Volunteerism Works

This article marks my last as president of the Insurance Brokers Association of Canada (IBAC). I remember during my first speech as president last year in Quebec City when I talked about “Team IBAC” and what we were facing as a team.

Well, I believe I had it right. IBAC truly is a team! I have come to realize this fully over the past 12 months. As president, I have seen some of the challenges we faced together and how everyone pulled together in a concerted effort.

Although we at IBAC may come from varied and different parts of the country, we have many things in common. One is our profession, of course, but more importantly it is our passion and dedication to our profession, our communities, and our customers. We even speak different languages, operate in completely different business environments, but when we see a threat or a challenge, we speak with a united voice.

POWER OF VOLUNTEERS

One word that comes to mind over and over with our “team” is that of volunteerism. This characterization implies someone doing something or acting of his or her own free will, without monetary or legal considerations. We see this in every corner of our team. People willing to give up time from their daily lives to offer their expertise, knowledge and experience towards the advancement of the profession. As our recent work on the Bank Act review demonstrates, speaking from one’s heart with passion truly does make a difference.

Twelve months ago, we faced one of our greatest threats: Canada’s banks asking for more powers into insurance. We knew we had to speak with one voice and speak often. Our volunteer, Political Task Force champions lead the way in motivating brokers to communicate with MPs. We have been able to communicate our message to legislators because we speak with passion about issues that affect us directly, our communities, and our customers.

Our member associations form a strong part of our team. Their tireless efforts on behalf of brokers nationwide provide the means so we can deliver our message throughout communities across the country.

Our standing committees are also lead by volunteers who continuously aim to exceed expectations. Their expertise in matters such as professional development, technology, and branding have all contributed to raising the professionalism of the industry. We may not realize their contributions today or tomorrow but, as they say, a 1,000-mile journey starts with the first step. Over time, we have seen the results of positive reforms in all those fields.

PROFESSION IS PRIORITY

Whether it’s in dealing with legislators, regulators, the media, community organizations, or other industries, our team of volunteers has provided great insight into doing and saying what is in the best interest of the profession. Always professional, never self-serving, our team is one of which I can say I am truly proud to which I am grateful.

The profession is better off today than it was 12 months ago. This is due to the contributions made by volunteers from across the country. To those of you who have been involved, I’d like to say a sincere thank you.

To those who may be interested today or in the future, I’d like to wish you good luck. You’ll find it is a challenging but very rewarding experience. And one for which your profession.