The Benefits of Volunteerism - Alli Shebek, DMCP

During the holiday season, many people find themselves looking for ways to give back to their local communities, either through donations, or spending time on causes important to them. There are so many ways to support the people, causes, and organizations we care about, and volunteering our time provides benefits not only to our community, but to ourselves as well. Personally, I love giving back time to an industry that has taught me so much and supported my personal and professional growth, and I do that through volunteering with industry organizations, including MPI. These are just a few of the benefits I’ve felt as a volunteer leader:

1. Networking – as many members of the MPI-CAC Board of Directors and volunteers can attest, there is no better way to meet industry colleagues and form strong bonds than through volunteering together. Working toward a common goal and spending time together each month in committee meetings allows us to get to know each other on a deeper level, and create lasting personal and professional relationships.
2. Learn new skills – whether you are a supplier or a planner, each of MPI-CAC’s committees has something to offer your professional development. With a variety of educational, event, and service-based committees, our chapter offers something for everyone.
3. Enhance your leadership abilities – every volunteer in our chapter has the opportunity to take an active role in our success, and leadership opportunities are plentiful. Board members and co-chairs encourage committee members to take ownership of tasks and projects, and nurture volunteers to become future leaders of the organization. From planning impactful education programs, to securing event sponsors, to designing engaging networking experiences, each chapter leader has the ability to impact MPI-CAC as a whole through their work.
4. Make a difference – Each education session, networking opportunity, and event that our chapter puts on creates lasting benefits to our membership. Volunteer leaders have the opportunity to share industry trends, make valuable connections, and help other members grow personally and professionally through their MPI membership.

In Chicago, we are lucky to be involved in a robust chapter of active and engaged members who are passionate about the future of the events industry. I personally have received so much benefit from my membership that I am honored to volunteer my time and give back to an organization that is so critical to my success.

If you are looking to expand your network, gain new skills, and volunteer your time with our chapter, click here to see the full list of committees and fill out a committee interest form.