Anyone who knows ACORD knows that from the start, volunteershave propelled the organization forward. Volunteers develop andenhance the standards. Volunteers advocate for implementationacross the industry. Volunteers spread ACORD standards around theglobe.

Until recently, there hasn't been a formalized program for ourvolunteers. That's now changing.

There are many ways that someone can volunteer for ACORD'sactivities: working groups, new opportunities at events, and thelist will continue to grow as the program expands. Being an ACORDvolunteer not only benefits ACORD's Standards, but the individualsand companies involved.

Working Groups

Working Groups, where the heavy lifting of standards developmentand enhancement is done, are instrumental to ACORD. This is wheremembers work with others to create new forms and data standards,discuss process improvements, and improve industry-wide dataflow.

Those that take part have an important voice in this process.They also get to network with others who share their passion forspecific areas such as employee benefits, claims managementprocesses, or specialty lines. In the working groups, individualsshare ideas and insights and in return get inspired by new conceptsand ways of doing business.

Those who go farther and become working group chairs take thelead, drive the process forward, and truly transform how businessis done creating efficiencies for their companies and theindustry.

Events

Last year, we started working with advisory councils for ourevents. Carriers, solution providers, industry press, and analystsare among those who come together to discuss event programs,communications, networking opportunities, and overall flow. Eventsare for and about members and they have a voice in how things getdone.

We've taken that concept even further now and are working withvolunteers at our events. Opportunities include:

Mentoring First Timers

Mentors are paired with new attendees to enhance the experience.Some first timers come alone and can be lost in a big event. Thisway, we're ensuring that everyone is included and brought into thefold.

Hosting Sessions

This limited opportunity enables member volunteers to introducespeakers or moderator at sessions, make general announcements onbehalf of ACORD and LOMA, and even share their insights on thetopic.

Guiding Tours

Exhibit hall tours are an increasingly popular part of theforum, member volunteers will be able to lead these tours, gain newknowledge, and share any insights on the topic area they have fromtheir own experience.

We want everyone to be an integral part of the event.

The Big Why?

So why do it? There are so many reasons. For one, it's a greatchance to network with others that share your interests. Spend sometime with another P&C or life person that works in a similararea. Share ideas, gain new contacts, and support each other.

On the development side, volunteering to be part of a workinggroup is your chance to make your (and your company's) voice heardin the process. This is an opportunity to help shape the future ofstandards and the industry.

Personal satisfaction is also essential. We all feel that innerwarmth from helping others, sharing expertise, and being a part ofa larger group with shared goals. You also gain new knowledge andskills that you might never get if you weren't part of theaction.

There are many more reasons, some tangible, and some not. But itall starts by saying yes and getting involved.

Tanya Krochta is vice president and chief administrativeofficer for ACORD. She manages ACORD's professional developmentprogram and the project management office to ensure ACORD'sstaffing and project needs are properly covered. She works directlywith all staff members promoting education, collaboration andcooperation.  Prior to joining ACORD she served asdirector of human resources at a northeast-based specialty retailerfor 13 years. She has also earned her accreditation from theAmerican Compensation Association (ACA).