Be Bold. Get Inspired. Take Action.
Volunteer – Be Someone’s Hero
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Over the last year, we can all likely attest to the dichotomy of the human experience. For me personally, I choose to focus on the large and small acts of heroism that I see. And I see it every day in IIBA.
You may not know this…. the IIBA full-time staff is comparatively small; it depends on its global volunteers to offer the countless programs and incentives to members throughout the year. In the last year, have you attended a Chapter meeting? (That was due to a volunteer.) Have you participated in a study group? (That was due to a volunteer.) Have you attended a professional development day? (That was due to a volunteer.) Have you networked through BAs & Brews or BA Café? (That was due to a volunteer.)
In the face of enormous restrictions and change, IIBA volunteers have risen to the challenge in 2020 and 2021. They ensured our BA community remained stronger and more connected than ever – hosting virtual (often free) events for anyone who was interested, leveraging international speakers in new and creative ways, creating teachable moments through the use of virtual collaboration tools and techniques, etc.
Throughout July and August, we ask TWO things of you. First, show your appreciation for what these volunteers have done for you personally. Please complete the Volunteer of the Year nomination application for your global or local IIBA heroes.* This may include the board members for your local IIBA Chapter; your study group mentors; or the global program creators and facilitators (e.g., Leadership Series Webinars, Mentoring Webinars, Mentoring-in-a-Box, etc.). Tell us what he/she/they has done to positively impact you and/or your career over the last year.
Finalists will be announced on October 15th, with winners unveiled on November 1st, during our annual Global Business Analyst Day celebration! Visit the IIBA Volunteering page to learn more about past recipients.
Second, use your reflections as inspiration as well. What are you doing to connect with your Business Analysis community? What more do you want to be doing? Mahatma Gandhi said: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Only you know what this service can and will look like for you. Share your experience on social using #IIBAVolunteers. If you need ideas, just ask at communications.director@gcc.iiba.org.
*Important reminders:
- You must be a current IIBA member in good standing to nominate.
- Your candidate(s) must be a current IIBA member in good standing to receive a nomination.
- You may nominate more than one candidate for the award.
- Your nomination is not restricted to only volunteers in your Chapter.
- Eligible volunteer activities date between September 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021.
Be Bold features members, volunteers, and Chapters who are taking bold action. If you have a story to tell or a recommendation for future inclusion, please feel free to reach out to communications.director@gcc.iiba.org.
About the Author:
Koryn Anderson enjoyed a couple of careers before finding her ultimate one. She has been a business analyst for more than 10 years and is currently a Lead Business Analyst at Baird. She is passionate about the BA discipline, has her CBAP® certification, is Past President of the Southeast Wisconsin Chapter, and is the current Communications Director for the Global Chapter Council.