President’s Message: The ROI of Giving Back in the A/E/C Industry
As marketing and business development professionals in the A/E/C industry, our days are defined by tight deadlines, demanding pursuits, and the constant push to deliver for our firms. In seasons like this, the idea of adding one more commitment to your plate can feel overwhelming. It is easy to view volunteerism as a drain on your already limited time.
But I want to challenge that perspective. One of my primary goals for this year is to make SMPS fun again. This chapter should be a place where we find joy, build genuine friendships, and step away from the daily grind. Volunteering with us isn’t just about keeping the chapter running; it is a proven, powerful investment in your own career trajectory, personal well-being, and happiness.
The science backing this up is remarkable, proving that giving back provides a tangible return on investment for your health.
The Mental and Physical Health Benefits of Volunteering
When you volunteer, your brain actively triggers what researchers call the "Helper's High"—a release of dopamine that promotes a sense of belonging and builds emotional resilience against day-to-day stress. This biological boost translates to profound physical and mental benefits. According to the UnitedHealth Group Doing Good is Good for You study, 75% of U.S. adults feel physically healthier by volunteering. This is echoed by a Carnegie Mellon study which showed that giving just a few hours a month significantly reduces the risk of high blood pressure. The mental relief is even more striking: 93% of volunteers report an improved mood, 79% experience lower stress levels, and 88% report increased self-esteem.
Career Advancement and Leadership Development Through SMPS
Beyond making you feel better, stepping into a volunteer role is a powerful career catalyst for marketers and business developers. The Deloitte Volunteer IMPACT Survey found that 81% of hiring managers believe volunteer work makes job candidates more attractive. But it is not just about your resume; it is about actively accelerating your growth. In that same survey, 92% of corporate human resources executives agreed that contributing your business skills to a nonprofit is a highly effective way to improve your leadership and broader professional skill sets. It is a low-risk, high-reward environment to test new strategies and hone your leadership voice outside of the daily office dynamics.
High-Impact Micro-Volunteerism Opportunities for A/E/C Professionals
We also recognize that your capacity fluctuates, which is why we are leaning heavily into micro-volunteerism. These are bite-sized, highly impactful ways to get involved that prioritize excitement and connection over long-term obligation. Here is how you can jump in and have fun doing it:
● Digital Advocacy: Be the ultimate hype-person for your peers. Taking just 5 minutes a week to like, comment on, or share our chapter’s LinkedIn posts boosts visibility and allows you to celebrate the exciting wins of your industry friends.
● The 30-Minute Greeter: This is the best role for extroverts (and extroverts-in-training). Staff the registration desk for just half an hour before an event. It is a highly social, high-energy way to meet attendees face-to-face, share a few laughs, and make new members feel welcome before the program begins.
● Content Contributor: Share your expertise. Write a short blog post for our chapter newsletter or website. Whether you recap a recent event, share a quick "lessons learned" from a challenging pursuit, outline a marketing best practice, or drop a few AI tips and tricks you use to save time, this is an exciting way to showcase your voice and add immediate value to the broader community.
● Event Host or Coordinator: Throw a great mixer! Help coordinate or host a single chapter event at your office or a favorite local venue. It is an incredibly fun way to play host, show off your firm's culture, and provide a vibrant space for our community to gather and connect.
Whether you have five minutes to spare online or the bandwidth to host an event, there is a place for you to contribute, have fun, and grow with us. When you give to this community, it gives back to you—in stress relief, in skill-building, and in lasting, joyful connections.
I look forward to seeing you at our next event.
Warmly,
Marilynn Stratton, CPSM
President, SMPS San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
