I’m reminded of an old Vietnam war movie titled the Odd Angry Shot. In one scene an Australian soldier asks why he was there. The response from his senior was “you’re here because there’s no one else, and everyone’s got to be somewhere…” That line has stayed with me for 40 years. It has helped form my view on volunteering. All of us probably know of somewhere we could be helping out. Being paid for work is great, but some of my most rewarding tasks have not yielded me a penny. When volunteering conflicts with everyday life, that old line comes back and boosts me on. If individuals don’t put themselves forward to help with a charity, their community, someone they know, or a voluntary association, then often, “there’s no one else” who will provide what is often very necessary help.
Presently I act as a Royal Voluntary Service Vaccination Steward when I can, and it looks like that might be required for some time. I’d encourage more people to sign up if they can spare the time, as many shifts are not filled, and that means a NHS staff member usually needs to be utilised when they could be doing more specialist tasks. More relevant to the Security Matters readership though is in our own industry. There are a number of brilliant associations that can always use the assistance of their wider membership. I am about to finish my term as the Chapter Secretary of the ASIS UK Chapter and I have been tremendously impressed by the work done by the Board this past 12 months, in quite abnormal circumstances, and by the quality and commitment of those currently sitting on the Board.
Vacancies on the ASIS UK Board do come up towards the end of most years, and I would recommend to any member with some time to spare, and a commitment to the wider security industry, to nominate themselves, or recommend those that might be suitable, as vacancies arise. That said, volunteering can come in many forms, and it all contributes to advancing whatever association it is that you are a member of. ASIS UK has many initiatives that seek to advance the education qualifications of our members and to drive equality across the industry. These include members of the Board who champion Women In Security, and Diversity, Inclusion and Equality, and Young Professionals. Each of these groups relish having fresh input and the assistance of members who can contribute to the advancement of their goals.
Other ways to volunteer are to write a short article that we can publish in our newsletters. Our membership are the experts in their field, and hearing from a wide range of people, from different backgrounds, conducting different roles, is not only important for the health of the association, but something I always find fascinating. If we ever only hear from the same type of writer, we become staid and some might conclude that we are a homogenous group. We are not.
Throughout the year, ASIS UK attends many events and conferences across the UK. It is not always easy for several Board members to travel to these. It is always welcomed if members living in the area offer their time to help staff the stands and provide first hand information to potential members, sponsors and the industry. Although we, the Board, exist for the members, it helps greatly when the members can assist us too.
Although I have referred largely to ASIS UK in this article, there are many good causes out there that rely on volunteers. It is also a two way street. While helping others, you can often step out of your comfort zone, or do something that is far removed from your daily routine. From person experience, this can be hugely beneficial for your own mental health. There is something uniquely satisfying in knowing you have made a difference, and that no one made you do it. Like the soldier in Vietnam, it is the unsung everyday people that carry a lot of the load, and after all, everyone’s got to be somewhere.
