By Darrell Knapp
THE MARCH/APRIL ISSUE OF CONTINGENCIES focuses on volunteerism, which is near and dear to my heart. The American Academy of Actuaries relies on a plethora of volunteers to work with dedicated staff in fulfilling the Academy’s mission of serving the public and the U.S. actuarial profession. Those volunteers not only provide significant benefit to the profession and the public, but many I have talked to would agree that they, and their employers, receive as much or more value than they give.
My personal volunteer journey begins with a “why.” I was inspired by Society of Actuaries President Amanda Hug to share my why—my Christian faith compels me to serve others. I have viewed this as a combination of community service and professional volunteerism. My current primary community project is Habitat for Humanity, where I have the privilege of helping build houses three days a week when I am available.
Professional volunteerism has been just as rewarding. Like many actuaries, I have spent time writing and grading examinations. My Academy volunteer journey began many years ago when Bill Bluhm (a former Academy president) noted an article I had written on risk-based capital (RBC) requirements and called to ask about assisting with the Academy’s health RBC project. Through that project, I made several lasting friendships with other actuaries; learned a great deal about managing large projects, man- aging volunteers, and the technical issues around capital requirements; and was able to contribute to providing valuable ser- vice to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, the health insurance industry, and the public by establishing sound solvency standards.
Through those expertise and management lessons, my employer probably received more in value than the marginal cost of the time and expense I spent on the project. This significant project has been followed up by a number of Academy volunteer efforts of which I am equally proud and have gained additional expertise and value, both personally and for my employer. Ultimately, my volunteer journey led me to be the Chair of the Actuarial Standards Board (ASB) and to my current position of Academy President, where I am still humbly serving the profession and the public, while learning so much more than I am contributing.
As noted in an American Society of Association Executives seminar I attended with Academy leadership in January, top-level items for volunteer engagement like this include working on things that matter to them, demonstrating that their workmakes a positive difference, and (last but not least) providing an enjoyable opportunity for involvement. My volunteer experience with the Academy has consistently met these objectives.
Others may have a different “why,” but regardless of the why, volunteering can provide every Academy member immense personal and professional value. That value alone may be a sufficient “why” for many and for the many employers who support their teams in volunteering. The Academy is a volunteer-driven organization and depends on the more than 1,000 volunteers who put in significant effort to serve the profession and the public. Each and every volunteer is important—there are no small roles, only roles with varying time commitments. However, each of these roles comes with opportunities for per- sonal, and professional, gain.
There are many ways for you to volunteer for the Academy— some of you may respond positively when asked, as I was by Bill Bluhm so many years ago. Some may raise their hand through either personal contacts or through the Academy’s annual call for volunteers. Others may proactively raise their hand through personal connections, the online volunteer form, responses to mentions in Academy publications, or the Academy’s annual call for volunteers.
Volunteering professionally has been a deeply rewarding experience that has greatly enriched my career as an actuary. My hope for everyone reading this is that you will find a way to volunteer and share in that enrichment. Since we are a relatively small profession, it is fairly easy to read an Academy article, practice note, or issue paper that interests you, find who worked on it, and contact them to see if they would be interested in your help.
Soon, members will also have access to Academy Connect, a centralized platform where they can explore and engage with volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Volunteering professionally has been a deeply rewarding experience that has greatly enriched my career as an actuary. My hope for everyone reading this is that you will find a way to volunteer and share in that enrichment. Since we are a relatively small profession, it is fairly easy to read an Academy article, practice note, or issue paper that interests you, find who worked on it, and contact them to see if they would be interested in your help. Academy committee membership and leadership is listed in the “About Us” section of the Academy homepage, www.actuary.org.
Finally, I am so committed to expanding volunteer opportunities that, if you are unable to find the right source, I would like you to email me directly at president@actuary.org, and I will be happy to help you find a home for your volunteer interests.
And to those who have volunteered in the past, those currently serving, and those who will one day join our wonderful profession, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your dedication helps advance our shared mission of serving the public and the U.S. actuarial profession. And to those of you who are currently volunteering, I would like to thank you for your efforts and I hope you are finding the volunteer journey as rewarding as I have, and still do.
