Is it Worth Volunteering for ISC2?

[johnjo4n]

I am at a point in my career where I feel the next stop will be full-on management. For the past 5 years, I have been some percentage of technical and management 50/50. 
 
The technical certifications are non-stop and I can keep pace with those who have certifications. 
 
This year, I am not aiming for certifications but rather focusing on health. However, this thought made me realize that this rat race doesn't end because industries and even vendors of all types are pushing out their certifications.
 
Ergo, it has made me think about next year. How do I want to start setting myself up for a good leadership and management position?
 
Currently, I am volunteering as a Dog Therapist at a Hospital minimum of two visits a month, so my 1st question is... how many hours does ISC2 expect from volunteers?

2nd question, there is another group here for Austin Forum of Technology where I want to serve as their Cybersecurity Champion. However, that is $1000 a year donation to that group to sit Champion. $5000 a year to sit on board. Most likely an investment to network with non-cybersecurity folks.
 
3rd question, does the industry care if I have ISC2 Volunteer, Officer, or Board on my resume to command a higher salary? or am I looking at the point of volunteering with ISC2 with the wrong spirit?
 
Thank you for your time and consideration
 

Sincerely,

John F.
CISSP, PMP, Sec+, CSM

[dcontesti]

So, how question 1.  The number of hours you commit are solely up to you.  If you volunteer as an item writer then I believe the commitment is 21-22 hours per event.  If you become a board member, I had heard they commit 1 -2 hours a week, along with additional time for board meetings.  There are many opportunities that you could assist with.  

Question 2.  As far as I know, the organisation only provides CPEs for volunteers and does not pay.

Question 3.  Hard to answer but I personally get self satisfaction from in assisting in exam development plus it gives me the opportunity to network with others and talk to them both online and off.  Volunteering to speak at a Conference also provides me with satisfaction, especially when folks stay and chat and ask questions afterwards.

Others?

d

[johnjo4n]

Thanks for answering d, I added clarity to question#2.

I have to pay in order to drive some of the discussions and agenda for that group. The opportunity in that group is still unclear to me because it's not like I am pushing an agenda or research. I guess it's almost the same as being a sponsor for a convention in order to speak/present.

I could sell my cybersecurity image to the startup, small, and medium businesses, but it's at the cost of at least $1000 donation a year.

Sorry for all the ambiguities, this is just the start of me trying to figure out next year and the next level of networking.

[dcontesti]

Sorry for misunderstanding.

As far as I know, you do not have to pay to be a volunteer.....

Have a grand day

d

[emb021]

I will add this on volunteering.

I volunteer with several orgs and over the years have volunteered with others.

Non-profit orgs usually have little money to cover the expenses of volunteers.  Some MAY cover some travel costs, maybe pick up a meal or two, or have lower costs for volunteers.  That's just how it is.  With many groups, I am a paid member of the organization I volunteer with.  Further, I often donate to these orgs.  There is often the view that if you are a board member (this is above being a local chapter officer, but a board member at national or international levels) that you donate a minimum amount to the org.

I remember with one org I am with that those who wished to be what was known as a region director, which was over several states, that you would need to have about 10K of money to spend on it for travel, etc, that you'd need to attend 2 national board meetings (weekends) annually, a handful of state conferences annually, and either the regional or national conventions over a 2 year period.

For all of these, I do try to write off my volunteer costs on my taxes.  (travel/air fare, hotel, membership/donation, etc).

Does volunteer work help with your career?  Maybe.  But I will say that often this experience is more satisfying on a personal level.

[nkeaton]

I know that you mentioned how much time anything takes.  It will depend on what you volunteer to do.  I can tell you having volunteered for exam development workshops and to review scholarship applications that both of those will have a lot of work compressed into a short period of time to be done.  I enjoy giving back to the profession and find that those are good ways to do it for me.  I would like to do more with the Safe and Secure Online program.  I think more about that when things like this weekend happened with an 11 year old ending her own life over bullying.  I am not sure if any of this makes any difference on a resume, but I do this for me and for future cybersecurity professionals and to help others.  Best wishes.