EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE The Value of Volunteers W ith National Volunteer Week right around the corner (April 23-29), it seems appropriate to give credit where credit is due for DFI’s 40+ years of success — to our members…our volunteers. More than 3,000 people in the worldwide geoprofessional community provide support through their annual dues and other financial contributions to DFI’s ongoing mission of finding common ground and creating a shared vision and consensus voice to advance our industry. More importantly, many members and member organizations support DFI’s activities and efforts through their tireless willingness to share expertise and volunteer valuable time. Volunteerism not only benefits DFI as an organization, but also benefits the members themselves. Volunteering widens each person’s network of contacts by connecting to others who share similar values and goals. From my interaction with our volunteers, I can see the pride they take in giving back to the industry that provides them with professional fulfillment. Our exper ienced member s pas s thei r knowledge along for that sense of accomplishment, while our student and young professional members learn valuable job skills, solicit advice, and receive a great introduction to their future or new work environment in the career they have chosen. Just the other day I received a message from a member asking me to contact him about how he and his company can get more value out of their corporate membership. It was so uplifting when I returned the call to find that, to them, getting more value from membe r ship me ant becoming more involved. He asked which commit- tees could use assistance and promptly applied to join one and to explore others. His sentiment was, “If I join an associa- tion, then I need to volunteer my time and my knowledge by getting involved with the activities of the organi- zation.” And, he’s not the only one. Currently, we have 21 trustees and 12 Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] “Volunteerism not only benefits DFI as an organization, but also benefits the members themselves.” companies and indivi- duals who provide in- kind contributions to match and exceed our committee project fund research funding — over $2 million worth so far. The value, however, goes way beyond its monetary worth, and is worthy of recognition and thanks. During National Vol- Educational Trust board members; 389 committee and working group members; 60 student chapter members; 30 members leading our 3 regional chapters; hundreds of speakers who present at our conferences and seminars each year; even more who author articles and papers for Deep Foundations magazine, the DFI Journal, and our conference proceedings; many generous participants at our fundraising events and educational seminars; and numerous unteer Week, the President’s Volunteer Service Award will be presented by various organizations to their members who have completed 500+ hours of volunteer service. DFI was pleased to initiate a similar award at the Annual Conference in New York City when John Wolosick, DFI past president, presented the inaugural President’s Awards to four DFI volunteers in recognition of their efforts and service to advance DFI’s mission. As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” DFI members give quite a lot! Thank you all. Editorial Submissions Want to share your expertise, project experience and product information with the deep foundations community? DFI is always interested in editorial submissions for Deep Foundations magazine. We are particularly interested in articles on state-of-the-art projects (big and small) and new techniques, products and technology. To discuss an article idea, contact Antonio Marinucci, MBA, Ph.D., P.E., executive editor, at [email protected]. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • MAR/APR 2017 • 9
