Dear Members,
One of the things I have learned during my years as an Academy member is how much you gain by simply getting involved. I have served on many Academy committees during my career, all of which have been incredibly rewarding experiences and opportunities to give back.
The Academy is an influential and respected voice in public policy and professionalism. We could not do this work without volunteers. They bring knowledge, experience, perspectives, and time to our work and truly are the backbone of the organization.
That is why I hope you will consider joining me as an Academy volunteer. Our Annual Call for Volunteers is now open, with multiple opportunities on more than 50 Academy committees and other, shorter-term volunteering efforts.
Why Volunteer?
Academy volunteers contribute to standards, issue briefs, practice notes, comment letters, and other work that supports the profession and helps inform stakeholders on important professionalism and public policy issues.
Volunteering is also a great way to learn and grow. Working alongside your peers on issues facing the profession can deepen your technical knowledge, strengthen essential soft skills, and expose you to people with different areas of expertise and experience.
And then there are the people you meet. Committee work helps you build relationships with actuaries across practice areas and at different stages of their careers. Those professional connections are one of the benefits of volunteering that I have valued throughout my own career.
Not every volunteer opportunity requires the longer-term commitment of committee membership. Depending on your interests, expertise, and available time, you can also be considered for short-term committee projects or assignments, serve as a peer reviewer for public policy materials, or contribute content to Academy publications such as Contingencies and the practice-specific quarterlies.
Your professional experience and perspective are valuable, but so are a willingness to learn and actively participate. You do not have to be the leading expert on a subject to make a meaningful contribution.
Find an Opportunity To Get Involved
The Call for Volunteers includes information on Academy committees and short-term volunteer opportunities. I encourage you to take a look, consider where your interests and experience could contribute, and tell us about the skills, experience, and background you could bring to the work of the Academy.
The Call for Volunteers is open through Sept. 21, and the interest form should take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete.
COMPLETE THE INTEREST FORM
If you would like to learn more before applying, visit the Call for Volunteers page to watch the Call for Volunteers Information Session. You’ll learn about committee service and short-term volunteer opportunities, hear from a current Academy volunteer about their experiences, and get tips on the volunteer placement process and completing the interest form.
If you have questions about volunteering or completing the Call for Volunteers interest form, please contact Tony Washington, Manager, Volunteer & Member Engagement, at [email protected] or 202-223-8196.
I hope you will look at the opportunities available and consider how you would like to engage. Whether through committee service, a short-term project, or another opportunity, getting involved can be a meaningful way to connect with colleagues, contribute to the profession, and make the most of your Academy membership.
Best regards,
Tricia Matson
Academy President