As an organization with over 11,000 members worldwide, the CAS has an ambitious mission and a wide range of interests. From advancing the knowledge of actuarial science to maintaining standards of qualification for membership, a great deal of work goes into executing the core objectives of the organization. While there are nearly 60 full-time staff at the CAS working hard every day to bring the CAS Strategic Plan to life, the basic functions of our organization could not happen without the spirit of volunteerism that is alive and well among our members and candidates. Volunteering is a core part of the CAS community, with thousands of members actively contributing their time and expertise each year. But what does it mean to get involved, and why should you? People often have different motivations for volunteering, and there are varied opportunities that can align with your motivation.  

One reason to volunteer is for the social aspect. Volunteering is a great way to expand your professional network and meet people in the industry with whom you might not interact otherwise. This interaction is likely to be in a context that is different from work, which provides an additional opportunity to develop soft skills such as leadership, event planning, and public speaking. As an example, the CAS has numerous publications, and each offers opportunities to grow skills in writing, editing, or peer review. These kinds of roles are a great way to develop communication skills.  

Another reason to volunteer is for professional development. Volunteering opportunities are often highly visible and influential. Raising your profile as a competent professional who cares about the direction of the CAS can improve your long-term employment prospects in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious. Furthermore, excellence in volunteering is often recognized through awards such as the New Member Award and the Above and Beyond Achievement Award.  

Finally, volunteering provides a reason to give back to the organization. As actuaries, we often have a lot of very strong opinions about the future of the CAS. Volunteering can be an outlet for those impulses! As a volunteer, you can help shape the direction of the profession and influence the future of the organization.  

Many put off the idea of volunteering until after they are finished with their exams. While it’s true that there are volunteering opportunities exclusive to members who are no longer taking exams, there are still plenty of opportunities for active exam takers.  

Opportunities for candidates who do not have their ACAS include the Candidate Advocate Working Group (CAWG) and University Liaisons. 

The CAWG is a great opportunity to allow your voice to be heard and to be an advocate for candidates. The purpose of this group is to keep the lines of communication open between the CAS decision-makers and those who are impacted by those decisions. This group solicits feedback on changes to the exam pathway and provides a voice for candidates in discussions with other groups within the CAS. It also prepares the Future Fellows quarterly publication. If you are interested in joining the CAWG, representatives are selected through an application process conducted every summer.  

The University Engagement Advisory Working Group is constantly recruiting for University Liaisons. They typically work with schools they graduated from or with schools near their current employers. University Liaisons do things like visit campuses to present to students about pursuing a career as a P&C actuary, network with students pursuing the career path, provide guidance on internship opportunities, advise the university on actuarial curriculum, and much more. If you are interested in becoming a University Liaison, more information can be found at https://www.casact.org/university-programs/university-liaison-program.  

There are even more ways to contribute for those who have earned their ACAS. Acknowledging that newly credentialed Associates have different perspectives than more tenured members, the New Members Working Group is a place for those voices to be heard. Furthermore, the CAS recently announced the CAS Employer Network, representatives of which will serve as internal points of contact between the CAS and your employer, strengthening the relationship between employers and the organization. More information on the CAS Employer Network can be found at https://www.casact.org/article/introducing-cas-employer-network-new-cas-volunteer-opportunity.  

To indicate your interest in volunteering, visit the “Volunteering” section of the CAS Portal. There you can browse current openings and update your volunteer preferences. Opportunities are posted throughout the year, with the full slate available during the primary recruitment period each September. Updating your preferences ensures you are notified when roles become available that align with your skills and interests. If you have not yet logged into the CAS Portal, which launched in January, you will need to update your profile in the new system before proceeding. 

If you will be attending a Spring Meeting or Annual Meeting, be sure to visit the Volunteer Fair. The Volunteer Fair is an opportunity to interact with CAS staff and current volunteers and to learn more about ways to get involved. 

In closing, please consider volunteering. The CAS is an organization that we are all deeply invested in, and it is made stronger by including a variety of voices and perspectives during the decision-making process. Not only does your engagement help ground the decisions the CAS makes in terms of real-world impact, it’s also a great way to meet others who are similarly passionate. Volunteering can help to make a big organization feel more personal, which can cultivate a sense of belonging. If you have the time, we’ll gladly put you to work!