Beyond membership: Why volunteering with CIPR is an investment in our Profession

By Dr Steven Carl Smith, Chart.PR, SCMP

Throughout my career in strategic communication, spanning South Africa and the Middle East, I have learned that some of the most valuable professional experiences happen beyond our everyday responsibilities. Volunteering with CIPR has been one of those experiences.

As a volunteer with the CIPR International Group, I have had the opportunity to connect with passionate communication professionals from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds. These interactions have broadened my perspectives, challenged my thinking and reinforced something I strongly believe:

"Our profession becomes stronger when we share knowledge, experiences and opportunities across borders."

What makes volunteering particularly rewarding is the opportunity to contribute while continuing to learn. Through committee engagements, professional discussions, webinars and initiatives supporting the next generation of practitioners, I have experienced the value of belonging to a genuinely international professional community.

Living and working in Saudi Arabia, I particularly appreciate how volunteering helps bridge geographical distances. It provides opportunities to contribute to international conversations, build meaningful professional relationships and bring diverse perspectives into discussions shaping the future of public relations.

During the CIPR Volunteer Information Session on 29 September 2026, I had the privilege of sharing my experiences alongside fellow volunteers Aileen Thompson and Chris Tucker. The session reminded me that volunteering is not simply about giving our time. It is about creating opportunities for others while developing ourselves.

My encouragement to fellow CIPR members is simple: do not underestimate the value of getting involved. You do not need to be the most experienced person in the room to make a meaningful contribution. Curiosity, commitment and a willingness to collaborate are equally valuable.

Whether you are an emerging practitioner or an established communication leader, volunteering offers an opportunity to expand your horizons, strengthen your professional network and help shape the profession we all care about.

Ultimately, the greatest reward of volunteering is not what we gain individually, but what we can achieve collectively.

If you have been considering volunteering with CIPR, I encourage you to take that first step. Your experience, perspective and voice matter.

Explore opportunities through the CIPR Volunteer Hub, here.