Everyone here has made a commitment to be engaged. Some of us more than others.
We have many “Super Volunteers”; everyone knows who they are. The ones who always raise their hand and have a hard time saying No.
But have you seen or heard of a Micro-Volunteer Opportunity? This is a way to be engaged without a large time commitment. For example, we have several Micro-Volunteers who assist with editing Today’s Insurance Professional Blog posts. Editing is a skill they have and something they enjoy doing. They review one or two articles a month, and it may only take a half hour to do, but it’s something that needs to be done by a member, not management staff.
Watch for more Micro-Volunteer Opportunities in the future. Do you have “a certain set of skills” we should know about? Let your RVP or an EC member know what your Micro-Volunteer Superpower is, and we will get you set up.
Mastermind Groups and Special Interest Communities are two ways to be engaged if you’re missing your monthly local association meeting. Both provide an opportunity to engage with members from all over the country. The next open enrollment for Mastermind will be in the fall, so watch for the announcement.
I know the Special Interest Communities (SIC) weren’t active over the last year, but I want to get them back on track. We currently have SIC for P&C, Technology, Young New Professionals, and Retired Members. We need your input on whether these are the right categories or if we need new and/or additional ones. The Member Engagement Task Force will be reaching out for your suggestions.
Once we’ve determined the right categories, the Board will provide a Topic of the Quarter, where each of the SIC’s can take the topic and apply it to their specific audience. The idea is to provide multiple perspectives on one topic and to give the SIC chairs a place to start.
Your participation—no matter how small—contributes meaningfully to the vibrancy and success of Insurance Professionals. Whether you choose to lend your expertise through a single volunteer task or leading a Mastermind Group, your engagement shapes our community. Remember, engagement is not about the hours you put in, but the spirit you bring and the connections you forge along the way. You decide the type of experience you want, then you make it happen.
Let’s continue to build a culture where everyone’s contributions are valued and where new ideas and energy are always welcome. If you’re curious about getting involved or have thoughts on how we can improve our engagement opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure that every member has a place, a purpose, and a powerful role in shaping our shared future.
Lisa R Hardin, CPCU, CPIW, AIC, AIS, ACS, AINS, SCLA, DAE, CLP
2025-2025 IAIP International President
Lisa Hardin has been employed with Sentry Insurance for 35 years. She works as a Claims Specialist for Sentry’s National Accounts division, handling complex auto, general liability and products claims. She is currently serving as the IAIP International President.