We need you to make the difference!

The theme of this year’s Volunteers Week (1 – 7 June) is ‘You make the difference’ and now that APM is the Chartered body for the project profession, the role of our volunteers is even more vital in supporting our ambitious new strategy.

With busy lives, it can be difficult to find the time to get involved in anything outside of work and home, but there are enormous benefits to you and your employer. By being an active member of APM you will be giving something back; you can also find new friends, learn new skills and, through the extensive volunteer network and opportunities offered by APM's branches and Specific Interest Groups (SIGs), you may advance your career. If you are relatively new to project management you can gain new skills and insight through attending talks and events, on topics such as stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications and meeting management, which can also benefit your day job.

How to make a difference

There are many volunteer opportunities available through APM and the key is to find a role that you would enjoy and have the time to commit to. What we need is volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge and expertise with others and help to build the project management community in terms of insight and support of others.

APM encourages participation in a wide range of activities, from writing a blog or featuring in a case study, to helping to run an event or conference. There are also opportunities to give back more to the profession by becoming an ambassador and speaking at careers events and sharing your experiences and knowledge of good practice through presentations and workshops.

• Volunteer roles at local branches
• Join a Specific Interest Group (SIG)
• Write blogs or articles for APM
• Become an ambassador

Sara Drake, APM chief executive, said, “I would like to thank all our volunteers who share their knowledge, expertise and time so generously. They deliver events, contribute to publications, share good practice and help shape our product development, amongst many other important activities, which truly make us the leading body for the project profession.

“Our volunteers do an amazing job and we are keen to give more members the opportunity to make a difference. You can give as little or as much time as you can spare and there are a wide range of things you can do to support APM and the project profession. From responding to a survey, to running an event, or becoming a mentor, you can volunteer flexibly with APM. We know volunteering not only gives great satisfaction but it also enhances your professional and personal development, as well as providing benefit to others in the profession.”

You can read more about APM’s commitment to volunteering in its community charter which sets out the key principles upon which our shared vision of a world in which all projects succeed, is based.

APM is proud to hold the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard which demonstrates its commitment to volunteering and effective volunteer management.

Please contact the APM volunteers team if you are interested in volunteering for APM.