Clyde Berger, Director of Volunteerism, DRI Foundation
Our lives are busy. Our obligations are many. Our calendars are full. But our capacity to give nonetheless is endless. Our enthusiasm and energy for caring and giving is limitless. As human beings we have an inherent need to be concerned and helpful.
I know many of you give your time freely (and often) to causes that are near and dear to you. My role as Director of Volunteerism and Vice President of the Disaster Recovery International Foundation allows me to encourage and support you (our certified professionals) to volunteer to help those in need. Our volunteer opportunities in San Antonio have the promise of helping many while we help ourselves to satisfy that inherent need to assist and care for others.
Having 12,000 certified professionals worldwide puts us in the enviable position of being able to reach many with our masses of willing volunteers. As we continue to mold our model of sharing our professional expertise (in BCP, ER, and CM) towards volunteerism, we have the immediate ability to volunteer in San Antonio with the San Antonio Food Bank.
Working in the warehouse sorting and packaging food is a rewarding and fun experience. This year we’re offering shifts on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. before the conference starts, and Wednesday, Mar. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the conclusion of the conference. These are great opportunities to network with fellow business continuity practitioners while sorting food for use in the community. Volunteering, for me, is just a small way to make a difference. But when coupled with the many who come out to help, a small difference turns into a big impact. And you can be a big part of that. 
Sign up, show up, and help us collectively make up a great team.
And let this not be your only time this year to volunteer. Traditionally, the Friday after Thanksgiving is a day of shopping in the U.S. Maybe this year (as some of us did last year) you can choose a charity in your community and volunteer to make someone’s life a little better.
I’d love to hear from you if you already make volunteering a part of your life. I’d also like to hear your feedback about our prior Volunteer Days. And keep in mind, as in years past, you will receive lunch, transportation, a thank-you goody bag (which will include a DRI Foundation T-shirt) and of course a smile and an appreciative hug from me.
See you all in San Antonio.