen your leadership skills and deepen your engagement through opportunities that fit any stage of your career.
• Share your expertise and perspectives, and contribute your strategic thinking, to critical initiatives shaping the Society and how it responds to issues impacting the profession.
• Grow your personal and professional networks by meeting and working with other like-minded individuals, connecting with mentors, and supporting others seeking to do the same.
• Help influence and make a lasting impact on the direction of the profession.
• Give back to an organization and profession that has given to you.

In other words, volunteerism with the Society (like any organization of your choice) can help you grow in many ways that’ll undoubtedly touch other aspects of your life. At the very least, the new skills and experience gained while volunteering will build your resume and better prepare you for your next career step. But, if your experiences are anything like mine, the service you undertake now will lay the groundwork for increased opportunities later in life.

And while much of my message here has focused on how volunteer service will benefit you, the truth is, it’s not just about you. In the end, volunteerism is ultimately about raising awareness, addressing important issues, and creating stronger, more vibrant communities and organizations. Now, will you join me in being a volunteer leader and a champion for change that inspires others to do the same?