Our conference in Philadelphia is just a few shorts weeks away. You have heard me talk about the value of BCP education, networking, and understanding the DRI Professional Practices as necessary components of your professional growth (and your company’s business continuity success). But what about personal growth and feeling good about your place in this gigantic universe? That can start with the simplest of things, and I have often found a special comfort in volunteering.
I will be the first to admit that my volunteerism and commitment to helping others has been somewhat limited in the big scheme of things, but it’s been significant for me nonetheless. I have done work mostly in New Orleans in each of the years post Katrina. I volunteer locally in my community with some favorite organizations. But I have a burning need to do more.
I am ultimately an incredibly lucky man. I have a great family, caring and like-minded friends, a home to live in and a wonderful community. I have worked for good companies and met extraordinary people. Many of these terrific people are within the industry that I have worked in for over two decades. Some are new friends, and others have wandered down the BCP path with me for a long time. What I know most about BCP professionals is that we are a caring and dedicated lot. But there are many people who are not so fortunate as you and me and they need our help from time to time. That’s where volunteerism comes in. And we can do a little to help those in need while in Philadelphia.
With our 
on Tuesday June 4, I just want to make a pre-volunteer day public statement of my appreciation for the wonderful participation rate this year. I want to thank all of you who have signed up to volunteer. As you may already know, we will be heading in two different directions this year with our volunteer forces. One group of 40 + will be working at Philabundance, a local food bank that helps hundreds in the Philadelphia area each week. The second group, of about 30 + eager volunteers, will be working with Habitat for Humanity in both their Habitat Restore and doing community cleanup and restoration activities. We are near our maximum number for Volunteer Day, and that is heartwarming in and of itself. That said, please feel free to contact me directly if you have tried to register for volunteerism but have been advised that the slots are all full – we may be able to squeeze you in. And I will have other activities for you and places where you can help out and still be a part of our DRI volunteer program.
Here’s a quick overview for you if you are on the roster for volunteering with us at the conference. The exact times and details are to follow next week.
- Monday Evening – gathering of volunteers for dinner and a “Pep Rally” – you will receive detailed instructions and your T-shirt on Monday evening
- Tuesday – Habitat Volunteers board the bus at 9 AM and return at approximately 3:30 PM. Lunch will be provided at the work site
- Tuesday – Philabundance Volunteers board the bus at approximately 12 noon – lunch will be provided before you leave. You will board the bus for return at approximately 4 PM
Please look for a welcome e-mail from me next week as well, with additional information about your volunteer experience. As was the case last year in New Orleans, many people made life-long friends and shared the experience of giving back. Conferences offer such an amazing opportunity for learning and professional and personal camaraderie. In my opinion, volunteering takes that up a notch.
I look forward to seeing all of you in Philadelphia … and I always look forward to seeing you right here.
All the best, and have a great week,
Clyde Berger
cberger@driif.org
Vice President and Director of Volunteerism
DRI International Foundation