VANCOUVER, April 19 /CNW/ - With the recent recession, many professionals are finding it hard to land a job and are left with some time to develop new skill sets and seek out volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer levels have increased at the International Association of Business Communicators, BC Chapter (IABC-BC) by 37 per cent in the past year. IABC-BC celebrates National Volunteer Week this month by applauding the generous spirit of its many volunteers, and credits them with its achievements and growth over the last 30 years. All 15 members of the 2009/2010 IABC-BC board are volunteer executives and directors with diverse professional backgrounds, with all of the association's local initiatives100 per cent volunteer-run.
"Volunteering is rewarding both personally and professionally for me," says Angela Wilson, current IABC-BC president. "Giving my time to IABC-BC has helped me advance my career, grow as a person, as well as make some valuable friendships. Our local chapter is known for being fun, innovative, and a leading chapter in the world, but our success is a direct credit to each and every volunteer we've had over the last 30 years."
During last year's economic downturn, IABC-BC members recognized the value of volunteering for their organization. Many members have built skills and experience, met other professionals in their field and in some cases found a start to their career. Arthur Yee was a student who met his mentor through school and whose success story is a testament to the value that volunteering provides members with.
"The key with volunteering for IABC-BC is that you not only get to meet the best communicators in BC, but you get to work alongside them on chapter projects. It's a great opportunity to demonstrate your abilities and also develop career-long, life-long relationships. Being actively involved lead me to find my mentor and current employer".
Member volunteers are involved in creating networking and professional development opportunities and managing various communication projects for their chapter, including new social media initiatives, chapter events and membership surveys.
Each year, IABC-BC honours two volunteers with the President's Awards for "Volunteer of the Year" and "Outstanding New Volunteer". Volunteers are nominated by fellow chapter members, and winners are hand-selected by the IABC-BC President. This year, these two awards will be presented at IABC's 30th Anniversary Gala on Wednesday, May 5. At this special event, members, non-members, students and community members will celebrate this milestone and recognize the commitment from our volunteers over the past three decades!
About IABC-BC
Founded in 1970, The IABC provides a professional network of over 15,500 business communication professionals in over 80 countries. The BC chapter is one of 105 chapters worldwide and is the third largest chapter in Canada. With more than 600 members throughout BC, the chapter has an international reputation for progressive, professional communication. IABC-BC is committed to improving the effectiveness of organizations through strategic, interactive and integrated business communication management.
About IABC-BC's President's Awards
The President's Awards recognize volunteers within IABC-BC who have gone above and beyond in their work over the past year. The President's Award has two categories: Outstanding New Volunteer, which honours the contributions of an individual who is new to volunteering with IABC-BC, and Volunteer of the Year, which is presented to a volunteer who has made a significant impact to the IABC-BC chapter through their work. Winners are hand-selected by the IABC-BC President.
For further information: For further information: or to arrange an interview please contact Ashley Cox. Web links: IABC-BC: http://www.iabc.bc.ca/; Media Contact: Ashley Cox, Co-Director, IABC-BC Marketing and Communications, Email: [email protected], Mobile: (604) 315-1493
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